The Pet Care Trust’s (PCT) public website (www.petcare. org.uk) has a new section called ‘Find It’, where members of the public can find dog groomers, retailers, and boarding kennels and catteries in their area who meet PCT membership standards.

For groomers an additional feature has been added which identifies those who are professionally qualified. One star signifying the presence of a holder of the industry respected City & Guilds 7750 Certificate, or two stars, signifying an Advanced Diploma in Dog Grooming.

Stephen Jeffery, general secretary, of the PCT, said: ‘This is the first time that grooming qualifications have been recognised in this way, and www.petcare.org.uk is now providing a direct benefit to both PCT and British Dog Groomers Association (BDGA) members, and the public alike.’

Pam Gee, PCT grooming director added: ‘If someone is looking to find a member of the BDGA or a qualified groomer, they can now do so through the PCT web site, and it might spur others to get their skills formally recognised.’

Gill East, a prominent groomer said, ‘These sorts of initiatives could lead to endless possibilities for improving standards, and enhancing public confidence in the grooming profession’.

These latest developments come hard on the heels of a new corporate identity for each membership category, which was launched with the new PCT newsletter, Review, in April, to provide a new marketing platform for the PCT, and the PCT public website, www.petcare.org.uk in September.

Jeffery said: ‘This new initiative has been put in place to help all members realise we are one organisation, and that there are issues, especially legislative, that embrace all categories of membership and responsible pet ownership.’

Jeffery added: ‘The Trust is also actively seeking to strengthen public confidence in its membership through accurate information recognising standards of professionalism.’