Bathing, nail trimming, teeth cleaning, ear care and breed-specific grooming techniques are best learned by doing. For this reason, prospective animal groomers should enroll in programs that offer ample opportunity for hands-on experience. Some of the best grooming schools run their own pet salon where students can train under the supervision of an instructor. A school salon that services a large volume of both pure-bred animals and mixed breeds will generally offer students the best training for a career in animal grooming.
10 Animal Grooming Schools
Here are some schools with animal grooming programs, and basic information about each one to help you choose:
| Schools | Location | Program Length* | Tuition (total program cost)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Shore Community College | Danvers, MA | 2-year associate's degree program with grooming concentration | $4,536 per year in-state, $10,104 per year out-of-state** |
| Cornerstone Dog Grooming Academy | Clyde, OH | 600 clock hours | $6,198 |
| Merryfield School of Pet Grooming, Inc. | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 600 clock hours | $11,944 |
| Rio Gran Grooming School | Hastings, MN | 200 or 436 clock hours | $3,000 for short course, $7,000 for full course |
| Paragon School of Pet Grooming | Jenison, MI | 240 or 600 clock hours | $3,125 for short course, $5,750 for full course |
| Texas Allbreed Grooming School | Arlington, TX | 480 clock hours | $6,302 |
| Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy | Miami, FL | 300 clock hours | $5,780 |
| The Dapper Dawg School of Professional Pet Grooming | Stoneham, MA | 300 clock hours | N/A |
| Michigan School of K-9 Cosmetology | Lansing, MI | 600 clock hours | N/A |
| Clip Shoppe School of Dog Grooming | Newfoundland, NJ | 420 clock hours | $6,631 |
Sources: *School/program websites, **National Center for Education Statistics
School Selection Criteria
Additional information to keep in mind when selecting a good grooming program include the following:
- Comprehensive programs should entail coursework covering animal anatomy, psychology and behavior.
- Students interested in running their own salon or mobile grooming service should look for programs offering small business courses.
- Some schools offer evening and weekend courses for students needing a flexible schedule.
- Students seeking greater education and job opportunities should earn an associate's degree in animal science with a grooming concentration; credits may transfer to a bachelor's degree.
Programs in Animal Grooming
Associate's degree programs or courses, typically involving several hundred hours of instruction, are common ways of learning how to be an animal groomer. Hands-on training is important as well, and good programs should offer plenty of opportunity for practical experience. There are animal grooming programs across the country, with options to suit a variety of career and lifestyle needs.
