IPDGA Irish Professional Dog Groomers Association

10/03/2026

🎉 The Wait Is Over – Our 30th Anniversary Event Details Are Finally Revealed! 🎉

The Irish Professional Dog Groomers Association is celebrating 30 years with a very special event bringing groomers together from across Ireland.

✨ International celebrity demonstrators

✨ Educational seminars

✨ Trade stands & networking

✨ A fun Celebrity Groom Off

✨ Evening Gala Dinner & celebration

📅 Sunday, 31st May 2026

📍 Kettles Country House Hotel, Lispopple,

Cross, Co. Dublin,

This milestone event promises education, inspiration, and a fantastic opportunity to connect with the grooming community.

Be part of the celebration — discounted tickets for members available now at

https://www.ipdga.com/ipdga-events--ticket-sales.html #!event/2026/5/30/ipdga-30th-anniversary-birthday-party 🎟️

09/03/2026

Thank you very much to OurDogs Ireland for including an interview with our new Chair Carol Bellemy in their recent edition. The full interview can be read here:

Our Dogs Ireland - 03/03/2026

09/03/2026

Huge congratulations to all the brave and incredibly talented IPDGA members who stepped into the ring at the very first Crufts Grooming Competition!

It takes courage to put yourself out there, and you did it with pride, professionalism, and passion. By stepping forward and showcasing your skills, you’re not only representing yourselves, but shining a light on the incredible talent we have here in Ireland and what our grooming community has to offer the world.

Moments like this remind us just how special this community is! ☘️🐶🐾

05/03/2026

Well done to everyone who competed in Crufts today - best of luck to the groomers competing over the next few days - fabulous achievement competing at crufts first grooming competition 🐶

05/03/2026

Thinking of our friend Mary Toland and her family today on her 10th anniversary. May she rest in peace

30/01/2026

We are proud to share that IPDGA has officially partnered with ISME to raise awareness that animal welfare should not be a luxury and to support the future of professional grooming in Ireland.

This partnership marks an important step in strengthening our profession through education, representation, and long term sustainability.

“This campaign is about fairness, opportunity, and ensuring animal welfare is never a luxury. I am incredibly proud of this milestone for IPDGA and for our industry.”
Carol Bellamy, Chair of IPDGA

Please LIKE and SHARE to help raise awareness across the grooming community! This is a huge milestone for our industry 🐾

New Member Welcome! IPDGA Irish Professional Dog Groomers Association is a national, inclusive association representing professional dog and cat groomers across Ireland. In 2026, the association marks its 30th anniversary, reflecting three decades of commitment to animal welfare and professional standards. IPDGA provides education, practical business guidance and advocacy for its members, while promoting the principle that animal welfare should never be a luxury.

Through its partnership with ISME, IPDGA looks forward to sharing sector insight with ISME’s wider membership and working collaboratively to strengthen evidence-based lobbying that benefits responsible businesses, pet owners, and animal welfare.

Visit their website here: https://www.ipdga.com/

20/01/2026

🐾Get ready for an exciting new series!🐾

✨ “Grooming Greats” is IPDGA’s interview series celebrating the people who shape, inspire, and elevate our profession.

In each episode, we sit down for relaxed, honest chats with leading groomers and industry figures to hear their stories, career journeys, favourite tools, hard-won lessons, and the tips they believe every groomer should know!

From competitions and education to creativity and real-life salon experiences, Grooming Greats is designed to inform, inspire, and bring our grooming community closer together, whether you’re just starting out or years into your career.

🎬 Watch the pilot episode now with our chair Carol Bellamy interviewing Ireland’s very own Christina O Brien and join us as we learn from the grooming greats, one conversation at a time.

👉 Want to learn more about the series and upcoming interviews?

Visit our website blog for full details and updates:

https://www.ipdga.com/ipdga-e-blog/january-18th-2026

New episodes will be released every month — be sure to check back and stay inspired! ☺️

Episode 1 (the pilot) Christina O'BrienGrooming Greats is IPDGA’s monthly interview series featuring a different leading groomer or industry figure in each e...

29/12/2025

IPDGA Meets with ISME: Looking Ahead for Our Industry

On December 15th, the IPDGA took an important step forward by meeting with ISME leadership (Irish Small & Medium Enterprise Association) to discuss the future of professional dog grooming in Ireland and the role our industry plays in animal welfare and small business sustainability.

The conversation focused on key challenges facing groomers today — including VAT, education and training pathways, business growth thresholds, and owner awareness — and explored how meaningful, long-term advocacy could support both groomers and the animals in our care.

While this marks the beginning of a process rather than an immediate outcome, it represents a significant and encouraging milestone as IPDGA approaches its 30th anniversary.

👉 Read the full update below to learn more about what was discussed and what this could mean for the future of our profession 🐾

This week, the Irish Professional Dog Groomers Association (IPDGA) met with Neill McDonnell, CEO of ISME , and Sarah Montayne, Membership Relations , to discuss the future of our industry and the...

20/10/2025

📸 The official Madra Mania 2025 photos by are now live!

Each gallery is split into Day 1 and Day 2, so you can easily find your ring shots depending on when you competed. 💪🐾

All photos are available to buy directly through Julie’s website (linked below) and will be emailed straight to you.

Perfect for sharing on your socials or displaying in your salon — real proof of your skill, dedication, and passion for the craft ✂️

Head over now and find your moment in the spotlight!

https://bubblesjuliephotography.pixieset.com/ipdgaday1/

https://bubblesjuliephotography.pixieset.com/ipdgaday2/

29/09/2025

🚨 Less than 2 weeks to go until Madra Mania 2025 kicks off at SETU Arena, Waterford – Ireland’s biggest dog grooming event! 🚨

We’re thrilled to share a peak of some more of our amazing trade stands that will be joining us this year – here are 12 businesses who are also coming:
🛍️ From shampoos, conditioners, sprays & treatments
✂️ Brushes, combs, scissors & sharpening services
🐩 Model dogs & creative grooming supplies
✨ Jewellery & custom-made dog accessories
…and so so much more!
This is your best chance to shop the best in the business, stock up on essentials, discover new favourites, and treat yourself while connecting with the top names in grooming, all in one place!

📅 Save the date: October 11–12, 2025
📍 SETU Arena, Waterford
🎟️ Tickets & info: www.MadraMania.ie!

The countdown is officially on – who’s excited for some shopping bags full of grooming goodies? 🐾

(Edit: Due to a change in circumstance, Dressed 4 Dogs is no longer able to attend, but has donated items for our raffle for the event!)

26/09/2025

Thinking about competing at MadraMania this year? Now’s the time to act! ✂️
Competitor entries for the Dog Grooming Competition close at midnight, Saturday September 27th (That’s tomorrow!!)

To take part, you must have purchased a VIP Ticket and submitted your entry form (found on your ticket receipt). This is your final chance to step into the ring, showcase your skills, gain feedback from world-class judges, and be part of an unforgettable celebration of grooming talent.

Not competing? You can still grab an All Access Ticket right up until the event for a weekend filled with shopping, inspiration, and the excitement of watching the top competitors at work.

📅 October 11–12, 2025
📍 SETU Arena, Waterford
🎟 Tickets & info: www.madramania.ie