Professional Pet Grooming
600 Clock Hour Hybrid Program
Our diploma program prepares our students in becoming a Professional Pet Groomer. We prepare our students with the necessary skills to professionally groom dogs in a salon, mobile grooming, house call grooming or in a Veterinary practice.
In mastering the art of pet grooming, the program consists of working with grooming equipment, customer relations, bathing, hair drying, ear cleaning, combing, brushing, dematting, breed recognition, first aid, styling, diseases of the skin, perfection of scissor work which is covered in the 550 hours of classroom, lab work in the school and online. The last 50 hours is an externship outside of the school.
The student is placed in a veterinary practice, mobile grooming van, salon or in a house call grooming environment.
This program can be completed in as less than 8 months as a full-time student and as less than 9 months as a part-time student.
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Every student, prior to externship, is tested for competency in four areas. There are different techniques used in the learning process. It is subjective and the school utilizes certain parameters. There are many different shapes and sizes to the purebred and mixed breed dogs.
Program will include learning:
- Customer Relations
- Ear Cleaning
- Nail Cutting
- Pad cleaning
- Private Area Cleaning
- Rough Clip Training
- Brushing and Combing
- Pet Bathing
- Pet Drying & Fluff Drying
- Re-clipping
- Blending & Thinning (Finishing touch)
- Mixed Breeds
- Terrier Breeds
- Drop Coat/Miscellaneous Breeds
Pet Grooming Program Course Descriptions
Professional Pet Grooming Program – 600 Clock Hours, Hybrid Delivery
Online delivery
In this course, students will understand the fundamentals of bone structure, bathing, products, prep process and dematting of pets. Students will also understand and be able to identify different breeds as well as identifying and using tools and equipment used for grooming. Students will also understand proper procedures on handling of pet for grooming which includes canines and felines. Students will also understand the numerous avenues graduates can aspire in the grooming profession to include mobile grooming, house call grooming, salon grooming, super stores and subleasing spaces for independent grooming.
Residential delivery
In this course, students will have numerous opportunities to practice on live dogs as well as model dogs to gain experience in properly handling of pets, performing grooming services and interaction with customers. Students will learn to perform all aspects of grooming including; customer relations, ear cleaning, nail cutting, pad cleaning, private area cleaning, clippering and scissoring.
Residential delivery
In this course, students will be assigned on an off-site business location to gain on-the-job experience, whereby students can apply the grooming skills learned.
Professional Pet Grooming Program – 600 Clock Hours (VA Students), Campus
Residential delivery
In this course, students will have numerous opportunities to practice on live dogs as well as model dogs to gain experience in properly handling of pets, performing grooming services and interaction with customers. Students will learn to perform all aspects of grooming including; customer relations, ear cleaning, nail cutting, pad cleaning, private area cleaning, clippering and scissoring.
Residential delivery
In this course, students will be assigned on an off-site business location to gain on-the-job experience, whereby students can apply the grooming skills learned.
Pet Grooming Externship
The student is placed in an actual grooming “job-like” environment for the last 50 hours. The externship, which is a part of the teaching program, is a non-paid placement. This offers an on-the-job experience, whereby the student can perform the grooming skills learned; including customer relations, time management, sales techniques, etc. A proficiency report is submitted by the salon/supervisor and grade sheets are still a part of this module, including a site evaluation by the Campus director. Upon completion of 600 hours, a diploma is then awarded to the graduate.
Final Test and Completion of Course:
In order to graduate, students must be able to complete a hands-on, practical test on the specifc breeds, according to breed standards set forth by the N.D.G.A.A. (National Dog Groomer’s Association of America)
Open Door Policy for Past Students
If a student attended Merryfield Academy, graduated and/or received a “Completion Certificate” and has decided that they are not fully confident in any area, they may return to school for additional instruction at no additional charge. To learn more about our program, get access to our full catalog here.
Professional Pet Grooming Program FAQ
You’ll learn everything you need to groom dogs and cats safely and professionally. This includes bathing, brushing, drying, clipping, scissoring, nail trimming, ear cleaning, dematting, breed-specific cuts, customer service, and proper handling techniques. You’ll also learn how to recognize skin issues, spot common health problems, and keep pets comfortable throughout the grooming process.
The program can be completed in under 8 months full-time or less than 9 months part-time, giving you flexibility to train while managing work or family life.
Graduates are prepared for entry-level grooming roles in:
- Pet grooming salons
- Mobile grooming vans
- House-call grooming
- Veterinary clinics
- Pet daycares and boarding facilities
Many graduates also move on to start their own grooming businesses.
No experience is required. The program is designed for beginners and teaches you all the skills needed to become a confident, professional groomer.
Hands-on training includes working directly with dogs and cats to practice bathing, drying, brushing, trimming, scissoring, styling, handling equipment, and managing pet behavior. You’ll build your skills step-by-step with guidance from experienced instructors.
Yes. You’ll learn how to identify different breeds and understand the grooming styles and coat types for each one. This includes common cuts, specialty trims, and how coat texture affects grooming.
You’ll get training on clippers, blades, scissors, dryers, brushes, combs, rakes, nail trimmers, dematting tools, grooming tables, and safety equipment. You’ll also learn how to clean, maintain, and use each tool correctly.
Yes. The final 50 hours of the program are spent in an externship. Students are placed in real-world settings such as grooming salons, veterinary practices, mobile grooming vans, or house-call grooming services in the Fort Lauderdale area.
The standard program focuses on full grooming skills.
The expanded program adds 300 hours of training in non-anesthetic teeth scaling, dental charting, identifying dental diseases, and animal behavior related to dental work. It prepares graduates to offer an extra in-demand service in addition to grooming.
Yes. Part-time scheduling is available, and most part-time students finish the program in under 9 months.
You’ll work with both dogs and cats, including a variety of coat types, sizes, and temperaments. This helps you build confidence with many different breeds and personalities.
Yes. Safety is a major part of the program. You’ll learn animal handling, how to read pet body language, how to keep both you and the pet safe during grooming, and basic first aid skills.
Merryfield Academy offers job placement assistance, career coaching, résumé help, and connections to local grooming businesses, vet clinics, and mobile groomers. Many students receive job offers from their externship sites.
Absolutely. Many graduates go on to open mobile grooming businesses, home-based salons, or house-call grooming services. The program includes customer service and business basics to help students understand what’s needed to start and run a grooming business.
Merryfield Academy offers a balanced mix of classroom learning, hands-on grooming, online coursework, and a real externship. Students train with experienced instructors, work with a wide range of pets, and gain real grooming experience before graduation. The school’s strong ties to local grooming businesses and vet clinics also help students transition smoothly into the workforce.
