Have you ever dreamed of working with dogs all day?
You may want to consider a career as a dog groomer.
This is the kind of job that not only allows you to demonstrate your creative side but also offers you a great deal of job satisfaction.
You may be wondering where you could find the time to attend a course that will prepare you for this role.
Technology plays a huge role in allowing prospective students to attend courses from the comfort of their homes.
If you feel that this is a good fit for you, you may want to consider an online dog grooming training program.
Go to Section:
- The Best Online Dog Groomer Training Programs
- #1 JKL Grooming Online Dog Grooming Diploma Course
- #2 Professional Dog Grooming Academy (PDGA)
- #3 QC Pet Studies Dog Grooming Course
- #4 Prestige Dog Grooming School Online Program
- #5 Penn Foster Online Pet Grooming Certificate
- #6 Groomadog Online Dog Grooming Course
- #7 Primpaws Grooming Academy Beginners Online Course
- What Courses Are in an Online Dog Grooming Program?
- Can You Earn a Dog Grooming Certification Completely Online?
- How Long Does it Take to Earn a Dog Grooming Certification Online?
- How Much Does an Online Dog Grooming Certification Cost?
- Benefits of Online Dog Grooming Training Programs
- Drawbacks of Online Dog Grooming Training Programs
- Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Dog Grooming Training Programs – Summary Table
- Types of Dog Grooming Certifications
- 4 Self-Study Tips for Dog Grooming Online Students
- Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Best Online Dog Groomer Training Programs
#1 JKL Grooming Online Dog Grooming Diploma Course
About the Program
This is a 100 percent online, self-paced dog grooming program open to beginners.
Students can study on a phone, tablet, or desktop and graduate in as little as 4 to 6 months.
The program includes both theory and optional hands-on assignments.
Courses Offered
The program teaches basic and advanced grooming skills, pet CPR and first aid, and cat grooming as well as dog grooming.
Students work through more than 1000 pages of instructional content with videos, diagrams, and interactive learning tools.
Program Cost
Students can begin with an initial payment as low as 99 dollars and pay the rest through monthly installments on a no-interest plan.
Contact Information
- Address: N/A
- Phone: 1-877-559-8333
- Website: Visit School Website
#2 Professional Dog Grooming Academy (PDGA)
About the Program
This online grooming academy is designed for dog lovers at all levels.
The courses are self-paced and allow students to learn from home with video lessons, quizzes, and practical assignments submitted online.
Courses Offered
PDGA offers different levels of grooming education from beginner fundamentals to intermediate and professional styling.
The curriculum also covers dog health, behavior, and business skills, so students gain well-rounded knowledge.
Program Cost
Tuition varies by level and certification type.
Students can enroll anytime and progress at their own pace.
Contact Information
- Address: N/A
- Phone: N/A
- Website: Visit School Website
#3 QC Pet Studies Dog Grooming Course
About the Program
QC Pet Studies provides an online professional dog grooming training where students complete lessons from home and receive personalized feedback from a mentor.
The program prepares students for professional grooming careers.
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes professional grooming skills, handling techniques, and business-related content.
Students also receive a starter grooming kit to use during training.
Graduates earn an International Dog Grooming Professional certification.
Program Cost
Tuition varies, but QC Pet Studies offers flexible payment plans.
Materials and tools are included with some course options.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 Research Court #450, Rockville MD 20850
- Phone: 833-600-3751
- Website: Visit School Website
#4 Prestige Dog Grooming School Online Program
About the Program
This online groomer training consists of video-based lessons designed to take students through key grooming skills at their own pace.
The course serves as a step-by-step introduction to professional grooming techniques for a variety of breeds.
Courses Offered
The curriculum is divided into 9 modules covering fundamental grooming skills, breed-specific trims, hand scissoring techniques, business basics, and customer relations.
Students receive lifetime access to the video materials.
Program Cost
Tuition varies by payment option.
The program is typically priced as a lower-cost alternative to in-person schooling.
Contact Information
- Address: 2525 Bridlecrest Way Unit 75, Calgary, AB T3R 0V3, Canada
- Phone: +1 403-396-1769
- Website: Visit School Website
#5 Penn Foster Online Pet Grooming Certificate
About the Program
Penn Foster offers a pet grooming certificate program designed for those seeking foundational training.
The program is fully online and self-paced, with access to instructors and support tools.
Courses Offered
The curriculum covers identifying and using grooming tools, bathing and drying techniques, behavior handling, and grooming procedures for both dogs and cats.
There are 10 courses and 25 exams totaling 27.4 continuing education units.
Program Cost
The program costs around 699 to 799 dollars, with a payment plan option starting at 50 dollars per month.
Contact Information
- Address: 925 Oak St, Scranton, PA 18508,
- Phone: 1-800-275-4410
- Website: Visit School Website
#6 Groomadog Online Dog Grooming Course
About the Program
Groomadog offers a worldwide online dog grooming course with emphasis on hands-on practice.
