Why is a grooming quality seal necessary?
Grooming is a free trade that does not require any statutory professional training. A shocking fact which means that a customer who wants to use this service cannot see how the qualifications of the salon are to be assessed. Neither is the perspective on animal welfare issues.
What distinguishes a top pet salon from the rest?
"Market observations have shown that there are very strong differences in quality in the grooming sector (animal groomers). You can recognize a highly qualified groomer by the fact that he/she handles the animal correctly, can provide well-founded professional information and is constantly undergoing further training."
says Evelyne Bischof, trainer and head of the PERRO Grooming Training Center - according to FCI standard
Comprehensible standards in the dog salon
We at PERRO Tiernahrung have made it our mission to make quality and animal welfare in Austria transparent and to develop a quality standard to help customers find a highly qualified pet salon.
As one of the leading companies in Austria in the areas of pet food, pet accessories, grooming and with many years of experience in grooming training and further education seminars with top speakers from Austria and abroad, quality is our top priority.
Advantages of the quality seal
The seal makes the performance of the salon and the expertise of the groomer transparent and visible to the customer in the following areas:
- FCI standard: specialist knowledge for breed-specific requirements
- Coat condition: recognition of the respective coat types and their specific treatment
- Specialist training: in-depth specialist knowledge in the entire field of animal grooming
- Animal welfare: animal welfare-compliant handling in the salon
Quality seal training: learning from the best
High-caliber instructors who are absolute professionals in their respective fields are needed to provide well-founded, high-quality training. We have therefore recruited TOP speakers from Austria and abroad who are happy to share their knowledge with participants in the Quality Seal and are all proven specialists in their respective fields.
For example, participants in the Seal of Quality can learn from one of the best dog groomers in the world - Nicole Baltes. She is a true expert in the field of grooming and plays a key role in the PERRO Seal of Quality and in Groomingworld in Arnoldstein and Villach.
Many advantages for everyone
EVERYONE benefits from the PERRO quality seal! First and foremost the dogs and their owners as well as the grooming service providers. This is because the seal of quality makes the expertise of the person(s) working in the dog grooming salon visible. This means more trust in the service provider and therefore many opportunities and added value for everyone.
Maximum added value for groomers
- Competent expert support
PERRO has been advising, accompanying and supporting groomers for over 25 years, organising ongoing training courses with top speakers from Germany and abroad & offering expert advice and support.
- Possibility of new sources of income
Pricing via demonstrably qualified service as well as new and regular customer acquisition through an expanded range of services. Sale of PERRO pet food as an additional source of income.
- Added value for salon customers
Increased trust through transparent presentation of performance. PERRO network and contacts can benefit both the customer and the service provider.
- Exclusive member benefits
Benefit from dealer conditions and discounts, no minimum order value and free shipping for orders over EUR 150. Advice on all aspects of salon equipment and products.
Our TOP Trainers
Learning from the best – that’s the core of the PERRO Quality Seal. These experts share their knowledge and skills:
| Trainer | Specialization |
|---|---|
| Thomas Pirker | Schnauzers & Hand-Stripping SALON DAYS: Mr. Pirker is available for salon visits throughout Austria, where he works directly with grooming professionals in their salons. |
| Karin Hietl | Canine behavior: Recognizing issues in salon handling and understanding general dog behavior |
| Nicole Baltes | Breed-specific grooming SALON DAYS: Mrs. Baltes offers salon days in Arnoldstein and Villach. |
| Evi Bischof | Blow-drying, bathing, and grooming dogs with undercoat |
| Christine Nass-Schultz | Cat grooming |
| Iris Sofka | Undercoat management |
| PERRO Pet Food | First Aid and Nutrition |
Current training dates can be found further below.
Nicole Baltes
Meet Nicole –
Nicole Baltes is originally from the Lower Rhine region in Germany and has been working with passion and precision in the grooming field for over 30 years. Her career began in 1992 when a school internship introduced her to the grooming profession. Before becoming a groomer, she completed training in retail management – but her true passion was always in pet care.
Nicole quickly discovered her love for woolly coat types and the precise art of finishing cuts with scissors. She also enjoys hand-stripping but her greatest passion lies in styling Poodles, Bichons, and Bedlington Terriers. Despite these preferences, she still sees herself as a versatile all-rounder.
Since 1997, she has regularly and successfully competed in international grooming competitions – including in the USA, UK, Italy, and Spain. Her notable achievements include a first-place win at the Kennel Expo in Pasadena, victories in Hershey, and a second-place finish in the Champion Class at MILAN GROOM.
Since welcoming her first Standard Poodle in 2014, Nicole has become deeply involved in show grooming – a discipline that demands the utmost precision and an expert eye. She continues to exhibit her second Poodle successfully and brings this show-level expertise directly into her training courses.
Nicole conducts seminars across Europe – particularly for Poodles and similar breeds – and shares her vast experience with great passion and dedication. With over 30 years of professional experience, she is one of the most respected experts in her field.
Evelyne Bischof
Meet Evelyne –
Evelyne Bischof has been working as a professional groomer for many years and brings extensive experience in both grooming and education. Alongside Nicole Baltes, she forms the heart of our training team and is especially known for her hands-on, well-structured teaching style.
