Membership application and requirements
IGA is a PRIVATELY OWNED membership organization.
Persons seeking membership do so on a voluntary basis.
IGA is under no obligation to accept any person as a member.**
IGA Full Membership Application
Before beginning the process, please review the Membership Eligibility Criteria below.
For IGA Membership, the person applying must:
If the membership criteria are met and the applicant is accepted into membership by the IGA Director, the term of membership will continue as long as the organization is a member in good standing and the yearly fees (IF ANY) are paid in a timely manner. Misrepresentation of information on this application will result in forfeiture of any funds paid and cancellation of the membership. In the event that the person requesting to join is not accepted into the group, any fees paid will be immediately refunded.
For Certifications with IGA
Members be be current on all fees, in compliance with the rules and regulations of the group and have passed ALL REQUIRED tests, both practical and written, including the Health and Safety course. Certificates will be issued after a passing grade (on the certifier's critique form) is achieved. Certificates expire unless renewal dues are paid within 60 days of invoice receipt. In the event of a lapse retesting will be required after 90 days past expiration.
Membership renewals
Continued membership is contingent upon payment of current fees. Yearly members will be required to pay within 30 days of their expiration date. Certification renewals are expected within 30 days of their renewal date. Email and paper invoices will be sent to members 30-60 days previous to expiration.
Process
Submit the application:
The IGA Director will acknowledge receipt of the application via email and screen it for completeness. You may be requested to provide additional information* and clarification from the applicant, which may include an updated application.
*Note: Applicants must respond to requests for additional information or updated applications within 10 days of the request, otherwise the application will be closed. In this event all paid fees will become property of the association.
Reinstatement of Lapsed Membership
An IGA member who withdraws from or allows its membership to lapse may reinstate its membership under the following conditions:
The person must reaffirm that they still meet IGA membership criteria.
If the person pays the current fiscal year dues no later than 60 days after lapse of the membership or certification, reinstatement will occur with no financial penalty or need to comply with the membership process.
Revocation of current membership and certifications
Any member that is in violation of the Code of Ethics, has knowingly and willingly degraded the group or other members in public (FB, Email, Websites or in person) OR has been convicted of or accepted a plea deal with regard to animal abuse or neglect can lose memberships and certifications permanently or have them suspended. A group of at least 4 staff members will review the allegations, ask questions of the parties involved and make a decision. An appeals process will include at least 6 staffers to review further evidence offered by the complaintent and the member. The decision of that group is final.
Have a Question?
Send us a quick message using the form below. We’d love to hear from you.
Persons seeking membership do so on a voluntary basis.
IGA is under no obligation to accept any person as a member.**
IGA Full Membership Application
Before beginning the process, please review the Membership Eligibility Criteria below.
For IGA Membership, the person applying must:
- Demonstrate that they are a dog groomer, a groomer in training or a bather
- Agree to uphold the IGA-Member Code of Ethics
- Submit the application and other required materials with the membership fees required for your level of membership requested.
- Have not ever been CONVICTED on ANY animal abuse or neglect charges at any time in the past.
If the membership criteria are met and the applicant is accepted into membership by the IGA Director, the term of membership will continue as long as the organization is a member in good standing and the yearly fees (IF ANY) are paid in a timely manner. Misrepresentation of information on this application will result in forfeiture of any funds paid and cancellation of the membership. In the event that the person requesting to join is not accepted into the group, any fees paid will be immediately refunded.
For Certifications with IGA
Members be be current on all fees, in compliance with the rules and regulations of the group and have passed ALL REQUIRED tests, both practical and written, including the Health and Safety course. Certificates will be issued after a passing grade (on the certifier's critique form) is achieved. Certificates expire unless renewal dues are paid within 60 days of invoice receipt. In the event of a lapse retesting will be required after 90 days past expiration.
Membership renewals
Continued membership is contingent upon payment of current fees. Yearly members will be required to pay within 30 days of their expiration date. Certification renewals are expected within 30 days of their renewal date. Email and paper invoices will be sent to members 30-60 days previous to expiration.
Process
- Applications must be completed either online or printed off the internet and then send via email or mail to the Director of IGA.
- The application is reviewed by the Director, which may seek clarifying information from the applicant prior to formalizing, or ask a group of certifiers from the group to review the application if questions arise.
- IGA reserves the right to refuse membership to anyone at any time that has shown animus towards any member, staff member or the group prior to requesting membership.
Submit the application:
- Email to [email protected]
- Mail to IGA, attn:Debi Hilley, 2681 Shady Road, Baconton GA 31716
- Online Membership Application (PREFERRED)
The IGA Director will acknowledge receipt of the application via email and screen it for completeness. You may be requested to provide additional information* and clarification from the applicant, which may include an updated application.
*Note: Applicants must respond to requests for additional information or updated applications within 10 days of the request, otherwise the application will be closed. In this event all paid fees will become property of the association.
Reinstatement of Lapsed Membership
An IGA member who withdraws from or allows its membership to lapse may reinstate its membership under the following conditions:
The person must reaffirm that they still meet IGA membership criteria.
If the person pays the current fiscal year dues no later than 60 days after lapse of the membership or certification, reinstatement will occur with no financial penalty or need to comply with the membership process.
Revocation of current membership and certifications
Any member that is in violation of the Code of Ethics, has knowingly and willingly degraded the group or other members in public (FB, Email, Websites or in person) OR has been convicted of or accepted a plea deal with regard to animal abuse or neglect can lose memberships and certifications permanently or have them suspended. A group of at least 4 staff members will review the allegations, ask questions of the parties involved and make a decision. An appeals process will include at least 6 staffers to review further evidence offered by the complaintent and the member. The decision of that group is final.
Have a Question?
Send us a quick message using the form below. We’d love to hear from you.
**Refusing someone membership into IGA s not meant to bully, harrass or discriminate against that person. Some people may just be seen as not a good "fit" for various reasons. If membership is being denied on a personal basis then a team of 4 certifiers will review the application and vote.