Mojca Svetličič
“I have been involved in dog grooming since the age of twelve. My professional journey began in 1998 with the opening of the Taček dog grooming salon in Idrija. From the very beginning, I have been driven by a deep commitment to understanding small animal care in depth and contributing to its professional development.
In 1999, I enrolled at the Faculty of Zootechnics in Ljubljana, where I specialized in small animal care. I graduated as the first in Slovenia in the field of professional dog and cat grooming, earning the title of university graduate engineer of zootechnics. In doing so, I laid the academic foundation for a professional and science-based approach to grooming in Slovenia.
I further advanced my expertise at the internationally renowned Iv San Bernard Academy in Italy, where, after four months of intensive training and hands-on practical work, I successfully completed my final examination under the mentorship of Monique van de Ven and multiple world grooming champion Marco Vaccaroni. I also expanded my knowledge in cosmetology and dermatology for small animals at the Iv San Bernard Grooming Academy, as well as through Dr. Cliff Faver (USA), specializing in dermacosmetology. I am also a certified Grooming Technician Specialist of the International Iv San Bernard Academy.
Since 2000, I have been actively involved in the dog show world, where I have developed a profound understanding of breed standards, show preparation, and professional grooming practice. I have extensive experience across Europe, where my dogs have achieved outstanding results at European and World Dog Shows, as well as at club specialties. I began my breeding journey with the Lhasa Apso breed and later continued with Italian Greyhounds. To date, I have bred more than 24 litters, which has provided me with invaluable insight into the connection between genetics, breeding practices, development, and proper grooming. In addition, I actively participate in obedience training and other canine disciplines with my dogs, further deepening my understanding of movement, trainability, and the physical and psychological balance of the dog.
A particular focus of my professional work and education is grooming and dermacosmetology as fundamental disciplines, which I integrate with behavior science, psychology, and animal welfare. I firmly believe that high-quality, safe, and professional care is only possible through a holistic understanding of the animal. In my seminars, I share knowledge based on both scientific principles and many years of practical experience gained in salon work, the show ring, and breeding.
Since 2006, I have been actively involved in the organization and delivery of courses, seminars, and workshops, as well as in the education of groomers and other professionals in the field of small animal care. I also work closely with Iv San Bernard and their International Grooming Academy, where I actively contribute to the development of educational content and professional training programs.
As a lecturer, dog owner, exhibitor, breeder, groomer, and head of our Educational Academy, I view my work as a responsibility toward both the profession and the animals. In my seminars, I combine scientifically grounded knowledge, extensive hands-on experience, and a holistic understanding of the dog as a sentient being. My aim is to provide participants with a deeper understanding of grooming that goes beyond technical execution—encouraging professional thinking, confidence in practice, and awareness that quality care and animal welfare are always inseparably connected. I strongly believe that only through knowledge, respect and continuous education, can we collectively elevate grooming standards and advance the profession.”
References
In addition to education in the field of small animal care and training, I am also actively involved in various workshops and initiatives, including participation in the project and campaign “Adoption at a Distance” and “Exchange tolars for a warm bed”, in cooperation with the Ljubljana Shelter for Abandoned Animals, workshops at the Mojpes.net picnic, and other events.
I have also participated in several interviews and presentations in well-known media outlets (Slovenske novice, Podjetnik, TV program Štiri tačke, TV Celje). I am also active in writing articles and preparing professional literature. Throughout my career, I have achieved numerous outstanding national, international, European, and even world show results with my dogs.
All my authored works, interviews, seminar lectures, and workshop participations are chronologically listed in the references below.
2026
- 22 February – Dermacosmetology – The Science of Skin, Coat and Skin Conditions in Small Animals, Branik, Mojca Svetličič & Inga Dvojković
• 21 February – Dermacosmetology – The Science of Skin, Coat and Skin Conditions in Small Animals, Zagreb, Mojca Svetličič & Inga Dvojković
• January – Internal grooming team education: Specific Dermacosmetological Treatments, Zagreb, Mojca Svetličič
2025
- November – Seminar Secrets of Healthy Skin and Beautiful Coat, Belgrade, Mojca Svetličič & Inga Dvojković
• 5 October – Seminar Secrets of Healthy Skin and Beautiful Coat, Ljubljana, Mojca Svetličič
• 13 September – Seminar Secrets of Healthy Skin and Beautiful Coat, Zagreb, Mojca Svetličič
2024
- 2 June – Participation in the Animal Lovers Festival; friendly Hoopers competition with my dog Amoretto, Nova Gorica
• 16–17 June – World Congress of Dermocosmetology, Italy
2022
- December – Multi-day professional education in cosmetics, skin conditions, and SPA ozone applications, Iv San Bernard Academy, Italy
• Ongoing – Training in the canine sports discipline Hoopers at Kennel Club Nova Gorica
• September – Seminar The Science of Skin and Coat, Mojca Svetličič
• Completed A-level dog training exam, Kennel Club Nova Gorica
• 2021–2022 – Attendance of Hoopers training program (ongoing activity context included here as continuation of practice line; originally listed under 2022 training continuation)
2021
- October – Presentation of the The Best product line
• May – Online seminar: Alopecia | No Hair, No Protection!, Iv San Bernard
• March – Online seminar: Advanced Skin and Coat Care, Iv San Bernard
• Completion of puppy school, Kennel Club Nova Gorica
2020
- December – Online seminar: The Power of Treatments Step by Step, Iv San Bernard
• November – Online seminar: Maintaining Healthy Skin and Coat, Iv San Bernard
• May – Article in Moj Pes magazine: presentation of the Italian Greyhound breed
• January – Full-day seminar Small Secrets of Great Groomers, Dermacosmetology and Applied Techniques, Zagreb, Croatia
• January – Weekly training on Dermacosmetology and ozone baths with Monique van de Ven, Empoli, Italy
2019
- June – 2-day Grooming Mega Spectacle, Iv San Bernard, Italy
• February – 2-day seminar and workshop: Professional hand-stripping techniques, Marco Marastoni
2018
- 10 October – Organization of a full-day seminar for professional pet groomers: Small Secrets of Great Groomers, Monique van de Ven, Domžale, Slovenia
• May – Seminar The Science of Skin and Coat, Mojca Svetličič
• February – Seminar on Dermacosmetology with Dr. Cliff Faver (USA), Empoli, Italy
2017
- September – 3-day professional seminar: Dermacosmetology, skin and coat problems (Red Mineral), led by Monique van de Ven
2015
- May – Article in Moj Pes magazine: presentation of the Italian Greyhound breed
2014
- January – Co-production of a video feature by POP TV, later published as an article on 24ur.com (Dom in Vrt): What does a well-groomed dog look like?
