Color Bleaching Is Not Safe
The IAPEG does not support bleaching, lightening, or color lifting on pets under any circumstances.
If you teach it, promote it, or perform it, it is not aligned with IAPEG standards.
This video explains what bleaching is, why it’s risky, and what ethical creative grooming looks like instead.
IAPEG Standards Enforcement
Any IAPEG member or credential holder who promotes or performs bleaching practices may be subject to review and disciplinary action under IAPEG standards.
The IAPEG Position Statement
The IAPEG is a pet-first organization. That means safety, comfort, and ethical care come before trends, trophies, or “longer-lasting color.”
Bleaching and lightening agents are not approved for use on pets.
This includes any method marketed as “color lifting,” “lightening,” “bleach baths,” “developer,” or “pre-lightening.”
Why We Take This Seriously
Bleaching introduces unnecessary risk. It can compromise:
skin barrier function
coat integrity
comfort and tolerance during grooming
long-term skin and coat health
Creative grooming should never require chemical lightening to “make it pop.”
Pet-first. Always.
If you want creative grooming education rooted in safety and ethics, explore IAPEG pathways.
What We Support Instead: Safe Creative Standards
IAPEG supports creative grooming that is:
non-toxic and pet-safe by design
applied with humane handling and comfort-first practices
based on skin and coat science, not hype
focused on temporary, ethical color that does not require lifting
If a color product “needs bleaching to work,” it does not belong in professional grooming.