Pet Grooming

Pet Grooming

Work with Animals Every Day!

Turn your love of animals into a rewarding career in pet grooming! Help pet owners proudly show off their furry friends by keeping their pets groomed and healthy.

Kirkwood Continuing Education offers a noncredit Pet Grooming Certificate to teach you skills and techniques to professionally groom and maintain the appearance of pets, especially dogs. You'll gain real-world experience by maintaining an active pet grooming service that is open to the community.

Our new hybrid program format allows for maximum flexibility and is designed with your time in mind - no more waiting for specific class start dates throughout the year. Start with a self-paced online course from anywhere, then train in our hands-on, open-lab space on your chosen schedule.

Enroll Now!Program Details

Tuition fee covers both the online course and in-person lab training:

Program Tuition - $4,995

Supplies and textbooks not included.

 

Payment Options Include:

  • Full payment due at registration
  • Eligible for third-party funding or employer sponsorship (ask us how!)
  • Tuition assistance (see information on right)

Kirkwood offers tuition assistance and other support based on eligibility for students each year who pursue noncredit certificates.

Click the link below to find out how and if you qualify for funding that covers your tuition costs.

Learn More!

Your Clear Path from Beginner to Certified Pet Groomer

Step 1: Online Course (Self-Paced)

  • Start anytime, with 24/7 access to modules, videos, and quizzes 
  • Learn the foundations of pet grooming
  • Complete at your own pace (typically takes 4-6 weeks)


Step 2: Salon Orientation & Schedule

  • Attend one in-person orientation before you start
  • Choose your training schedule (daytime, evening, or weekend)
  • Sign your learning contract

 

Step 3: Open Lab Training

  • Begin grooming real dogs in a real service environment
  • Work in skill-based levels (Bather --> Intro Grooming --> Advanced Grooming)
  • Learn from experienced instructors and receive live feedback
  • Progress at your own pace, with 300+ hours of lab time
  • Recommended 26 hours/week for full-time pacing

 

Step 4: Final Grooming Assessment & Certificate

  • Complete a timed final groom
  • Graduate with your Professional Pet Grooming Certificate and micro credential badge(s)

Ongoing Support

  • Boost your training with monthly skill workshops
  • Build your portfolio and gain resume tips to assist with career readiness
  • Earn micro credential badges to proudly display your skill competencies

Course Objectives:

  • Identify each grooming tool and explain its use.
  • Demonstrate clipper care and maintenance.
  • Understand the blade care routine and recognize blade lengths.
  • Learn proper scissor techniques and handling.
  • Identify common AKC breeds and their temperaments.
  • Identify and recall basic canine anatomy.
  • Learn the proper way to safely restrain animals as a grooming assistant.
  • Demonstrate bathing techniques for a canine, including properly cleaning facial wrinkles and using drying procedures.
  • Explain the function of anal sacs and the importance of maintenance.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of regulations and customer relations skills required for a successful pet grooming business.
  • Name and recognize common external parasites of small animals.
  • Prepare, dilute, and administer flea and tick dips on selected animals, as well as understand and explain flea and tick eradication treatments for the yard and home.
  • Outline the use of monthly parasite control products.
  • Clean and sanitize grooming lab and equipment to comply with state regulations.
  • Explain Iowa Code Chapter 162 as it relates to operation of a pet-related business.
  • Identify and implement the five most common types of dog grooming styles.
  • Learn to correctly trim nails and clean ears.
  • Identify the five basic styles of the following areas: head, ear, feet, and tail.

Get Your Pet Groomed!

Looking for a way to get your pet groomed and contribute to the community? The Kirkwood Grooming Lab is equipped with everything necessary for a safe, positive experience to pamper your pet. We have your pet covered from head to toe with VIP packages, bathing, brushing, de-shedding, clean up services, nail and ear care, and more!

We are now taking appointments! Use our convenient online booking service link below to view prices and schedule your next session with us.

*At this time, all grooming services are for dogs only.

Book AppointmentSee Our Happy Clients!

Program FAQs

Yes — this is a bundled certificate program that includes both. You’ll start with the online course and, once completed, transition to our hands-on grooming lab.
Not at this time. To ensure quality training and career readiness, this program is offered only as a complete certificate program with both online and in-person components.
Dedicated full-time students can finish in 12–16 weeks, depending on their schedule. The online course is self-paced (4–6 weeks), and the lab requires a minimum of 350 hours of hands-on practice. Students will be assessed based on how they progress, so each student’s path is different.

Yes! Once you pass the online portion, you'll work with our team to create a lab schedule that fits your availability. Lab times are offered weekdays, evenings, and some weekends:

Tuesday: 1-8pm
Wednesday: 9am-5pm
Thursday: 1-8pm
Friday: 9am-5pm
Saturday: 9am-4pm

We know life happens! You'll have up to 6 months total to complete the full program from when you enroll. We also offer progress check-ins and reminders to help you stay on track.
Yes, students are required to purchase and use a variety of professional grooming tools as part of the program. A full list of required tools will be available soon. (We'll guide you on what's worth investing in!)
You'll be prepared to work in grooming salons, pet daycares, mobile grooming vans, and more. Many graduates also go on to start their own grooming businesses.
Yes! We support students with job search tips, resume guidance, and local industry connections. You'll also create a portfolio of your grooms to show employers.

Additional Questions?

Continuing Education Department

Kirkwood Center for Lifelong Learning

319-398-1022

contactce@kirkwood.edu