Publications and Articles (2008–2012)
- Svetličič M. (2012). Italian Greyhound: Some of the most influential Italian Greyhounds and breeders throughout history, Part 2. Hrti.si Magazine, 8: 5–7
• File S. (2011). Interview: Breeder Mojca Svetličič, kennel Desert Queen. Hrti.si Magazine, 1: 12–13
• Svetličič M. (2011). Italian Greyhound: Influential dogs and breeders throughout history, Part 1. Hrti.si Magazine, 6: 6–9
• Svetličič M. (2011). History of the Italian Greyhound. Hrti.si Magazine, 1: 4–5
• Svetličič M. (2009). Expert opinion: Breeder and specialist Mojca Svetličič – Italian Greyhound. Moj Pes Magazine, 4: 24
• Svetličič M. (2008). Dog styling: Boxer. The Dog Magazine, 10: 14–15
• Svetličič M. (2008). Dog styling: Dalmatian. The Dog Magazine, 9: 14–15
• Svetličič M. (2008). Dog styling: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The Dog Magazine, 8: 14–15
• Svetličič M. (2008). Dog styling: Jack Russell Terrier. The Dog Magazine, 7: 14–15
• Svetličič M. (2008). Dog styling: Boston Terrier. The Dog Magazine, 6: 14–15
• Svetličič M. (2008). Dog styling: English Bulldog. The Dog Magazine, 5: 14–15
• Svetličič M. (2008). Dog styling: French Bulldog. The Dog Magazine, 4: 14–15
• Svetličič M. (2008). Dog styling: Pug. The Dog Magazine, 3: 14–15
• Svetličič M. (2008). Dog styling: Chihuahua. The Dog Magazine, 2: 14–15
• Svetličič M. (2008). Dog styling: Maltese. The Dog Magazine, 1: 14–15
Media appearances (2005–2008)
- TV Celje (2008). Interview and presentation of small animal grooming studio (27 February 2008)
• TV show Štiri tačke (2005). Presentation of small animal grooming studio
• BTC City Guide (2007). Pet-friendly services in Hall 6: Small Animal Grooming Studio, p. 4
• N. Skala (2006). Stylistic transformation from dog to hamster: business idea presentation – Small Animal Grooming Studio, p. 6
• Kaučič P., Pahor N. (2006). New business opportunities: company and business idea presentation – Small Animal Grooming Studio. Podjetnik, p. 17
• Svetličič M. & ISB Group (2006). Internal training material for Tukano Iv San Bernard Professional employees
• TV interview and promotional feature – Studio nege malih živali (2005)
Professional development and training (2000–2007 and ongoing)
- Member of APT (Associazione Professionisti Toelettatori), Italy – participation in seminars and workshops (2006)
• Organization of the first professional grooming education in Slovenia (Chamber of Commerce, 2005)
• Educational seminars for Tukano retail employees (Hobby program d.o.o., 2005–2009)
• Product manager for Iv San Bernard brand: training materials, marketing, sales support (2005–2007)
• Founder and operator of Pet Vizija grooming salon (2005–2019)
• Professional training under Marco Vaccaroni (Italy, multiple-month program, 2005)
• Professional training under Monique van de Ven (Iv San Bernard Academy, Italy, 2005)
• Work experience in pet shop Tukano, Brdo Ljubljana (2004–2005)
• Internship in grooming salon Pet Art s.p., Mali Princ Celje (2003)
• Dog training schools: Krim, Švrk, Alfakan, KD Nova Gorica (from 2000 onward)
• Start of dog show career and international competitions across Europe (from 2000 onward)
• Enrollment at Faculty of Biotechnology – Zootechnics (1999)
• Opening of dog grooming salon Taček, Idrija (1998)
• Early dog training and handling experience (from 1990 onward)