Pet Grooming Speakers
You've got a pet-focused audience and a stage to fill.
But when it comes to finding pet grooming speakers who actually know their stuff and connect with listeners?
That's where it gets tricky.
Do you bring in a celebrity groomer, a pet care educator, or someone who's gone viral for turning poodles into artwork?
How do you even tell who's right for your event, podcast, or panel?
Pet grooming speakers cover way more than brushing techniques.
They talk about pet wellness, grooming trends, industry tools, running a grooming business, and what actually matters to pet owners.
Whether you're hosting a podcast for dog lovers, planning a grooming expo, or just want someone who can talk pets without putting people to sleep, this list is your shortcut.
I've seen how the right speaker can shift the energy in a room or take a niche topic and make it resonate with everyone.
Explore the featured pet grooming speakers below.
Find someone who fits your vibe and book with confidence.
Top Pet Grooming Speakers List for 2026
Bullet Brown
Founder/CEO of the IAPEG with the Perfect Character to Speak to Groomers OR Pet Owners!
Lisa Ruthig
Helping Pet and Horse Owners Use the Power of Touch to Support Health, Graceful Aging and Deeper Bonds.
Sandra Lawton
On a mission for everyone to be happy in life!
Ryan Leech
Veterinary advocate empowering growth through strategic insights and fun!
Jocelyn Hastie
I teach women to lead like a cowgirl—grounded, respected, unapologetic, and impossible to ignore.
Cherie A Marquez
The Dog Mystic, helping people and pets live healthy, connected lives and create abundance through wellness and purpose.
Kathi Burns
Transforming chaos into clarity, one system at a time!
Chelon Lockert
Empowering souls to shine through beauty and business!
Andrew Ledford
Change is constant I help you find meaning in the mess by increasing the signal and reducing the noise.
Ann Marie Hoff
From farm to fortune: Healing through spirit and strength!
What Makes a Great Pet Grooming Speaker
The best speakers in this niche understand their audience. They know whether they're talking to seasoned groomers at an international expo, or to pet parents tuning into a virtual summit. They adjust their tone, their pace, and even their vocabulary to meet their listeners where they are. It's not about dumbing things down - it's about making the content accessible and engaging.
Then there's the delivery. Great pet grooming speakers use humor, visuals, and even live demonstrations to keep things dynamic. They might show before-and-after grooming shots or walk through a live grooming session. The key is interaction. A speaker who invites questions, engages in real-time feedback, and makes the audience feel seen is far more memorable than someone who just lectures.
And let's not forget credibility. Certifications, years of experience, published books, or even a strong social media following can help establish trust. But what really seals the deal is authenticity. Audiences can tell when someone genuinely loves animals and wants to share their knowledge - and that's what keeps them listening.
So, what makes a great pet grooming speaker? It's the perfect blend of expertise, empathy, and energy. Someone who can teach, entertain, and inspire - all while holding a pair of shears.
How to Select the Best Pet Grooming Speaker for Your Show
1. Define Your Audience and Goals.
- Are you targeting professional groomers, pet owners, or aspiring entrepreneurs in the pet care space?
- Clarify whether your goal is to educate, entertain, inspire, or all three. This will shape the speaker profile you need.
2. Search with Precision.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to browse speaker profiles, filter by niche, and read reviews.
- Look for speakers who have experience with similar formats (e.g. webinars, panels, live demos).
- Check their social media and YouTube channels to see how they present themselves in public.
3. Evaluate Their Content and Style.
- Watch past talks or interviews. Are they engaging? Do they explain concepts clearly?
- Look for signs of adaptability - can they speak to both beginners and pros?
- Do they use visuals, storytelling, or humor effectively?
4. Check Credentials and Community Engagement.
- Certifications from grooming associations (like NDGAA or IPG) add credibility.
- A speaker who's active in online grooming communities or has a following on platforms like Instagram or TikTok often brings built-in audience trust.
5. Reach Out and Ask the Right Questions.
- Use the speaker's Talks.co page or contact form to inquire.
- Ask about their availability, preferred formats, and whether they can tailor content to your theme.
- Bonus tip: Ask for a short video pitch or sample clip to get a feel for their energy.
By following these steps, you'll not only find a speaker who fits your show - you'll find someone who elevates it.
How to Book a Pet Grooming Speaker
1. Start Early.
- Top speakers get booked months in advance, especially around major pet industry events.
- Aim to reach out at least 2-3 months before your event date.
2. Use the Right Tools.
- Platforms like Talks.co are built to connect hosts with niche experts. You can browse speaker profiles, see past talks, and even message them directly.
- If the speaker has a personal website, check for a speaker page or booking form.
