Grooming Injuries: The Hidden Side of the Profession
- Nathalie Ariey-Jouglard
- Sep 13
- 2 min read
Grooming is a profession of close contact. Every day, groomers handle animals that can be nervous, stressed, or unpredictable. This context involves risks of bites, scratches, and injuries related to equipment. Long regarded as “just part of the job,” these injuries have very real physical and psychological consequences.
Frequent accidents, lasting consequences
Preliminary data from the IGS 2026 global survey reveal a concerning trend:
86% of groomers report having already been bitten or scratched,
72% report temporary incapacity for work ranging from one week to one month,
26% are left with after-effects, ranging from visible scars to chronic pain.
⚠️ These figures are provisional and only provide an early snapshot of reality. A much broader participation is needed to ensure the results reflect the profession as a whole and help drive real progress in recognition and protection.
“Every injury leaves a mark: on the skin, in the body, but also in the mind. It’s time to make this side of the profession visible.”— International Grooming Society
Main causes identified
Unpredictable animal reactions: fear, aggression, defensive reflexes,
Lack of specific training to handle high-risk situations,
Work environment where sharp tools and moving animals coexist,
Fatigue and time pressure, reducing vigilance and increasing errors.
An invisible impact: psychological weight
Beyond physical consequences, a bite or scratch can leave invisible marks. Anxiety, fear of certain sizes or breeds, or outright refusal of certain services are realities reported by many professionals. In the most serious cases, the trauma pushes some to consider leaving the profession.
Why the IGS is acting
The IGS 2026 global survey includes a full section on workplace accidents in order to:
Quantify their frequency and severity on an international scale,
Document their impact on health and careers,
Advocate for better prevention, official recognition, and greater involvement of brands in practitioner safety.
👉 Take part today
Your testimony is essential to move the profession forward.
Access the questionnaire directly from the homepage of the official IGS website:
💡 Key takeaway:Nearly 9 out of 10 groomers experience injuries, and more than 1 in 4 suffer lasting after-effects. These early figures need to be consolidated through broad participation, so the reality of the field can be fully recognized and lead to concrete action.
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