Earn a dog grooming certification in just 5
months at our nationally-recognized dog grooming school. In-person dog grooming training classes.

Choose from two comprehensive dog grooming
certifications designed to set you up for success,
based on your own personal goals

Fast-track your way to a professional dog grooming certification

Attend dog grooming classes at our St. Louis campus 3 to 5 times a week

Get trained in dog grooming, as well as strategies for starting your own dog grooming business

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100% Money-back guarantee
100% Money-back guarantee

Learn more about becoming
a dog groomer today

Complete the form below to receive a free guide about our programs.

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In-person dog grooming school in
Missouri

The dog grooming school at The Academy of Pet Careers is one of the top rated schools in the area. There are many ways to become a dog groomer but none of them as comprehensive as hands-on dog grooming classes. Our dog grooming training programs range from 6 weeks to 20 weeks, and you could be in your ‘fur-ever’ career in a matter of a few months.

Each dog grooming certification is designed with your personal goals in mind. Students may only go as far as learning maintenance grooming, so they can go work for a kennel or shelter. Others may desire to be professional stylists who can apply breed specific patterns, making them an asset to any salon. Below are some details of skills taught to earn your dog grooming certification at the APC. Master the following through our dog grooming training:

Dog in bath being bathed by a groomer in training

Learn the core skills of bathing,
brushing, drying and trimming

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Learn breed specific patterns
and trims to make you a more desirable to employers

Students in dog grooming class at the APC learning to blow dry dogs

Understand the science
behind a dog’s skin and coat and
how to keep them healthy

APC student in training brushing a dog on grooming table

Master canine communication skills and learn how to make the grooming process more enriching

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Why hundreds of students have
trusted The Academy of Pet Careers
for their dog grooming training

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Hands-on learning

Our classes are all hands-on and simulates a real working
environment
, ensuring you can jump right into the industry from
Day 1.

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Small class sizes

You get one-on-one attention from instructors and career-specific
guidance that sets you up for success
.

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Modern & optimized curriculum

We constantly update and revise our curriculum in accordance with
the trends and demands in the pet industry.

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Financial aid

We are approved by many organizations to help with school
expenses. Our admissions team helps you through the application
process.

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Dual certifications

We offer dual certification opportunities for you to study multiple trades, giving you added job stability and increased income potential.

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You are set up for success

Our programs are designed to set the students up for success. We focus on teaching you the skills you need to excel in your desired field.

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Job assistance and resources to start
your own business

You benefit from a network of pet businesses and alumni to help you find your dream job. And if you want to start your own business, we provide all the needed supports and resources.

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Job ready in 3-5 months

Our grooming classes are designed to move fast and give you valuable hands-on experience. Once complete, you’re ready to immediately use your new skills in the industry.

Small dog being trimmed by student in dog grooming classes at the APC
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100% Money-back guarantee

Our money back guarantee is also known as our “drop window”. It is a 14 calendar-day period at the beginning of their program, that allows students to be sure that they have picked out the perfect program for them.

We are so sure that you will be happy with your schooling that we offer a “Money Back Guarantee” to ensure your satisfaction. If for any reason you wish to discontinue your attendance at The Academy of Pet Careers, a refund will be issued with no questions asked.

testimonial1

Jessica Durst

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Highly recommended!

I completed the Professional Grooming program, and I just have to say Jan and Jackie were great teachers! Attentive, willing to help, and always supporting their students. Not only will you learn from them, but the other groomers that work there too! I only went part-time, and Jenny was completely understanding and willing to accommodate my schedule. I also suggest Read Moreeveryone take the Pet Empowerment Program with Jody. You will be hard-pressed to meet another person with as much knowledge as she has on animal behavior. Thank you to everyone at APC for all of the support you have shown your students!

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OliviaMeylor

Olivia Meylor

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One of the best decisions of my life!

If you’re looking to jumpstart your career in the grooming industry, APC is the best way to start! The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable, it’s extremely hands-on, and the environment is great! Throughout your time here, you will have plenty of opportunities to work with all different kinds of breeds of all temperaments allowing you to gain the experience needed to be successful Read Morein the real world! If you truly have a passion and love for animals you will excel in this program! Attending APC has been one of the best decisions of my life!

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Kristi

Kristi Nosbisch

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Two thumbs up!

I went to APC for PEP and Professional Grooming. This school exceeded my expectations!! The atmosphere is positive and welcoming! Everyone from admin to employees to instructors to maintenance is incredibly nice and helpful!! They couldn't have better instructors!! I'm 100% confident in opening my own grooming business after attending APC! Two thumbs up!!!

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Pet companies that hire our students

img-dogs

1,100+

Active dog groomer job postings
(Glassdoor)

$44,631

101,200

Expected employment change by 2031
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

16%

Projected job growth by 2028
(Zippia)

Dog grooming certifications that give you the skills and
experience to excel in a dog grooming career

Bather/Brusher Class

30 Day Program Badge

Safety & Handling

Canine Communication Skills

The Science of Skin and Coat

Drying Principles

Brushing and Combing

Canine Anatomy

Nail Care

Tooth Brushing

Scent Glands

Ear Cleaning

Common Emergencies

Pet First Aid & CPR

If you want to learn how to groom animals then this is the place to go. I have been here less than a month and I can’t believe how much I have learned!

The teachers here are patient and amazing at what they do. They make you feel comfortable and confident. If you love animals and want to make a living working with them, then this is the place to come and learn everything that you’ll need to know.

