RICHMOND, Va. -- - It has been over a month since Colby, a wide-eyed golden retriever, died while he was being groomed at an area Petco store.
Colby's death prompted national outrage and spurred the chain to remove a certain type of cage from all of its stores.
But Colby's death left many asking what type of regulations groomers in Virginia face.
"It could have been prevented," Betty Holzwarth, a former employee who worked at the store, said.
Holzwarth is speaking out for the first time. She used to bathe Colby and quit Petco just months before his passing. She says it is time to carefully scrutinize who is caring for your pets.
"When I left I told my husband I am really worried about the dogs," Holzwarth said.
“Colby was a sweetie dog,” said Betty Holzwarth.
What are the rules for pet groomers?
"There is state oversight for cosmetologists and for barbers, [but] there is no state oversight for pet grooming," said Steve Boschen, who owns The Barking Lot dog groomers in Richmond.
Boschen said he would welcome regulation -- saying there are far too many inexperienced groomers in the industry.
CBS 6 went to the Department of Agriculture to find out why the industry is not regulated.
"There is no licensing or permitting procedure," said Dr. Carolynn Bissett, a veterinarian who helps with animal care regulations in the state.
Bisset said there are no regulations in place for pet grooming or pet boarding facilities. However, the state does have the authority to regulate pet stores.
"So let me get this straight I could theoretically pick up a pair of scissors and start cutting dogs hair in Virginia tomorrow?" CBS 6 reporter Joe St. George asked.
"According to state laws, yes," Bissett replied.
Bissett, who said she understood why consumers would want more oversight in the industry, noted that her agency simply follows the guidelines set forth from the General Assembly.
Customers Stunned
Pet grooming customers said they were shocked to learn of the lack of regulation.
"I would be willing to bet that most people don't know that," Pat Lawson, who has a Westie, said.
"This dog is like a child to us -- and for some people it is there only child," Lawson added.
Owners Are Responsible
Other dog owners said that until changes are made, it is up to owners to properly research who grooms their dog.
"I don't really care because if they do a good job what difference does that make? " dog owner David Deal said.
Mike Bober, the Executive Vice President of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, said the three largest pet grooming associations are meeting to decide what industry standards should be if state governments begin regulating pet groomers.
The those organizations are International Professional Groomers, International Society of Canine Cosmetologists, and National Dog Groomers Association.
There is a bill in New Jersey that would require pet groomers in that state to be licensed, but there is no such legislation in Virginia.
