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If you’re a dog lover, a career in dog grooming sounds like the dream, right? Not only will you be able to spend time with pooches of all shapes and sizes, but you’ll also get the satisfaction of making them look their very best.
While mandatory qualifications aren’t needed to become a dog groomer, completing a dog grooming course will help you stand out from the crowd. Here, we cover the best courses for beginners to learn the tricks of the trade and leave you with a certificate or diploma under your belt to impress potential clients.
Dog grooming training providers
Where you choose to complete your training is entirely up to you. You can obtain your dog grooming qualification from a college, a specialist training provider, or through City & Guilds.
City & Guilds
City & Guilds provide services to training providers, employers, and trainees across a variety of sectors, for people to progress in their careers and have the skills to fulfil their duties in the workplace. Their qualifications and apprenticeships are highly regarded by employers across the world. You can study both Level 2 and Level 3 dog grooming training with City & Guilds.
Colleges
Several colleges across the UK offer dog grooming courses suitable for beginners, but you may need to attend a college that specialises in agriculture and animal welfare. Colleges such as Moulton College in Northamptonshire and Capel Manor College in London offer courses to help you on your journey to becoming a professional dog groomer.
Specialist dog grooming training providers
Alternatively, you can undergo dog grooming training through a specialist provider. Providers like Four Paws Groom School, located in Cheshire, Kent and Herefordshire, offer courses to suit every level of experience. You can learn how to groom your own dog in one day or complete a 30-day iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in dog grooming.
Dog grooming qualifications and training courses
When it comes to pampering pooches, you’ll want to make sure you do the best job possible. While having a dog grooming qualification isn’t essential to kickstarting your dog grooming career, it can help you promote your service and could make the difference in someone trusting you with their dog or going elsewhere. Here are some respected dog grooming qualifications and training courses for you to consider:
Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants
Looking for a course to introduce you to the art of dog grooming? A Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Artists is your go-to training course if you’re looking to work in the dog grooming industry. The course will be run by a City & Guilds qualified groomer/tutor.
To earn the qualification, you’ll need to complete several units, some of which are optional and some mandatory, including:
– Cleaning and bathing dogs
– Controlling and restraining animals
– Handling payments from clients
Level 3 Certificate in Introductory Dog Grooming
Once you’ve completed the Level 2 Certificate, you may want to further your training with the Level 3 Certificate in Introductory Dog Grooming. Once completed, you can progress in a career as a professional dog groomer.
The Level 3 certificate is suitable for those who have experience working in the industry or have completed a related qualification such as the Level 2 certificate.
To achieve this certification, you’ll do a practical demonstration of what you’ve learnt or an assignment, as well as a written test to prove your knowledge.
Achieving this qualification will show future employers or customers that you have all the technical skills and knowledge needed to practice dog grooming to a high standard. If you’re looking to stand out against the crowd of dog groomers, having training under your belt is a great way to demonstrate your dedication to and passion for dog grooming.
Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming
After completing the Level 2 Dog Grooming Assistant certification, you can progress your knowledge and skills further to become a professional dog groomer, by studying for the Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming.
The diploma will provide you with the practical skills to professionally style dogs with all types of coats, as well as those who need adjustments to the grooming process due to health conditions. You’ll also receive all the training needed to ensure you’re fully prepared to work as a professional dog groomer, in line with legislation and welfare requirements.
If you’re looking for training that will give you the practical skills and knowledge needed to work as a professional dog groomer, completing the Level 3 diploma is a great option. Once completed, you could go on to work for a business, or as a self-employed dog groomer.
Costs of dog grooming training
How much your dog grooming training will cost will depend on the course you choose to study.
Absolutely Animals are pet grooming specialists based in London, they offer several types of dog grooming courses, including City & Guilds qualifications. They price the Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants at £900, and the Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming at £980.
Just4Paws offer an all-inclusive City & Guilds dog grooming course, with plenty of hands-on experience with a variety of dog breeds. Through this course, you’ll complete both the Level 2 and Level 3 City & Guilds qualifications, as well as a professional pet first aid course and salon training. This is a 30-day course, as well as a minimum of 150 hours of home study, priced at £5,650 part time with full time options also available.
How much these qualifications are will vary by salon and provider, so you may want to compare courses across different providers to get the best price.
Next steps after qualifying
With the right experience and qualifications, you could become a self-employed dog groomer and work from home or become a mobile dog groomer who visits owners’ homes. Alternatively, you could open your own salon or teach dog grooming classes. Being a dog groomer is a rewarding career where no two days are the same. If you’re an animal lover who is seeking a career that doesn’t feel like work, dog grooming could be the perfect choice for you.
Get your dog grooming insurance today from Protectivity
Are you a dog groomer who wants reassurance at work, should something go wrong? Perhaps you run your own dog grooming salon or operate on a mobile basis. Whatever your circumstances, having an affordable, quality Dog Grooming Insurance policy in place can give you the peace of mind that should disaster strike, you have the support you need to put things right. Your insurance policy will include a range of benefits such as Public Liability Insurance and cover for any specialist equipment you use at work. Get a quote today for dog grooming insurance and put your mind at ease.
Get Dog Grooming Insurance from Protectivity
*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date.
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