Every two years the top four competitive groomers, along with an alternate, are sent to represent the United States in the World Team Grooming Championships.

The Groom Team USA® World Travel Team will be comprised of the top point holders using the highest annual points from the two-year cycle. One representative will be determined from each of the four sanctioned classes. The Groom Team USA® World Travel Team alternate will be selected by the Board of Directors based on the individual’s ability to groom any of that year’s selected breeds. Individuals being considered for the alternate position must have pointed in at least three of the four sanctioned classes.

Groom Team USA® provides all monies directly related to the approved travel, and accommodations expenses, for the World Team Championship and their World Team Championship dog. All submitted expenses must be approved by the Groom Team USA® Board of Directors.

Paid Expenses For The Travel Team Member

• Entry fee for the World Team Championship
• World Team Championship official Groom Team USA® uniform
• Economy airfare to and from the host city
• Parking fees at your home airport in Economy lot for up to 6 days and mileage to and from the home airport based on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) current rate or hired transportation service
• Shared transportation to and from the airport and show venue and hotel
• Individual Hotel expenses for five (5) nights, (Team member must provide credit card for incidentals not covered)
• Banquet dinner paid for team member, plus one guest
• Provided stipend of $1,000 to help cover other incidental expenses and meals not already included
• One additional paid piece of luggage

• Groom Team celebratory dinner for team member after team competition.
• All expenses must be submitted no later than 30 days after the championship. If expenses are submitted after the 30 days, then all expenses will be forfeit.

Paid Expenses For The Travel Team Dog

• Air Transportation to/from home, hotel, venue
• Government documentation required for travel
• Pre-approved payment for rental dog to include transportation
• All prize money and trophies from team competitions are the property of Groom Team USA, Inc®.

Travel Team Member Requirements

• Sign a waiver absolving Groom Team USA, Inc® from any and all responsibilities of any injury to persons or animals traveling with the team and any other financial responsibilities not included in travel protocols to be filed with the Groom Team USA Inc® secretary
• Groom Team USA, Inc® travel team uniform must be worn the day of Team Competition
• Attend banquet dinner
• Board of Directors will purchase travel and transportation 180 days prior to WTC. If travel team member changes their itinerary after booking they will incur all costs associated with changes they make to their reservation.

International Travel

• Passports must be current and need to be in effect 6 months after your return according to the Department of Homeland Security.
• Please notify your credit card company that you will be using your card overseas.
• Have duplicate copies of all travel documents, including airline tickets, for yourself and your pet. Store these in different areas of your luggage and carry-on bags. You can photograph your documents and e-mail the pictures to yourself.
• In addition to your passport, bring a government issued photo I.D. (Driver’s license, Global Entry)
• An International Driver’s license may be needed if you are planning to rent a car.
• When traveling within the host country, always have the information for the hotel you are staying in with you. For example: take the hotel business card with the phone number and address to show a taxi driver the card and they will know where to take you.
• All grooming equipment should be packed to comply with airline safety regulations (all sharp objects must be placed in cargo, do not try to carry on your scissors!)

Pet Travel Requirements

• International health certificate (depending on host country’s requirements)
• S. Rabies certificate (this needs to have been given at least 30 days prior to the animal coming back into the United States)
• ID Tag, tattoo, or microchip as per host countries requirements
• Muzzle that fits your dog if country requires one
• Collar and lead
• Appropriate size travel kennel. (Check airline specifications, the dog must be able to stand and turn)
• 2 sets of bedding
• Cleaning products, example: poop bags, plastic bags, disinfectant, and paper towels
• Food labeled and water containers
• Food for the entire length of stay
• Water purifying bottle
• Dog first aid kit
• Medications

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