Aug 25, 2025  
Workforce Training Programs 
    
Workforce Training Programs

Dog Grooming Certificate


The Dog Grooming Certificate program prepares individuals for entry-level employment in professional pet grooming. Through hands-on instruction, students will learn breed-specific grooming techniques, customer service practices, and basic animal handling skills. This course aligns with foundational standards for grooming certification and may support eligibility for the AKC S.A.F.E. Grooming Certification upon completion.

Award Type:


Certificate of Completion from Iowa Western Community College & AKC Professional Grooming Certification

Learning Outcomes:


  • Demonstrate grooming techniques for a variety of dog breeds
  • Safely handle animals in a grooming environment

  • Perform bathing, brushing, drying, and nail trimming

  • Apply sanitation and safety protocols in grooming facilities

 

Educational Objective:


Vocational - Prepares students for employment in pet grooming salons and related services

Tuition:


$4,500.00

Included Costs:

  • Grooming Kit: $1,500.00

  • Testing Fee (AKC-PGC exam): $75.00

 

Length of Course:


180 contact hours & hybrid

Course Outline:


  • Weeks 1-2: Canine Anatomy, Skin & Coat Health - 10 hours
  • Weeks 3-4: Grooming Equipment, Tools & Safety - 10 hours

  • Weeks 5-6: Breed Identification & Styling Standards - 10 hours

  • Weeks 7-8: Sanitation & Infection Control - 10 hours

  • Weeks 9-10: Business Practices & Customer Service - 10 hours

  • Weeks 11-14: Hands-On Grooming in Salon - 120 hours

  • Throughout: Final Exam & AKC-PGC Prep - 10 hours

 

Admission Requirements:


  • Age 16 or older
  • Basic computer literacy

  • Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods

 

Attendance Requirements:


  • 90% attendance required
  • Excused absences with documentation must be made up before program end

  • Unexcused absences or repeated tardiness may result in dismissal

  • Students must maintain satisfactory academic and skills progress

 

Instructor Qualification:


Instructor is registered, certified, or licensed in the occupational area in which the state requires registration, certification or licensure for the occupational area in which the instructor is teaching.