Pet Grooming
Jump-start your grooming career with a program that combines flexible online learning and real salon experience. Start with online lessons in safety, anatomy, breed recognition, sanitation, and canine first aid/CPR. Then step into our open lab salon to practice your skills on live pets with expert support.
Enhance your training through specialized workshops covering advanced techniques, hands-on CPR, creative grooming, and business essentials.
You’ll complete the program with a polished portfolio, a capstone credential, and the confidence to thrive in any grooming environment, from salons to mobile services to your own business.
This course follows a blended learning model, integrating online theory modules with in-person lab training. Students begin by completing foundational coursework online before transitioning into supervised, hands-on grooming sessions in our training salon.
Your Guided Journey to Becoming a Certified Pet Groomer
Finish in as little as 7 months.
Step 1: Self-Paced Online Training
- Enroll anytime with unlimited 24/7 access to videos, lessons, and quizzes.
- Build a strong understanding of core grooming concepts.
- Move through the material at your own speed (usually 6–8 hours total).
Step 2: Salon Orientation & Scheduling
- Attend a required on-site orientation before your lab sessions begin.
- Select a training schedule that matches your availability, daytime, evenings, or weekends.
- Review and sign your learning agreement.
Step 3: Hands-On Open Lab Experience
- Work with real dogs in an actual grooming salon setting.
- Advance through structured skill stages: Bather → Beginner Grooming → Advanced Grooming.
- Receive direct coaching and real-time feedback from professional instructors.
- Accumulate 300+ hours of practical experience, progressing at a pace that works for you.
- For full-time progression, plan on approximately 26 hours per week.
Step 4: Certification Assessment
- Complete a timed, full grooming session to demonstrate your abilities.
To ensure a safe and successful learning experience, students must meet the following requirements before beginning the Pet Grooming program:
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Age Requirement: All students must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment.
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Tuition: Tuition is $4,995.00 and must be paid in full at the time of registration.
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Dress Code: Students are required to purchase and wear a grooming smock, comfortable grooming pants, and closed-toe, non-slip shoes during all hands-on activities.
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Required Tools: A specific set of professional grooming tools must be purchased prior to being scheduled in the grooming salon for hands-on training. A complete list of required tools will be available within the online course.
Program Information
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Style and finish pets according to breed standards and/or client preferences using safe and professional techniques.
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Demonstrate proficiency in clipper and basic scissor work across a variety of coat types and temperaments.
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Perform thorough pre-groom assessments to evaluate coat condition, skin health, and grooming needs.
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Safely handle pets of varying sizes, breeds, and behaviors using effective restraint and calming methods.
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Communicate professionally with clients, including reviewing service requests, documenting preferences, and verifying vaccination records.
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Apply fundamental first aid and CPR techniques in response to grooming-related emergencies.
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Maintain salon safety and sanitation standards through proper cleaning, disinfection, and equipment care.
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Accurately complete grooming records and client notes to support continuity of care and service quality.
This is a pass/fail certificate. Student will need to demonstrate proficiency in all course competencies within the class.
Earn digital badges that highlight your growing expertise, from foundational grooming techniques to advanced styling skills and emergency-care know-how. Each badge demonstrates real progress and helps you build a professional portfolio you can be proud of.
Please note: This program does not award a nationally recognized certification upon completion.
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“I chose Kirkwood so I wouldn’t be overwhelmed by the college experience. There’s a lot of personal support and services for whatever you need; everyone wants to see you succeed.”
Jessica Estrada,
Iowa City, Iowa
Tuition Assistance
You may qualify for tuition assistance!
Kirkwood connects students with a variety of funding resources for eligible FastTrack Career Certificate programs. Although not every program qualifies, those that do may be fully covered, up to 100% of your tuition costs.
Request Tuition Assistance
Additional Questions?
Continuing Education Department
Kirkwood Center for Lifelong Learning
More Information