With patience, expertise, and a keen eye for detail, Evelyne guides aspiring groomers on their journey toward a dream career. Whether it’s an introductory course, basic training, or specialized workshops – participants benefit from her profound knowledge, technical skill, and genuine commitment.
DOG GROOMING ACCESSORIES AT PERRO
Care:
Shampoos, conditioner, masks & finish, fast cleaning
Accessories:
towels & bath accessories, brushing, combing & trimming, shears, claw clippers & grinders, workwear, salon cleaning & sterilisation
Hardware:
bathtubs & trimming tables, dog clippers & accessories, hairdryers
FAQ - EVERYTHING ABOUT THE QUALITY SEAL
I am interested in the PERRO quality seal. What basic requirements must be met for me to receive this?
In principle, groomers must have a valid business license. If you are not a groomer but still have explicit breed experience (breeder), it is also possible to obtain the quality seal.
I meet the basic requirements and would like to register to receive the quality seal. How does this work? In which areas can I do further training/education?
We offer the PERRO Seal of Quality for various subject areas. Here is an excerpt from our subject areas:
- Schnauzer and trimming with Thomas Pirker
- Dog behavior with Karin Hietl - How to recognize problems in the salon when dealing with the animals as well as general dog behavior
- Breed specialization with Nicole Baltes
- Blow-drying, bathing, dogs with undercoat with Evi Bischof
- Cat grooming with Christine Nass-Schultz
- Undercoat with Iris Sofka
- First aid and nutrition with PERRO
If you are interested, please contact us at vertrieb@perro.at. Please let us know the topic and your contact details (name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, approximate date - if this is relevant for you).
The next step is for Groomingworld© to work with PERRO to coordinate the ideal trainer for your requirements. An offer and a possible date will be sent to you in the next step. Once the deposit has been paid, the individual course can begin.
For which dog breeds is the seal offered?
Thanks to our large pool of experts, we can offer the seal for any breed. Prices for each breed on request.
And how do I receive the PERRO Quality Seal?
Once the training has been successfully completed, you will receive your certificate from PERRO, as well as the PERRO Quality Seal – both as an online version and a physical sticker. The sticker is adapted depending on the subject area, with a label for the respective breed (e.g. Poodle, Schnauzer).
How much does a training session for the PERRO Quality Seal cost?
This depends on the trainer and topic. All trainings for receiving the Quality Seal are available upon request. We are happy to send you a non-binding offer for your chosen subject – simply contact us at vertrieb@perro.at.
When do the training sessions take place?
Anytime upon request – typically as one-on-one training. Group sessions are also possible (e.g. if an entire grooming salon team is to be trained). Please let us know when making your inquiry.
How many training sessions/specializations are required to receive the PERRO Quality Seal?
You will receive the PERRO Quality Seal in your chosen specialization (subject area) after just one training session. You may complete different subject areas and receive multiple Quality Seals for each breed category (e.g. Poodle, Schnauzer, etc.).
Which specializations are currently offered?
We currently offer specialization in the following areas:
Washing Seminar with Nicole Baltes:
The foundation of every perfect haircut? A professionally prepped dog! In this one-day seminar, Nicole Baltes will demonstrate – through practical examples – what really matters when it comes to washing and drying. You'll learn how to assess coat condition and use the right products for each coat type.
- June 28, 2025, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Insight into the Groomer’s Day-to-Day Work:
Groomers can now book a day with Evelyne or Nicole to observe their daily work. You'll get the chance to look over their shoulder, ask questions, and see their workflow in action – no active participation required. On request, specific breeds can be included in the session.
- Write to us or give us a call – we’re happy to set up an appointment.
One Full Day – One Breed
Whether Poodle, Doodle, or Terrier: In this workshop, you’ll receive intensive training focused on the grooming and presentation of one specific breed. You may bring your own model dog, or we can provide one for an additional charge.
- Write to us or give us a call – we’re happy to set up an appointment.
Salon Day with Thomas Pirker
Learn directly in your own salon – efficient and tailored to your needs. Thomas will come to you, analyze your workflow with you, identify areas for improvement, and work hands-on with you and your dog.
- Write to us or give us a call – we’re happy to set up an appointment.
Join our Grooming Club
Did you know?
We at PERRO have been a reliable partner for owners of modern and safe dog grooming salons for many years, as well as a supplier of high-quality accessories for safe and sustainable pet care.
Lots of benefits
From exclusive conditions and discounts, high-quality accessories and equipment for the professional salon to specialist advice on salon furnishings and expert tips - use the PERRO Grooming Club network and benefit from the countless advantages.
Become a member
Simply register online here and off you go. With just a few clicks and a few pieces of information, you can join in no time at all. We will contact you immediately and you can start enjoying the benefits of the PERRO Grooming Club straight away.
Your advantages in the Grooming Club
- Exclusive conditions: exclusive purchasing conditions on over 10,000 products
- 10% discount: on training and further education courses for the PERRO quality seal
- Salon advice: advice on salon equipment and furnishings
- Expert support: first-hand product information and expert tips
- Salon equipment: complete salon equipment from a single source
- Exclusive accessories: tried-and-tested accessories for a high-quality salon
- No minimum order value: order at B2B conditions with no minimum order value
- Free shipping: order from € 150 without shipping costs (except for forwarding goods)
