How to Choose a Pet Grooming School

Pet grooming is a rewarding and challenging career. To get started in the pet grooming business, one must continue her education on how to properly groom an animal. Choosing a pet grooming school is the first step to begin this fulfilling career.

Things You'll Need

• Variety of clippers
• Brush
• Shampoo
• Grooming table
• Clipper blades
• Dog dryers
• Kennels in a variety of sizes

Instructions

1. Consider Internet courses. They are usually a combination of online classes and in-person practicals, in which the student practices grooming with a live pet. Some Internet programs offer job placement assistance, tuition assistance and references, making them an ideal option for many people seeking a career in pet grooming. Online courses for Nashacademy.com, a reputable online pet grooming school, include how to care for pets, CPR for pets, styling for pets and a variety of others.

2. Try a home study program for convenience. Such programs usually take 6 to 8 weeks to complete. Before getting started, ensure the program you select is an accredited member of a trusted institution, such as the Better Business Bureau. These courses can count for college credit, so check with your local university, community college or trade school. The student will need an area of their home where they can practice pet grooming. Through guidebooks and instructional DVDs, home studies will show the student how to groom a variety of breeds. Most home studies have phone numbers the student may call in case they have questions or need clarification.

3. Get in-depth training by attending a school in your area. Such schools offer the convenience of in-person instruction and experience while the student trains to be a professional pet groomer. Check local listings or ask professional pet groomers in your neighborhood about the local school they attended. Personal references offer more security for the student. Local schools that are members of accredited associations, such as the National Dog Groomers Association of America, will likely offer the best education. Local schools give the student a chance to practice grooming on animals, with the assistance of a professional dog groomer to give advice and tips. Professional tools may be available for students, eliminating the need to buy all supplies before getting started as a professional pet groomer.

Tips & Warnings

• Check that your pet grooming school is an accredited member of the National Dog Groomers Association of America and the Better Business Bureau. See whether you will need to buy your own supplies before getting started at pet grooming school. Ensure that your instructors have years of experience and good reputations.

• Consult a professional dog groomer for advice about attending pet grooming school and being a professional groomer before enrolling.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• National Dog Groomers Association