3. Make Your Pitch Clear.
- When reaching out, include details like event date, format (live, virtual, hybrid), audience type, and expected attendance.
- Be upfront about your budget or honorarium. Transparency builds trust.
4. Confirm the Details in Writing.
- Once the speaker agrees, send a confirmation email with all logistics: time zones, tech setup, session format, and Q&A expectations.
- Consider using a simple agreement or speaker contract to outline deliverables and cancellation terms.
5. Prep Together.
- Schedule a pre-event call to align on content, tone, and any visuals needed.
- Share your event branding, hashtags, or promotional materials so the speaker can help spread the word.
Booking a pet grooming speaker is more than just securing a slot - it's about creating a partnership that brings value to your audience. And when both sides are aligned, the results speak for themselves.
Common Questions on Pet Grooming Speakers
What is a pet grooming speaker
They typically have a background in professional grooming, animal care, or veterinary services, and they use their platform to educate and inspire others. Some focus on technical grooming skills like hand-stripping or breed-specific styles, while others might cover business strategies for grooming salons, client communication, or pet wellness.
Unlike general pet experts, pet grooming speakers zero in on the grooming aspect - from tools and techniques to hygiene and safety protocols. They might demonstrate how to properly groom a double-coated breed, or explain how to manage anxious pets during a session.
Many of these speakers are also educators or influencers in the pet care space. They may run their own grooming academies, host YouTube channels, or contribute to trade publications. Their role is to bridge the gap between hands-on grooming and broader industry knowledge.
In short, a pet grooming speaker is someone who turns grooming know-how into engaging, educational content for live or virtual audiences.
Why is a pet grooming speaker important
First, they bring visibility to best practices. By speaking at events or online summits, they help spread awareness about humane grooming techniques, breed-specific care, and hygiene standards. This is especially valuable in regions where professional grooming is still developing as a formal industry.
Second, they serve as a bridge between innovation and tradition. For example, a speaker might introduce new tools like ergonomic clippers or eco-friendly shampoos, while also preserving time-tested methods like hand-scissoring or coat carding. This balance helps groomers stay current without losing their craft.
Third, pet grooming speakers often address the business side of grooming - pricing models, customer retention, salon management. For small business owners, this kind of insight can be transformative. A speaker who explains how to scale a mobile grooming business or build a loyal client base can directly impact someone's livelihood.
Finally, they foster community. Whether it's through Q&A sessions, workshops, or social media engagement, speakers create spaces where groomers can learn from each other. That kind of peer-to-peer learning is invaluable in a hands-on industry.
So while they may not be clipping nails on stage, pet grooming speakers are shaping the future of the industry - one talk at a time.
What do pet grooming speakers do
- Deliver Educational Talks. They present on topics like grooming techniques, breed-specific styling, skin and coat health, or pet behavior management. These talks can happen at grooming expos, veterinary conferences, or online events.
- Lead Live Demonstrations. Many pet grooming speakers perform live grooming sessions to show techniques in real time. This might include hand-scissoring a Bichon Frise, deshedding a Husky, or safely trimming a cat's nails.
- Share Business Insights. Some speakers focus on the entrepreneurial side of grooming - how to start a salon, build a brand, or manage client relationships. These sessions are especially popular at industry summits and online courses.
- Engage with Audiences. Whether it's through Q&A sessions, panel discussions, or social media, speakers interact with attendees to answer questions, offer advice, and build community.
- Promote Industry Standards. They often advocate for ethical grooming practices, continuing education, and professional certifications. This helps raise the bar for the entire industry.
In essence, pet grooming speakers are educators, performers, and advocates rolled into one. They don't just talk about grooming - they shape how it's practiced, perceived, and passed on.
How to become a pet grooming speaker
1. Define Your Niche and Angle.
- Pet grooming is broad. Are you an expert in breed-specific grooming? Mobile grooming businesses? Holistic pet care? Pick a lane.
- Tip: Look at what's trending. For example, eco-friendly grooming or anxiety-reducing techniques for pets are hot topics.
2. Build Your Credibility.
- Start with your grooming credentials: certifications, years of experience, client base.
- Share your work on social media. Before-and-after transformations, behind-the-scenes tips, or client testimonials go a long way.
3. Create a Speaker Page.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to build a professional speaker profile.
- Include a bio, topics you speak on, past appearances (even if it's just a local pet fair), and a short video of you speaking.
4. Practice Your Talk.
- Start small: local pet expos, online grooming communities, or Facebook Lives.
- Record yourself. Watch it back. Improve your delivery, clarity, and timing.
