All groomers are fully responsible for the care, welfare, and wellbeing of their dogs throughout the event. Any inappropriate or unsafe handling will result in immediate disqualification.

Dogs must not be left unattended in vehicles. The organisers reserve the right to intervene, including forced entry if necessary, and the responsible individual may face a ban from future events.

Groomers are responsible for their own health and safety at all times during the event including bringing their own PPE.

Please note that there is no electricity available at grooming tables. Please make sure all of your clippers and trimmers are charged, or you have spare batteries. We do not have spares. The Mutneys stand is available to purchase any last minute tools you may need, however, stock is limited and we cannot guarantee they will have what you need.

The selection and use of tools and equipment will form part of the judges’ marking criteria. For example no stripping knives used on gundogs.

Dogs must have sufficient coat length to allow visible transformation during grooming. We recommend 6-8 weeks growth. All dogs must arrive freshly bathed, fully dried, and free from knots or matting. Ears must be clean and nails trimmed prior to the competition.

Pre-competition preparation is permitted as follows:

• Hygiene areas and underpads may be clipped in accordance with breed standards
• Poodles entered in breed trim classes may have their face and feet clipped in advance

The competition classes will start on time and you must be prompt. Any competitor arriving more than 15 minutes after the scheduled class start time may not be permitted to compete. Time will not be added to your groom.

Judges and organisers reserve the right to disqualify any competitor or dog entered into an incorrect class or due to welfare reasons.

Any use of offensive, inappropriate, or aggressive language towards judges, organisers, or staff will result in disqualification and removal from the event and a ban at future events.

If, after results have been announced, a competitor is found to have entered the wrong class, they will be disqualified and any awards or prizes withdrawn.

Awards will be presented at the end of the event. Competitors not present to collect their awards will be responsible for any associated postage costs.

All competitors must clean up after their dogs and dispose of waste in the bins provided. A clear rubbish bag will be supplied at each grooming table and must be used. Judges may use this to check how much hair has been removed from your dog.