Courses
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If you love dogs and are looking for a new career or flexible business opportunity, then dog grooming may be just the thing for you! Our City & Guilds accredited dog grooming qualifications will give you the knowledge and skills to undertake a range of bathing and grooming techniques so you feel confident applying for dog grooming jobs or setting up your own dog grooming business.

There is a significant emphasis on developing your practical skills throughout your dog grooming training to give you the experience needed to groom a variety of different dog breeds to breed standard or owner requirements.

Download our Dog Grooming Careers Guide

City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming AssistantsAwarded by City & Guilds, this qualification is an ideal course if you are looking to begin a career as a dog groomer.Find out moreDog Groomer Level 2 Apprenticeship This apprenticeship is aimed at those looking to increase their practical skills and knowledge, alongside employment in a dog grooming environment. The course covers the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to become a successful dog groomer.Find out moreCity & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Dog GroomingIf you are looking to build upon the skills and abilities needed to succeed as a professional dog groomer, this qualification could be for you! Available at our centres in Huntingdon and Leeds.Find out moreVetSkill VTEC Level 3 Award in Preventative Canine Dental Care and Oral HygieneIf you are looking to further your knowledge on dog oral hygiene, the Level 3 Award could be the one for you. Taught online with one in centre practical day at our Huntingdon or Leeds centres.Find out more
Subject overview

As a dog groomer, you will be responsible for ensuring the welfare of any dogs that come into your care for the duration of their stay. As such, the job involves, not only being able to carrying out the grooming of dogs, but being able to confidently handle them, and give owners advice on grooming and coat care.

Why choose to study dog grooming with us?

  • Regulated and respected
    Our dog grooming qualifications are Ofqual regulated and our college has been rated as a Good provider by Ofsted (July 2022). In addition, our Matrix accreditation underscores our commitment to delivering first quality information, advice and guidance to ensure that you choose the course that is right for you and your future ambitions.
  • Industry recognised
    The British Dog Grooming Association recognises the City & Guilds accredited dog grooming courses as a professional standard required by all dog groomers.
  • Experienced and supportive lecturers
    We are proud of the fact that our tutors are all qualified dog groomers with significant industry experience offering a wealth of knowledge to our trainee dog groomers. They are dedicated to helping you become a qualified dog groomer and to go on to have a successful career in the dog grooming industry.
  • Learn in our fully equipped, commercial dog grooming salons
    Our City & Guilds dog grooming training course takes place in our fully functioning dog grooming salons at either our Huntingdon or Leeds centres, providing a real-world learning environment. You’ll have access to high-quality dog grooming equipment, a variety of dog breeds to work with, and a hands-on approach that ensures you’re fully prepared for a career in dog grooming.
“On leaving the course we were all encouraged to call if we had any problems grooming which I thought was an added touch, it showed the College actually did care about its students and the well-being of the animals we would be working with. Since I left the College in July 2015 I have set up my own business; Petchase Dog Grooming and Walking Services based in Sandy. It has gone from strength to strength, so much so that we now have three people on the team! It was very daunting going out on my own and I must admit the first dog I did without encouragement of the teachers was rather scary… however, it is amazing how much knowledge you are taught and when the time comes you can put it into practice”.
Kim Chase
Careers

Once you have completed your City & Guilds dog grooming qualifications many opportunities become available to you.

If you are not already doing so, seeking employment as a dog grooming stylist is a great way to gain knowledge of how a fast-paced grooming business operates.

Alternatively, you may wish to look at opening your own dog grooming business from home, in commercial premises, or out and about by taking it mobile, or work in partnership with an existing business such as a boarding kennels.