Dog Grooming

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Welcome to Dog Grooming at Capel Manor College

Welcome to Capel Manor College from Lizzie Smith, Team Leader of Dog Grooming.

Hello and congratulations on your offer to study with us.

I am delighted you have chosen to join our dog grooming department at Capel Manor College.

If you love working with dogs and are interested in a practical career where every day is different, you have chosen an exciting and rewarding course. Whether you are just starting your journey or already have experience with dogs, we will help you develop the practical skills, professional knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in the dog grooming industry.

Based at our Enfield Campus, you will learn in our professional grooming salon, working with a wide variety of breeds and coat types while being supported by experienced tutors who have extensive industry experience.

Alongside your dog grooming qualification, you will also have opportunities to develop the wider skills needed to work successfully within the pet care industry, helping prepare you for employment or even running your own business in the future.

We are looking forward to welcoming you and helping you begin your journey into this rewarding profession.

Dog Grooming Student in Dog Grooming Salon with a Dog

During your studies you will benefit from:

  • Practical dog grooming sessions
  • Dog handling and welfare training
  • Industry-standard grooming equipment and facilities
  • Development of professional salon skills
  • Support from experienced tutors
  • Opportunities to progress into higher-level study and careers within the industry
  • Pet first aid training
  • Development of customer service and communication skills
  • Learning how to run your own successful business

Preparing for study

There is no formal summer work before you start. However, if you would like to prepare, here are a few ideas:

Learn about dogs

Different dog breeds
Coat types
Dog behaviour
Health and welfare
The role of professional groomers

Watch

Follow professional grooming salons online and watch videos demonstrating grooming techniques, salon routines and breed styling.

Gain experience
If you have opportunities to spend time around dogs, whether walking family pets, volunteering or observing professional groomers, it can help build your confidence. However, previous experience isn't essential. Enthusiasm, patience and a willingness to learn are the most important qualities you can bring.

Meet the team

Elaine Watson

Elizabeth Smith

Charlotte Green

Leanne Huggins

Rebecca Pocock

Leona Wright

Dog grooming FAQs

No. Many of our students start with little or no previous dog grooming experience. If you enjoy working with animals and are keen to learn, we will teach you everything you need to know throughout your course.

Yes. You will gain valuable practical experience working with a wide variety of dogs within our professional grooming salon.

As your confidence grows, you will gradually take on more responsibility while always working under the guidance of experienced tutors and following high standards of animal welfare.

Depending on your programme, you will work towards a nationally recognised City & Guilds Level 2 or Level 3 dog grooming qualification.

You will also have opportunities to complete additional qualifications such as pet first aid and professional dog walking, helping you develop a wider range of industry skills.

Many of our students progress into:

  • Professional dog grooming salons
  • Self-employment
  • Mobile dog grooming businesses
  • Pet care businesses
  • Higher-level qualifications
  • Other careers within the animal care industry

The additional industry qualifications you gain can also help you broaden the services you offer to future clients.

Dog grooming is a practical course, so you will need clothing that is suitable for working in a professional salon.

Before you start you will need:

  • Dog grooming tunic (details will be provided before enrolment)
  • Comfortable, supportive closed-toe footwear
  • Notebook and pens
  • A laptop or suitable device for coursework and independent study

We also strongly recommend that your tetanus vaccination is up to date before starting practical sessions.

Do not worry if you do not have everything before your first day as we will explain all uniform and equipment requirements during induction.

At Capel Manor College you will learn in a specialist grooming salon from experienced tutors who have worked in the industry.

Alongside developing excellent grooming skills, you will also learn about customer care, business skills and additional services such as pet first aid and dog walking, helping prepare you for a successful career in the growing pet care sector.

Have questions?

Speak to our Admissions team via live chat from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday or email admissions@capel.ac.uk.