The course is structured around multiple modules teaching basics and breed-specific techniques.
Courses Offered
Students learn five basic haircuts applicable to many breeds and can take additional business and salon setup courses.
The training is interactive and designed to build confidence over a series of modules.
Program Cost
Tuition is around 999 dollars for the full course package.
Contact Information
- Address: 272 Walkden Rd, Walkden, Worsley, Manchester M28 7FG, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 161 790 4951
- Website: Visit School Website
#7 Primpaws Grooming Academy Beginners Online Course
About the Program
Primpaws Academy’s beginner program is fully online and made up of 41 video lessons accessible from any browser, phone, or tablet.
Lessons are organized into nine chapters for easy self-paced study.
Courses Offered
The course focuses on key grooming tools and techniques for various breeds and includes quizzes and assessments to ensure understanding.
A certificate of completion is awarded after passing the final quiz.
Program Cost
Tuition varies by enrollment package.
Students receive lifelong access to course materials once enrolled.
Contact Information
- Address: 44100 Jefferson St. Suite D403 PMB 5002, Indio, CA 92201
- Phone: N/A
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
What Courses Are in an Online Dog Grooming Program?
The course materials of each program will differ depending on the school, the duration of the course, and the type of certificate.
Ideally, the course should be accredited by an accrediting body.
In preparation for the national examination, courseware may cover the following topics:
- Dog and cat grooming
- Pet CPR and First Aid
- Breed profiles and mixed breed styling
- Ear, ear, nail, and skin care
- Clipping techniques and control
- Health and safety
Students may be required to complete an externship with a dog parlor before they become certified.
During this time, students will work closely with a professional groomer to apply what they have learned.
As well as demonstrating their skill and ability.
Can You Earn a Dog Grooming Certification Completely Online?
The Dog Groomer Certification may be completed entirely online.
Keep in mind that, in the United States, candidates are not required to attend a formal training program, nor are they required to sit for the national exam.
These elements will, however, help the student secure a better-paying job.
Students may be required to complete a certain number of practical experience hours before they are considered to be certified and qualified to work in the field.
Ideally, students should opt for a course that is a blend of online studies and in-person lectures.
How Long Does it Take to Earn a Dog Grooming Certification Online?
A standard dog grooming course may run anywhere from a few weeks to a year and a half, depending on the course and certification.
How Much Does an Online Dog Grooming Certification Cost?
Various institutions offer this course, including dog parlors, dog grooming schools, and community colleges.
The tuition fee for a dog grooming certification will depend on the length of the course, the institution that offers the course, and the type of qualification.
Tuition may cost between $900 and $12,000, depending on the course.
In addition, there may be costs associated with the application fee, books and equipment, toolkits, and uniforms, which may range between $1,000 and $10,000 in addition to the standard tuition fee.
Benefits of Online Dog Grooming Training Programs
There are quite a few benefits associated with studying this course online.
1. Flexibility
This is the type, of course, you may want to take your time on.
You may want to review video tutorials several times in order to ensure that you are doing it right.
Studying in your own time from the comfort of your home means that you can review the material as many times as you need in order to get it right.
Furthermore, you will have full discretion over when and where you learn.
You will not have to adjust your schedule around your studies.
Instead, you can adjust your studies around your schedule.
2. Lower fees
While there isn’t much price differentiation between online and in-class programs for this course, there is still somewhat of a slight saving.
You may also find that some courses include everything you need at no additional cost to you.
It is all included in the tuition of the course.
3. Access to other students online
The online forum allows you access to other students studying the same course.
You can exchange ideas and thoughts, and ask each other questions or answer questions related to the course material.
Drawbacks of Online Dog Grooming Training Programs
The reality is that this is a very hands-on job that requires hands-on training.
While most online schools do offer online tutorials, these are not always as effective as learning on the job.
1. Lack of hands-on experience
At the very core of dog grooming is the technique that demonstrates the skills and abilities of the dog groomer.
Students are presented with online tutorials and are then requested to conduct testing at home and send in pictures of what they have done.
This raises a few concerns.
Students watch the online tutorial and are then instructed to practice on their own or on a neighbor’s pet.
The student may not have a 360-degree view of what the instructor is doing.
This may make it somewhat challenging for the student to learn exactly what they need to do and how they need to do it.
And, when returning, the student takes images of their work.
The images do not show the process that the student followed to obtain the results.
This may be problematic as the student may not even be following the correct procedure, and there is no way for the instructor to know this.
2. Studying online from home means a lot of disruptions
It may be more challenging to attend a course from the comfort of your home, as you may find that you have so many more distractions to deal with.
If you have children, then learning online from home may pose some challenges.
You may find that being home means that everyone in the house has access to you.
