New Jersey could require training, licensing for pet groomers

A New Jersey lawmaker has introduced legislation that would require training and licensing for pet groomers.

Sen. Kip Bateman said his bill is a response to the death of three dogs in the past five months while in the care of groomers.

“Dogs are members of people’s families. They’re loved ones. When you drop it off at a groomer, you suspect that they’re going to be treated well,” said Bateman, R-Somerset.

“And there’s been some horrible stories in recent weeks about individuals dropping off their pets only to get a phone call saying, ‘Come pick up your dog, it’s dead.’ I mean that’s outrageous,” he said.

Bateman believes there’s a lot of public support for his bill.

“I was amazed at how many people have reached out to me with emails and phone calls,” he said. “There’s some opposition obviously, big government arguments. But I think it’s an area that really needs to be looked at.”

The bill requires pet-grooming businesses to have proper sanitary conditions, an adequate water supply, and clean cages for the animals.

Bateman said he’s open to making changes in the legislation before lawmakers act on it.

“I’m meeting with groomers. I’m meeting with some constituents,” he said. “And I’m going to see if we can craft legislation to protect people’s pets and, if need be, have some penalty provisions in there.”