5. Connect With Hosts and Event Organizers.
- Use Talks.co to find virtual summits, podcasts, and webinars looking for speakers.
- Pitch yourself with a clear value proposition: What will their audience learn from you?
6. Collect Testimonials and Iterate.
- After each talk, ask for feedback and testimonials.
- Use that to refine your talk and boost your speaker page.
Becoming a pet grooming speaker isn't about being famous. It's about being helpful, clear, and visible. Start where you are, and grow from there.
What do you need to be a pet grooming speaker
1. Deep Grooming Knowledge
You need more than just basic grooming skills. A speaker should be able to explain techniques, trends, and tools in a way that educates and inspires. Whether it's breed-specific grooming or managing a grooming business, your content should be rich and actionable.
2. Communication Skills
You don't need to be a TED Talk pro, but you do need to be clear, engaging, and structured. Practice explaining grooming concepts to non-groomers. Can you describe how to safely trim a dog's nails without jargon? That's the level you want.
3. A Platform to Showcase Yourself
This is where Talks.co comes in. You can create a speaker page that acts as your digital resume. It helps connect you with hosts looking for grooming experts. Include your topics, bio, and a short video intro.
4. A Unique Perspective
What makes your voice different? Maybe you specialize in grooming rescue dogs or run a mobile grooming van in rural areas. Your story and experience are what make you stand out.
5. A Willingness to Learn
Speaking is a skill. You'll get better with feedback, practice, and watching others. Study speakers in other industries too-like how tech founders explain complex ideas simply. That's a transferable skill.
So, while you don't need a degree in public speaking, you do need a mix of grooming expertise, communication chops, and a platform like Talks.co to get noticed.
Do pet grooming speakers get paid
Paid vs. Unpaid Opportunities
- Paid Gigs: These are usually at industry conferences, trade shows, or corporate training events. Rates can range from $250 to $5,000+ depending on your experience and the event's budget.
- Unpaid Gigs: Podcasts, webinars, and local meetups may not pay, but they offer exposure and lead generation. For newer speakers, these are stepping stones.
Factors That Influence Payment
- Experience Level: A speaker with 10 years in the grooming industry and a bestselling book will command more than a first-timer.
- Audience Size: Speaking at a global pet expo? You're more likely to get paid than at a local dog park event.
- Format: Keynote speakers usually earn more than panelists or workshop hosts.
Data Snapshot
| Event Type | Avg. Speaker Fee |
|---|---|
| Local Pet Expo | $100 - $500 |
| National Grooming Show | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Online Summit | $0 - $1,000 |
| Podcast Appearance | Usually unpaid |
How do pet grooming speakers make money
1. Speaking Fees
This is the most direct method. As noted earlier, rates vary based on experience, event size, and format. Keynotes and workshops tend to pay more than panels.
2. Product Sales
Many speakers sell grooming tools, eBooks, or online courses. For example, a speaker might demo a de-shedding technique on stage, then pitch their own grooming brush afterward.
3. Consulting and Coaching
Some speakers offer one-on-one business coaching for grooming salon owners or mobile groomers. Others consult with pet brands on product development or marketing.
4. Affiliate Marketing
If they recommend grooming products or software during talks, they might earn affiliate commissions. This works especially well in webinars or YouTube presentations.
5. Online Programs and Memberships
Speakers often create paid communities or subscription-based training platforms. Think of it like a Netflix for grooming education.
6. Sponsored Content and Brand Deals
Well-known speakers might be approached by pet brands to speak at events or create branded content. These deals can be lucrative.
Income Diversification Table
| Revenue Stream | Typical Monthly Range |
|---|---|
| Speaking Fees | $500 - $5,000+ |
| Product Sales | $200 - $3,000 |
| Coaching/Consulting | $500 - $10,000 |
| Affiliate Commissions | $50 - $1,000 |
| Online Programs | $300 - $5,000+ |
How much do pet grooming speakers make
Entry-Level Speakers
- These are groomers just starting to speak at local events or online summits.
- Typical income: $0 to $500 per event.
- Most income at this stage comes from exposure and indirect leads (e.g., new clients or course signups).
Mid-Level Speakers
- These professionals have a few years of speaking under their belt and a solid online presence.
- Typical income: $1,000 to $3,000 per event.
- They often supplement with coaching, digital products, or affiliate deals.
Top-Tier Speakers
- These are industry leaders with books, courses, and a strong brand.
- Typical income: $5,000 to $20,000+ per month (from all revenue streams).
- Speaking fees alone can hit $5,000+ per keynote.
