Provides for the registration and regulation of pet groomers; establishes standards of care, training and testing; provides such applicant must be at least eighteen years of age.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A284C
SPONSOR: Paulin (MS) TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general business law, in relation to the registra-
tion and regulation of pet groomers
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To require those who groom pets to obtain a certificate of registration
and to provide guidelines that will help ensure the safety of pets that
are being groomed.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section one amends the general business law by adding a new article
29-CCC which provides for the registration and regulation of pet groom-
ers.
Section 539 of article 29-CCC defines the terms to be used in the arti-
cle: "pet", "registered pet groomer", "pet groomer" and "pet grooming
facility."
Section 540 of article 29-CCC defines the standards of care for pets in
the care of registered pet groomers and those who work under their
direct supervision.
Section 541 of article 29-CCC outlines record keeping. Every pet groomer
must keep and maintain records of every pet he or she grooms for a peri-
od of one year from date of service.
Section 542 of article 29-CCC outlines the process for obtaining a
certificate of registration. The secretary of state, in cooperation with
the Department of Agriculture and Markets, shall establish a training
program and examination procedures for pet grooming applicants. The
secretary of state shall create and maintain a roster of registrants.
The secretary of state shall issue a certificate of registration to
qualified persons upon the payment of a forty dollar annual registration
fee. This section also outlines the registration process for pet groom-
ers already in operation.
Section 543 of article 29-CCC outlines certificate of registration
refusal, suspension or revocation. The secretary of state may decline to
grant or renew, or may suspend or revoke a pet groomer's certificate of
registration for material misstatement, improper record keeping, or for
a violation of any provision of law relating to the humane treatment of
animals. Prior to suspension or revocation of a certificate of registra-
tion, the secretary of state shall notify in writing the registered pet
groomer. Any action of the secretary of state shall be subject to judi-
cial review. A pet groomer may reapply after re-taking and re-passing
the training course if their certificate of registration was revoked,
denied or suspended.
Section 544 of article 29-CCC outlines inspections. The secretary of
state or his or her authorized agents shall make yearly inspections of
pet grooming facilities. Those making inspections shall receive training
in the provisions of this article and in the proper care of pets.
Section 545 of article 29-CCC outlines violations. In addition to
denial, revocation, suspension, or refusal of renewal of a certificate
of registration, any violation of a provision of this article is a civil
offense, which may carry a penalty of not less than $100 and no more
than $500 for each violation. Monies collected shall be retained by the
local municipality.
Section two provides the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
Currently, pet groomers are not required to obtain any kind of registra-
tion in order to practice their profession. This has led to unregulated
care and unfortunate outcomes for pets and their owners. In recent
years, there have been several cases in New York of healthy dogs dying
while in the care of mobile grooming facilities. This bill is intended
to protect pets by requiring groomers to meet certain qualifications and
obtain a certificate of registration. The bill also specifies sanitary,
health and safety standards that must be met by pet groomers and pet
grooming facilities, which includes mobile groomers.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
A.284-A of 2017, passed Assembly.
A.1451-B, referred to rules in 2015 and advanced to a third reading in
2016.
Same as S.5098-A, referred to consumer protection in both years.
A.415 of 2013 and 2014, referred to economic development.
A.239 of 2012 and 2011, referred to economic development.
A.8822 of 2009 and 2010, referred to economic development.
Same as S.5815, referred to consumer protection
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become a law; provided, however, that effective immediately
the addition, amendment or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary
for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized
and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
