Pet of the Month

Sophie, Coton de Tulear

What is IPG Certified Groomer?

The International Professional Groomers, Inc (IPG) is an International organization which:

Provides International industry standards for the professional pet groomer based upon the countries breed standards of perfection. Tests are currently available for the US, Australia and Canada with translations in French and Spanish.
Provides advanced continuing education programs designed to enhance the technical expertise and business acumen of professional pet groomers.

IPG Certification exhibits groomer's personal desire and success in attaining the knowledge and practical skills to reach the levels of proficiency recognized among trade peers.

The highest certification level is International Certified Master Groomer status.

http://www.ipgicmg.com/

Other Certification

National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA)

http://www.nationaldoggroomers.com/GAL-FIN-08.html

What is GTUSA and member ?

Groom Team USA, Inc. is strictly a non-profit organization which encourages professional pet stylists in this country to maximize their grooming education and skills,
and offers them the opportunity to represent the United States of America at World Team Competitions. Team selection is based on points accumulated at various GroomTeam sanctioned contests held throughout the country over a two-year period. GroomTeam USA, Inc., sends the top point earners as a team, all expenses paid, to compete abroad (think of it as the "Olympics of Professional Pet Styling").

http://www.groomteamusa.org/

Our Team

Komako Tanaka

Koko's Paws Owner/Operator

IPG International Master Certified Groomer

IPG Certifier

NDGAA Certified Groomer

Groomteam USA member

IJA Judge

USA Judge

Grooming show Speaker

Koko has been in NDGAA certified groomer since 2000 and IPG Master groomer since 2011. She is a retired grooming competitor. Her wins include Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, as well as Multiple Best in Shows and Best All Around Groomer awards. She is a member of Groom Team USA (www.groomteamusa.com) '07 and 08, earned the privilege of representing the US in the World Team Grooming Championship in Germany in 2009. Winning the bronze medal in the hand stripping class, Koko helped her teammates bring home the team Gold for the US.

Koko was nominated for the Cardinal Crystal Acheivement Award for American Groomer of the Year in '08. Since retiring from the competition ring, Koko has started mentoring advanced grooming students and has traveled as a speaker and Judge.

Schultz Tanaka

General Manager

De O'Gee

Dog Walker