Annual Income Estimates
| Speaker Level | Annual Income Range |
|---|---|
| Beginner | $1,000 - $10,000 |
| Intermediate | $10,000 - $50,000 |
| Advanced | $50,000 - $200,000+ |
How much do pet grooming speakers cost
1. Event Type and Budget
- Local Pet Events: Expect to pay $100 to $500, or offer perks like booth space or product promotion.
- National Conferences: Rates range from $1,000 to $5,000+ for experienced speakers.
- Virtual Summits: Many grooming speakers will speak for free if they can promote their products or services.
2. Speaker Experience
- New Speakers: Often speak for free or low fees to build their portfolio.
- Mid-Level Speakers: Charge $500 to $2,000 depending on audience size.
- Industry Experts: With books, courses, or TV appearances, they may charge $3,000 to $10,000+.
3. Add-Ons and Extras
- Workshops: Hands-on grooming demos or training sessions may cost extra.
- Travel and Lodging: For in-person events, expect to cover these costs.
- Licensing Content: If you want to reuse their talk, that may involve a separate fee.
Sample Cost Table
| Speaker Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Beginner | Free - $500 |
| Mid-Level | $500 - $2,000 |
| Expert | $3,000 - $10,000+ |
| Workshop Add-On | $500 - $2,000 extra |
Who are the best pet grooming speakers ever
- Melissa Verplank: Founder of Paragon School of Pet Grooming and author of 'Notes from the Grooming Table', Melissa is a staple in grooming education and a frequent speaker at industry events.
- Sue Zecco: Known for her dynamic presentations and grooming expertise, Sue has been a judge and speaker at major grooming competitions globally.
- Jay Scruggs: A grooming competition champion and co-creator of the Super Styling Sessions, Jay is known for making complex techniques accessible.
- Olga Zabelinskaya: A multi-award-winning groomer and speaker, Olga brings a creative flair to her talks, often focusing on show grooming and breed standards.
- Jonathan David: Celebrity pet stylist and judge on 'Groomer Has It', Jonathan blends entertainment with education in his speaking engagements.
- Angela Kumpe: Famous for creative grooming, Angela's talks often explore the artistic side of pet styling, from dye techniques to themed designs.
- Chrissy Neumyer Smith: A grooming business coach and speaker who focuses on behavior-based grooming and salon management.
- Lisa Leady: A third-generation groomer and speaker who brings decades of experience to her educational sessions.
- Colin Taylor: UK-based grooming expert and author, Colin is known for his energetic stage presence and global grooming insights.
Who are the best pet grooming speakers in the world
- Colin Taylor (UK): A global grooming icon, Colin speaks at events across the UK, Australia, and Asia. His talks combine humor with high-level technique.
- Olga Zabelinskaya (USA/Russia): With a global competition record and bilingual presentations, Olga's international appeal is unmatched.
- Veronica Frosch (Australia): Known for her work in mobile grooming and pet wellness, Veronica is a rising voice in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Michi Uchiyama (Japan): A leader in Asian Fusion grooming, Michi's workshops are popular across Asia and increasingly in the West.
- Jay Scruggs (USA): Frequently invited to speak at international grooming expos, Jay's teaching style resonates across cultures.
- Lisa Hart (Canada): A bilingual speaker who focuses on grooming for northern breeds and cold-weather conditions.
- Angela Kumpe (USA): Her creative grooming seminars have been featured at global grooming shows, from Brazil to Belgium.
- Teri DiMarino (USA): A veteran speaker with decades of experience, Teri has presented at grooming shows on nearly every continent.
- Sophie Bell (UK): A vet and grooming educator, Sophie bridges the gap between animal health and grooming, making her talks uniquely valuable worldwide.
Common myths about pet grooming speakers
This one's surprisingly common. People assume that if you're a pet grooming speaker, you're just giving product demos or talking about brushing techniques. In reality, the best speakers in this niche dive into animal behavior, grooming psychology, business growth, and even sustainability in pet care. For example, at the Global Pet Expo, speakers like Jorge Bendersky have tackled topics like branding for mobile groomers and handling aggressive pets with empathy. It's a far cry from just talking about nail clippers.
Myth #2: "You need to be a celebrity groomer to get booked."
Not true. While big names help, many successful pet grooming speakers started as local salon owners or mobile groomers. What matters more is your ability to communicate clearly, share valuable insights, and connect with your audience. Take someone like Mary Oquendo, who built her speaking career by focusing on safety and first aid in grooming. She didn't have a TV show, but she had deep expertise and a unique angle.
Myth #3: "There's no real demand for pet grooming speakers."
This one ignores the booming pet industry. According to the American Pet Products Association, pet care spending in the US topped $100 billion recently. Conferences, trade shows, and online summits are hungry for knowledgeable voices. Events like SuperZoo and Groom Expo regularly feature grooming experts as keynote speakers and workshop leaders. The demand is there... if you bring something fresh to the table.
