We keep class sizes small for personalized one-on-one instruction, follow Fear Free positive reinforcement methods, and include hands-on training that sets you apart from the majority of pet professionals in the field. Our state-of-the-art facility combined with the latest tools and technology help students fast-track their way into the grooming industry.

Dog grooming programs usually take multiple months to complete. APC offers two certification options: a 30-day "Bather/Brusher" program (approximately 1-2 months) and a 100-day "Professional Groomer" program (approximately 5 months), allowing you to choose based on your career goals and time availability.

Most dog grooming programs have minimal prerequisites, such as a high school diploma or equivalent. To attend our dog grooming program, you must be 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED. No other experience is necessary. If you don't have a diploma or GED, we offer a basic skills test at our headquarters that prospective students can take instead.

You should expect to spend anywhere between $10,000-$20,000 for an in-person dog grooming program. Financial aid options will greatly affect your tuition, as scholarships, discounts, and payment plans can bring this cost down even lower. 

We follow the "Pet Empowerment" philosophy, which is a force-free, positive reinforcement methodology. This science-based methodology is not only effective, but helps your dog create positive associations with the grooming process for the best experience possible.

In-person grooming programs provide practical experience working with dogs in real-life situations, while online programs offer flexibility and self-paced learning. Your learning style, goals, funds for education, and availability will affect which type of program is the best for you. 

Most of the time, grooming classes will take place in our facility in St. Charles, Missouri. However, we love opportunities for real world experience and incorporate many field trips into our curriculum that may mean class is held in other areas of St. Louis.

You'll learn about safety and handling, pet first aid and CPR, oral, dental, and ear care, canine anatomy, haircuts and styling, and more. The program you select will impact how in-depth the curriculum goes. Our Professional Groomer program covers more advanced areas of dog grooming than our Bather/Brusher program.

Yes! Class is from 8:30am to 2:30pm every week day. Many of our students maintain part-time jobs while attending school.

Yes, our curriculum meets the standards of many industry certifications, including the AKC's Professional Grooming Credential (PGC). The Academy of Pet Careers was deemed a Professional Grooming Credentialing Institution by the World Pet Association, the original creator of the PGC.

Yes! One of our many student resources is job placement assistance. We help with resume writing, mock interviews, and we use our network of Preferred Hiring Partners to place students with pet businesses after graduation.

Yes! Many of our grooming students have gone onto start their own businesses after graduation, particularly mobile grooming businesses. Our program includes business resources and provides you with the pet-specific knowledge and support needed to create a successful dog grooming business.

As a graduate of The Academy of Pet Careers, you will earn a nationally recognized certification that proves that you met the high standard of proficiency set forth by the APC. Graduates will receive a badge and letters to represent your accomplishments and make you more marketable to employers in all states.

Our dog grooming school enrolls six times a year, more than any other program. For information about upcoming start dates and enrollment deadlines, please contact our admissions team by calling, emailing, or filling out the form below.