Start your dream career in dog grooming | iPET Network's dog grooming qualification guide The definitive guide to becoming a dog groomer, here's everything you need to know to start your rewarding career in the dog grooming industry
Why become a dog groomer?
There has never been a better time to become a dog groomer, and this rewarding career is the perfect way for animal lovers to start their own viable business from scratch.
In the UK there are more dogs than ever before, and year on year the numbers continue to rise.
Grooming salons around the UK are struggling to keep up, and there is a real need for safe, skilled dog groomers to fulfill the care needs for the nation's favourite pet.
Nationally since the start of the pandemic 3.2million households brought home a pet of some kind.
From 2020 to 2021 there was a boost in dog numbers from 9million to 12million, and with 17 of the 20 most popular dog breeds needing regular grooming or treatments this has led to a big surge in demand from people want to book a groom.
And with many people considering a complete change of career and outlook following the COVID 19 pandemic, working with animals in a flexible way is an attractive option.
Dog grooming is a flexible career, so is perfect for child care givers, would-be entrepreneurs, and even people wishing to scale down their working hours for a change of pace. Your life in dog grooming can be whatever you want it to be!
It is also fun, and there are lots of ways to excel in this exciting industry, be it taking part in competitions and events, starting a mobile grooming business or working from home, or creating your own brand and watching it soar.
So how can I become a dog groomer?
Well technically in the UK anyone can just pick up a pair of scissors and start trimming dogs for money, but that is a terrifying prospect given the level of skill, safety and competence that is required.
You are also looking after people's beloved pets, and could risk high costs and severe damage to your businesses' reputation if something should go wrong.
We have all seen those viral stories about dogs which received a terrible groom and ended up looking like Sid from Ice Age haven't we!
So, to be a responsible groomer that your clients can trust you need to be trained, and that is where iPET Network comes in...
Dog grooming training with the iPET Network
The iPET Network offers an exciting portfolio of courses designed to help learners kickstart their careers in the world of dog grooming.
All of iPET Network's courses are Ofqual regulated, and uniquely are assessment and practical training driven, meaning that there are no exams, and you get lots of hands-on experience.
iPET Network is a friendly qualification provider that understands that for many people becoming a dog groomer is a big life decision, and for many learners it will be a return to education after a long time away.
We understand this, and tailor our courses and our teaching to our students.
The courses are:
iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming and Salon Management
The qualification is designed for Candidates who wish to gain the skills and knowledge to prepare, style and finish a range of dog breeds, understand health and safety in a dog grooming salon, practice business management and gain skills in canine emergency first aid. The course is delivered over a minimum of 30 days practical training with additional theory work to be completed at home.
Over the period of 30 days at one of our Training Providers, Candidates will groom at least 20 dogs to include a minimum of ten different breeds, covering six different coat types.
This is a formal, regulated, nationally recognised qualification that will remain relevant throughout the Candidates' career and can only be achieved by reaching the required skill level.
It has been designed specifically for those looking to become professional dog groomers or those who already groom dogs (as a hobby or career) but do not currently hold a nationally recognised qualification. This qualification is the the required level to state you are 'qualified' in the industry.
iPET Network Level 3 Certificate in Dog Grooming and Introduction to Styling
The qualification is designed for Candidates who wish to gain the skills and knowledge to prepare, style and finish a selections of dog breeds, understand health and safety in a dog grooming salon and gain an understanding of heath checking, handling and canine behaviour.
The course is delivered over a minimum of 15 days practical training with two days theory work, there will be additional theory to be completed at home.
Over the period of 15 days at one of our Training Providers, Candidates will groom at least 10 dogs to include a minimum of five different breeds, covering four different coat types.
There are no prerequisites to starting the qualification, meaning Candidates can join at level 3 without having completed a lower level (level 2) course first.
iPET Network Level 3 Award in an Introduction to Dog Grooming
The qualification is designed for Candidates who wish to gain the skills and knowledge to prepare, style and finish several dog breeds and understand health and safety in a dog grooming salon. The course is delivered over a minimum of five days practical training with additional theory to be completed at home.
Candidates will be trained in practical skills such as prepping, bathing, scissoring, clipping, styling and nail trimming on several dog breeds.
Learning in this industry is lifelong, and when you have qualified and have started your career there is still another way to continue your career training and development.
The iPET Network Level 4 Higher Professional Diploma in Dog Grooming
This qualification is aimed at Candidates that can demonstrate their expertise in understanding an excellent standard of dog grooming styling skills for both breed standard and free style grooming.
They must demonstrate a high level of knowledge in relation to canine welfare, managing behaviour and business operations, developing their personal and professional development and gaining skills in canine emergency first aid at work.
Leading industry experts have been consulted and reviewed this qualification to ensure the outcome is appropriate for the Dog Grooming industry and the continued growth and development of the sector.
This qualification is aimed to lead Candidates into being able to develop established dog grooming skills to a superior and professional level to a gold standard in the industry.
What can I expect from my dog grooming course?
The courses are fun and informative, and you can expect a lot of hands-on experience.
This is really key because it is important that when you achieve your qualification, you are happy, motivated and confidently able to go out into the world of dog grooming and really shine.
All of our training providers are friendly and supportive, and we have an emphasis on flexibility. This means that the course can fit in around you and your life, just like your new career in dog grooming!
To find out where your nearest iPET Network training provider is CLICK HERE
Who trains to become a dog groomer?
Very good question, and on iPET Network courses we see a range of people who all share a deep love of dogs and have a passion for animal welfare.
On our courses we have seen everyone and everyone! Busy mums, career changers, a former army dog handler and air line workers, we have also seen office workers who want to get out of the daily grind, and even people who later in life simply just want to do what they have always dreamed of, work with animals.
Dog grooming is a flexible career, and as long as you are passionate about caring for dogs you will be just fine.
We also understand that undertaking a big life change can be a nerve wracking experience, so our tutors are always on hand with gentle guidance and support. You are not alone as you take this big step.
How can I find out more?
If you would like to speak to someone about taking an iPET Network course, or simply have a chat about whether dog grooming is the career for you simply call 0800 433 4700 or email info@ipetnetwork.co.uk
You can also click HERE to find your nearest iPET Network training provider!