OUR HISTORY
iPET Network is an Ofqual Regulated Awarding Organisation specialising in Animal Care and Veterinary Science qualifications.
Founded by Fern Gresty and Sarah Mackay, two passionate professionals from the pet care and dog grooming industry, iPET Network was created to raise the standard of education, accessibility, and quality across the UK pet sector.
How It All Began
In 2015, while working together at Four Paws Groom School, Fern and Sarah combined their expertise to improve professional standards within the grooming and animal care industry. Their shared vision led to the official launch of iPET Network in 2018.
An Awarding Organisation built for people, for pets, for the future.
“Two heads are better than one, not because either is infallible, but because they are unlikely to go wrong in the same direction.”
– C.S. Lewis
iPET NETWORK
Meet The Founders
Sarah Mackay
Co-Founder & Director
Sarah Mackay is a key member of the iPET Network team, bringing extensive experience within education, training, and quality assurance. Sarah’s journey began in corporate management, quality assurance, and compliance, where she developed strong systems thinking and process-driven standards. With experience managing ISO 9001, 18001, and 14001 quality frameworks, she brought a level of structure and analytical rigour rarely seen in the pet education sector.
She plays an important role in supporting centres, apprentices, and stakeholders, helping to uphold the high standards iPET Network is known for across the Animal Care and Veterinary Science sector.
With a strong focus on quality, compliance, and continuous improvement, Sarah is committed to ensuring positive outcomes and trusted partnerships, supporting iPET Network’s mission to raise standards and deliver confidence in assessment and qualifications.
Fern Gresty
Co-Founder & Director
Fern’s passion for animals began on her family farm and evolved into a career dedicated to improving the welfare and education of pets and their owners.
Her early background in sales, marketing, and leadership gave her the commercial experience to build sustainable, high-impact pet businesses. After founding Four Paws Groom School, Fern realised that quality dog grooming training was lacking within the industry. Determined to change that, she developed accessible, business-focused courses for aspiring groomers and animal care professionals
OUR HISTORY
From Vision to Regulation
Together, Fern and Sarah worked with Open College Network West Midlands to pioneer the first Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming that allowed mixed or cross-breed dogs to be used in assessments.
A breakthrough that made qualifications more inclusive and commercially relevant. In 2020, following a two-year regulatory process, iPET Network achieved recognition from:
Ofqual
England
CCEA Regulation
Northern Ireland
Qualification Wales
Wales
This milestone positioned iPET Network as a trusted Awarding Organisation with the authority to create and regulate qualifications across Animal Care, Veterinary Science, Dog Grooming, and related sectors.
TODAY AND BEYOND
Today, iPET Network continues to lead innovation in regulated animal care qualifications, working alongside:
- Approved Training Providers and Centres Across the UK
- Industry Experts and Welfare Organisations
- Employers and Educators Seeking to Raise Professional Standards
The organisation’s mission remains clear:
Education for People. For Pets. For the Future.
