About the brand

Iv San Bernard was founded in 1995 from the visionary inspiration of Mr. Mirco Aringhieri. Drawing on his extensive experience in the world of professional human cosmetics, he created a brand that has since become a global symbol of quality and innovation in pet coat and skin care.

 

With the support of leading experts in cosmetology and dermocosmetology, Iv San Bernard has developed more than twelve specialized cosmetic lines for small animals, comprising over 250 carefully formulated products. These cover a wide spectrum of needs—from daily maintenance care to highly specialized solutions designed to meet professional standards and achieve show-quality results.

The portfolio includes products tailored to different coat types and skin conditions, traditional and SPA formulations, as well as innovative solutions free from sulfates, parabens, and silicones, developed using natural, environmentally friendly ingredients.

Our History: A Timeline of Success

  • 1995 – The Foundation: Founded by Mirco Aringhieri, Iv San Bernard entered the market by applying the rigorous standards of human cosmetics to the pet world—a truly innovative and revolutionary idea at the time. This gave birth to a new vision: every coat type deserves a specific treatment tailored to its needs, because hygiene is health, and health is beauty.

 

  • 2000 – Expansion and Design: Moving beyond cosmetics, the company revolutionized the concept of the grooming salon. No longer just “dog washes,” but true spaces of design and functionality. We introduced professional stainless steel equipment and furniture signed by Iv San Bernard, keeping the quality of “Made in Italy” at the core of every project.
  • 2003 – Education at the Forefront: The first Academies were born. The brand’s philosophy spread through professional training: today, we boast more than 14 schools worldwide across Europe and Asia, led by international masters. The role of the groomer as a qualified professional became central, as did the commitment to constant education regarding both techniques and cosmetic science.

 

  • 2010 – Pioneers of Spa and Ozone Therapy: Building on our design innovations, we created the stainless steel Spa Tub, essential for the use of our Spa Machine. We were among the first to integrate the concept of Ozone Spa treatments into the standard grooming bath. Thanks to this technology, we introduced targeted treatments that continue to provide extraordinary support for skin and coat recovery, ensuring optimal aesthetic and curative results.

 

  • 2018 – A Record in Safety: Iv San Bernard became the first company in the world to obtain the “Safe Pet Cosmetics” certification. This is a voluntary commitment to ensure that pet products not only follow the same safety and dignity standards as human cosmetics but are also safe for both the pets and the professionals who use them every day in their salons.

 

  • 2022 – Joining the Alfaparf Milano Group: 2022 marked a fundamental turning point in the brand’s journey. Alfaparf Group, a prestigious Italian multinational renowned for professional cosmetics for hair, skin, and body, took a strategic step into the world of pet care. In June 2022, the Group acquired a majority stake in Iv San Bernard, marking the beginning of a new chapter of global expansion and innovation.

Global Leadership & Holistic Care

Education is one of the core values of the company. For over 30 years, Iv San Bernard has organized professional courses and specialized training programs for groomers and pet care professionals, from beginners to advanced specialists. Under the brand’s umbrella, several educational centers operate both in Italy and internationally, sharing knowledge, expertise, and a deep passion for animal care and wellbeing.

Beyond cosmetic formulations, Iv San Bernard has also established itself as a producer of high-quality professional grooming equipment and furniture. From brushes and grooming tools to professional tables, bathing tubs, and drying systems, the brand offers complete solutions for modern grooming salons. Thanks to its holistic approach and expert consultancy, Iv San Bernard stands out for both functionality and refined design.

Iv San Bernard Today: A Global Leader

Founded in 1980, Alfaparf Milano has built an international reputation over more than four decades through scientific excellence, continuous innovation, and a deeply rooted professional culture. Today, the Group operates in over 120 countries, supported by an extensive global distribution network. As part of its long-term vision, Iv San Bernard has now become an integral part of the Alfaparf Group, benefiting from the strength, resources, and global reach of an international cosmetics leader, while preserving its distinctive identity and commitment to excellence in professional pet care. The union of Iv San Bernard and Alfaparf Group represents a meeting of specialized expertise and global excellence. It allows the brand to look confidently toward the future—continuing to innovate, educate, and redefine professional pet care, while remaining faithful to its core values.

As a result of this comprehensive approach, Iv San Bernard is now present in more than 40 countries worldwide, offering products and solutions that enhance grooming results and support the highest levels of satisfaction for both professionals and pet owners. Quality, innovation, design, and customer care remain the guiding principles that continue to shape the brand’s future.

Iv San Bernard continues its journey guided by a timeless principle: true beauty is born from health, expressed through care, knowledge, and respect for every animal. “Beauty does not exist without health, and health is expressed through beauty.”
– The philosophy of Iv San Bernard