Myth #4: "You have to speak in English to succeed."
While English dominates many global events, there's growing demand for speakers in Spanish, Mandarin, and other languages-especially in regions like Latin America and Southeast Asia where pet ownership is rising fast. Bilingual speakers often have an edge, especially when they can localize their content for specific markets.
Myth #5: "All pet grooming speakers are solo entrepreneurs."
Not necessarily. While many are independent, others represent grooming schools, pet product brands, or veterinary clinics. Some even come from corporate backgrounds in pet retail chains. The diversity of backgrounds actually enriches the field, giving audiences a broader view of the industry.
Case studies of successful pet grooming speakers
Then there's Colin Taylor, a UK-based groomer who turned his decades of experience into a speaking and judging career. His talks blend humor, hard truths, and hands-on advice. What sets him apart? He doesn't sugarcoat. He'll tell you when your pricing model is broken or your scissor technique is outdated. That honesty has earned him spots on stages from London to Las Vegas.
In Asia, Kaori Yamada built her reputation by combining traditional Japanese grooming aesthetics with modern pet wellness. Her workshops in Tokyo and Seoul are often standing-room only. She speaks not just about grooming, but about cultural expectations, pet nutrition, and how to build trust with clients in high-context societies. Her bilingual presentations have opened doors to collaborations with global pet brands.
Even in rural settings, speakers are making waves. Take Miguel Torres from Colombia, who started by offering grooming services in underserved areas. He now speaks at Latin American pet expos about mobile grooming and social entrepreneurship. His story resonates with audiences looking to make impact beyond profit.
These speakers didn't follow a single path. Some leaned into visuals, others into business strategy or cultural nuance. But all of them found a niche, developed a voice, and showed up consistently. That's what turned them from groomers into speakers with influence.
Future trends for pet grooming speakers
• Personalized Pet Wellness Talks. As pet owners become more informed, they're looking for speakers who can go beyond grooming basics and dive into holistic care. Expect more talks that blend grooming with nutrition, anxiety management, and breed-specific needs.
• Virtual and Hybrid Events. The pandemic normalized online summits, and they're not going away. Platforms like Zoom, Hopin, and Airmeet are making it easier to host grooming workshops remotely. Speakers who can adapt their content for both live and digital audiences will have an edge.
• Sustainability as a Core Theme. Eco-conscious pet owners are asking hard questions about water use, product ingredients, and waste. Speakers who can address sustainable grooming practices-like waterless shampoos or biodegradable tools-will stand out.
• AI and Tech Integration. From AI-powered scheduling tools for salons to smart grooming tables, technology is creeping into the grooming world. Speakers who can explain or demo these tools in plain language will be in high demand at trade shows and webinars.
• Cross-Industry Collaborations. We're seeing more grooming speakers team up with vets, behaviorists, and even fashion designers. These collaborations create richer content and attract broader audiences. Think TEDx-style talks that blend science, style, and storytelling.
• Regional Specialization. As grooming standards vary by country, localized expertise is becoming more valuable. A speaker who understands grooming regulations in the EU or breed preferences in the Middle East can offer tailored insights that global audiences crave.
In short, the future belongs to speakers who can bridge gaps-between grooming and wellness, tradition and tech, local and global. If you're ready to evolve, there's plenty of room to grow.
Tools and resources for aspiring pet grooming speakers
PetGroomer.com Events Calendar. This is a goldmine for finding expos, trade shows, and grooming competitions. Use it to pitch yourself as a speaker or panelist. Look for regional events first-they're often more open to new voices.
Canva. Great for creating slide decks, social media promos, and workshop handouts. Use the 'Presentation' templates to build visually engaging content that stands out at conferences or webinars.
Zoom. Still the go-to for virtual workshops and webinars. If you're just starting, host a free grooming Q&A or mini-class to build your confidence and collect testimonials.
LinkedIn. Not just for resumes. Use it to connect with event organizers, grooming influencers, and pet industry professionals. Post short videos or tips to showcase your expertise and attract speaking invites.
Groomer to Groomer Magazine. This industry publication often features speaker profiles and event recaps. Study what topics are trending and pitch your own articles to build credibility.
Eventbrite. Search for pet-related events in your area or online. Reach out to organizers with a short pitch on your topic. Smaller events are often looking for fresh speakers who bring practical value.
YouTube. Start your own channel or contribute to existing grooming channels. Use it as a portfolio to demonstrate your speaking style and expertise. Bonus: it helps with SEO when event planners search your name.