Headshot of dog grooming school graduate Preston Gillam

Preston Lee Gillam

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I took the Professional Groomer course over the summer and fall of 2017, and cannot recommend it highly enough. The staff is friendly, professional and genuinely interested in preparing their students for careers in working with animals.

I had a job lined up before beginning the course, but if you don’t they will work to help find you a landing spot. They also make themselves available for graduates to ask for advice in their careers.

If you’re interested in a career working with companion animals, APC is the place to start.

Headshot of dog grooming school graduate Jeffrey Trotter

Jeffrey Trotter

apc google rating

Professional Groomer Class

100 Day icon for vet assistant program length

Everything in Bather/Brusher

The Groomer’s Toolkit

Basic & Adv. Scissoring

Puppy, Kennel, and Outline Trims

Breed Standards

Breed Specific Trims

Head and Face Styles

Ear Shapes and Styles

Feet Types and Styles

Tail Types and Styles

Geometrics/Angles

Corrective Grooming

Ergonomics

Common Zoonotic Diseases

Salon Sanitation

Bather/Brusher Class

25days-badge

Safety & Handling

Canine Communication Skills

The Science of Skin and Coat

Drying Principles

Brushing and Combing

Canine Anatomy

Nail Care

Tooth Brushing

Scent Glands

Ear Cleaning 

Common Emergencies

Pet First Aid & CPR

If you want to learn how to groom animals then this is the place to go. I have been here less than a month and I can’t believe how much I have learned!

The teachers here are patient and amazing at what they do. They make you feel comfortable and confident. If you love animals and want to make a living working with them, then this is the place to come and learn everything that you’ll need to know.

Headshot of dog grooming school graduate Preston Gillam

Preston Lee Gillam

icon-certificationdogtraining-facebook-review

Professional Groomer Class

100days-badge

The Groomer’s Toolkit

Basic & Adv. Scissoring

Puppy, Kennel, and Outline Trims

Breed Standards

Breed Specific Trims

Head and Face Styles

Ear Shapes and Styles

Feet Types and Styles

Tail Types and Styles

Geometrics/Angles

Corrective Grooming

Ergonomics

Common Zoonotic Diseases

Salon Sanitation

I took the Professional Groomer course over the summer and fall of 2017, and cannot recommend it highly enough. The staff is friendly, professional and genuinely interested in preparing their students for careers in working with animals.

I had a job lined up before beginning the course, but if you don’t they will work to help find you a landing spot. They also make themselves available for graduates to ask for advice in their careers.

If you’re interested in a career working with companion animals, APC is the place to start.

Headshot of dog grooming school graduate Jeffrey Trotter

Jeffrey Trotter

apc google rating
Student in dog grooming class at the APC practicing nail clipping

The advantages you gain
with a hands-on dog grooming school

Hands-on courses are more personalized and comprehensive offering maximum value for your time.

Live courses can be customized to your learning style. Everybody learns at their own pace and we make sure no one is left behind. 

You learn from experienced professionals in the industry who know how to teach and help you succeed.

They are more fun! You learn in a positive and friendly environment that consists of dog lovers such as yourself.

What makes the Academy of Pet Careers such a unique place to learn dog grooming?

In addition to a dog grooming certifications, we provide opportunities to study other pet trades, including : dog training, pet grooming, and vet assisting. This offers added job stability and increased income potential.

Our classes are designed to set the students up for success - we focus on teaching you the skills you need to excel in your desired career.

You job placement assistance and real applicable knowledge about starting your own dog grooming business. Nothing left to guesswork.

We offer variety of grooming classes so you can get certified in only 6 weeks or 5 months. Students with previous experience can test out of lower programs.

Dog grooming training school student posing with aussie
PGC Badge

Our grooming programs have met the standards set by the World Pet Association’s (WPA) Professional Grooming Credentialing (PGC). The PGC is the only standard currently set in the United States that regulates the quality of education and standards in the grooming industry. We are proud to be one of the first schools in the nation to be approved by the PGC.

Frequently Asked Questions

A dog grooming school is an educational institution that offers structured in-person or online classes to teach individuals how to become professional pet groomers. Attending one can provide you with the knowledge, hands-on skills, and professional certification needed to pursue a career in dog grooming.

Our dog grooming school offers in-person classes focused on grooming pet dogs. There are different levels of training based on your career goals. You can get an entry level education and become a bather/brusher or continue your education to become a certified pet groomer.

Most dog grooming programs have minimal prerequisites, such as a high school diploma or equivalent. To attend a dog grooming program at the APC, you must be 18 years of age. No other experience is necessary.

The duration of dog grooming programs can vary. Most schools will have classes ranging from 6-weeks to 6 months, with a few exceptions. Length can be an important deciding factor, but shorter training programs will not provide the same level of proficiency as longer ones. At the APC, in-person programs range from 2 to 6 months long.

Certified pet groomers can work in various settings, including salons, pet hotels, animal shelters, or veterinary clinics. The demand for qualified pet groomers is generally high and the skills required to be a professional groomer translate well into any animal career.

There are currently no licensing requirements in the U.S. for professional dog groomers, but certification is still recommended. Receiving professional dog grooming training will put you a step ahead of your competition and make you more valuable to employers. Learn more about dog grooming licensing.

The cost of dog grooming classes can vary widely depending on the school, class type, location, and format. For in-person dog grooming classes, you should expect to pay between $5,000 and $20,000.

Hands-on programs provide practical dog grooming training, working with dogs in real-life situations, while online programs offer flexibility and self-paced learning. The choice depends on your learning style, goals, funds for education, and availability.

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 clients.

 
 
 
 
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