Constant disruptions may cause you to close your PC in an attempt to deal with the distractions, only to never open the PC up again.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Dog Grooming Training Programs – Summary Table
| Benefits of Online Dog Grooming Training Programs | Drawbacks of Online Dog Grooming Training Programs |
|---|---|
| 1. Flexibility | 1. Lack of hands-on experience |
| 2. Lower fees | 2. Studying online from home means a lot of disruptions |
| 3. Access to other students online |
Types of Dog Grooming Certifications
There are several dog grooming certifications offered by various institutions:
1. The International Professional Groomers Inc.
The school offers two types of certification:
- The International Certified Master Groomer (ICMG) program
- The Advanced Professional Groomer Certification (APG) program
2. International Society of Canine Cosmetologists
Dog groomers are certified through a series of written and practical skills tests.
3. National Dog Groomers Association of America, Inc.
Dog groomers are certified through the school’s National Certified Master Groomer (NCMG) program.
4. International Certifications
City & Guilds-accredited qualifications for dog groomers in the United Kingdom.
4 Self-Study Tips for Dog Grooming Online Students
Students will be exposed to several online tutorials, which they must follow before completing assignments and handing in pictures of their work.
To help students better adapt to online learning and gain the most out of their experience with an online learning course, students are advised to pay attention during lectures.
Here are four self-study tips to help you make the most of your online Dog Grooming course.
1. Pay attention to the details
Most of the cutting techniques will be demonstrated to students through online tutorials.
This presents several challenges for the student.
As the instructor is demonstrating cutting techniques, students must pay attention to the finer details of the instruction.
Emulating the same technique from a video tutorial can be extremely challenging.
The most crucial part of the techniques will be in the details.
If you miss one small detail, you may struggle to apply what you have learned.
Paying attention will help you to formulate the right questions to ask your instructor and bridge the gap between what was demonstrated and what you need to do.
2. Communication is key
Knowing how and when to ask for help is key to mastering an online course.
If you are struggling, building solid relationships with your peers and educators will help you to master the course and ask the right questions while also being actively involved in the class.
If your lectures are not live, then knowing how to ask questions and who to ask is just as crucial.
Don’t be shy to speak up during class or in the online forums that are available to students.
Most people learn by doing.
By participating in the classroom or forum discussion, you will learn a lot more than just actively listening.
Learn to communicate with your peers and instructor so that when you do need a question answered, you will get a response quickly.
3. Eliminate distractions
You may soon realize that learning from home is not always fun and games.
You may find that you have several things that you want or need your attention.
A big problem with studying online is social media.
We are often tempted to check our social media several times during the day.
This may hinder your progress and even prevent you from completing the course.
Take active steps to minimize your distractions, such as putting your phone off when you are in class.
Or, make it known to family and friends when you will be attending classes, so that they know not to disturb you during that period.
4. Hold yourself accountable
When you have to regulate your own learning time, you may find that you tend to do everything except going to sit in front of the PC and attend your classes.
Set goals for yourself and how and where you learn.
Then, hold yourself accountable for the work that you did or did not do.
It is important to learn how to regulate yourself during self-study.
You will not have anyone breathing down your neck, making sure that you are doing your work.
You will need to do that yourself.
Summary
Becoming a certified dog groomer is the first step in the journey to a fulfilling career as a dog groomer.
While most states do not require that candidates become certified to work as a dog groomer, the certification does help to prepare candidates for the working world and dealing with animals.
Selecting the appropriate course is the first step in preparing for this journey.
Prospective students should keep in mind that while theory is an important aspect of the course, hands-on training is what truly prepares students for the demands of the job.
Self-paced studying can present a host of its own challenges.
Students should be cognizant of the fact that a lot of discipline, hard work, and commitment are required to be successful with online courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dog Groomer make?
A dog groomer’s salary will depend on several factors, including qualifications obtained, years of experience, where the school is located, and the size of the establishment where the candidate is employed.
A dog groomer’s salary will range between $10,500 and $250,00 per year.
The median salary for this position is $43,500.
The salary will also depend on whether the groomer is self-employed, works part-time only, or is a full-time employee.
This is a great industry to be an entrepreneur in.
Especially if you have a creative flair and an eye for detail.
Candidates who possess these skills will flourish in this job.
Is being a Dog Grooming a stressful job?
There is a fair amount of stress associated with this job.
The majority of stress is time-related.
In other words, if you are employed at a dog parlor and you have a certain number of dogs that need to be groomed within the space of a short amount of time, it can get pretty stressful.
In addition, if you are working with dogs that are not trained and tend to bite, this can also raise stress levels.
Do I need to attend a dog grooming school to become a Dog Groomer?
No.
You may be approved to sit for the examination in certain states, provided that you have worked a set number of hours in the industry before taking the exam.
Do I need a high school certificate or GED to attend the course?
Yes.
To qualify as a Dog Groomer, you must first obtain a high school diploma or GED.
