Susan Divine Sholar

For over 49 years, Susan Sholar has been a dedicated professional in the pet care industry. Her career began in Hawaii, where she served as a veterinary technician, co-founded the Shetland Sheepdog Club of Hawaii, and was an active member of the Windward Hawaiian Kennel Club. She also owned grooming salons in both Hawaii and California, earning special recognition from Hawaii’s Governor Ariyoshi for her exemplary care of animals.

Susan’s introduction to legislation and state government started as the Hawaii state representative for the Maui Kennel Club. She later became a prominent figure in California, advocating for animal-related legislation as President of the California Federation of Dog Clubs. Upon returning to the mainland, she owned a grooming salon and kennels in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, while continuing to show all-breed dogs professionally across the United States and Mexico. During this time, she was a member of the Professional Handlers Association, which later became the Certified Professional Handlers Association. She bred and exhibited Shetland Sheepdogs, Alaskan Malamutes, Poodles, and Shih Tzus.

Susan later founded the California College of Pet Careers, International College of Pet Careers Inc., which was licensed by the State of California. The college offered courses in all-breed dog and cat grooming (both pet and show), animal nutrition, animal massage, aromatherapy, and animal first aid and CPR.

For the past 20 years, Susan has been an AKC dog show judge for 5 of the 7 AKC groups and has judged grooming competitions at industry tradeshows. She currently serves as the AKC delegate for the Black Russian Terrier Club of America and is a member of the All-Breed Delegate Committee of the American Kennel Club.

Ms. Sholar developed the AKC S.A.F.E. Groomers/Salon Certification program, traveling nationwide to educate and certify groomers on safety for pets, groomers, and clients. This program has certified thousands of groomers across the United States and is available online at the American Kennel Club’s Canine College.

Reflecting on her work with the American Kennel Club grooming program and as President of the American Professional Pet Groomers Association, Susan says, “I have met some of the nicest, most driven groomers you could ever imagine, all with a passion for caring for the dogs and cats that come to them for grooming."