Professional Grooming Rally

International pet grooming association NAPCG announces a one-of-a-kind grooming competition for cats in addition to expanding to include two exciting dog grooming competitions at the 2nd annual Professional Grooming Rally. These competitions are unique in that instead of highlighting purebred cats and dogs, they put the spotlight on those less fortunate – homeless pets from local shelters. “The average groomer works with clients who were not bred for the show ring, so our Furever Home Rescue Challenges offer a more real-life experience than what other grooming events have to offer. More importantly, we’re proud to be working with Carolina Poodle Rescue and Purr Partners Feline Rescue so that we can offer these cats and dogs a free groom as well as additional exposure to improve their chances of adoption. No matter which groomer takes first place, in that moment, the animals are the real winners,” says show producer and president of the NAPCG, Bullet Brown. These exciting rescue competitions are just one type of educational opportunity that will be offered at the event, which is aimed at raising the standards of education and training throughout the grooming industry. “Many pet owners don’t realize that the grooming industry is completely unregulated, meaning that no amount of training is required to become a groomer. Unfortunately, a lack of education often leads to the negligent mishaps that cause injury or even death during what should be a routine grooming procedure. This rally is one way the NAPCG strives to educate both groomers and pet owners alike,” says Bullet. The general public is encouraged to attend the rescue competitions, which will be held at the Mebane Arts and Community Center on June 6th through the 8th. While most of the lectures and seminars are geared towards professional groomers, pet owners will have the option to attend two very special classes: “Grooming Your Dog – What Owners Need to Know” and “Grooming Your Cat – What Owners Need to Know” that will cover which cats and dogs need to be groomed and why, what owners can do at home to maintain a groom, and how to find the right groomer for your pet. The hour-long feline class will be given on Saturday, June 6th at 1pm, given by professional feline groomer, Kelcie Brown, while the hour-long dog class is schedule for Sunday the 7th at 1pm and will be given by professional canine groomer, Christy Paradee. Register in advance for the classes to receive special pricing: $12.00 each or $20.00 for both. Registration includes show entrance. Door prices will be $12.00 a day for show entrance or $15.00 per class. For more information about the event, visit www.groomingrally.com. For more information about the participating rescues, visit www.carolinapoodlerescue.org and www.purrpartners.rescueme.org