When people consider changing careers, their biggest hesitation usually comes down to time and format: Is it actually possible to learn a hands-on trade like dog grooming online? Can I do it without quitting my job? And where can that training take me?
Graduate Spotlight
Casey Bechard
To answer those questions, we sat down with Casey Bechard—a QC Pet Studies Dog Grooming graduate who completed her certification in three months while working 40 hours a week. Today, Casey runs her own grooming business, Grooms by Casey, and serves as an online tutor for current QC students. Here is her real-world look at how online grooming education opens doors in the pet industry.
From Vet Clinic Assistant to Business Owner and QC Tutor
Before enrolling at QC Pet Studies, Casey was already working in the animal care industry as a kennel and vet tech assistant, and later as a dog daycare supervisor. While she loved working with animals, she felt ready to pivot toward a more specialized, hands-on path. She knew she needed formal training to gain confidence on the salon floor—and when the facility where she worked urgently needed a groomer, she saw her opportunity.
However, quitting her full-time job to attend an in-person grooming school wasn’t an option.
“I didn't have to take time off work. I could do my schooling alongside my job, and it was the best setup for me.”
Casey BechardQC Pet Studies Grad
Ready to start your own path in pet care?
Check out our How To Become a Dog Groomer: Your Step-By-Step Career Guide to learn about training options, earnings, and essential equipment!
Casey enrolled in the QC Pet Studies Dog Grooming Course, finished her certification in three months, and began grooming professionally in 2018. Over the years, she built her own brand, Grooms by Casey, and eventually brought her journey full circle by joining QC Pet Studies as an online tutor. Today, she balances running her business, teaching future groomers, and raising two young children.
The Full-Time Balance
How Online Self-Paced Learning Works in Practice
The biggest advantage of an online grooming program is flexibility—but flexibility requires a simple system. Casey worked eight hours a day in dog daycare while earning her certification. Rather than cramming on weekends, she built a small, manageable daily routine.
“I was working full time 8 hours a day, but I was determined to start grooming as soon as possible because the place I worked at was in need of a groomer at the time. I usually carved out an hour of study time a day. I just made it a priority to do it at least once a day between also having time for family and friends.”
Casey BechardQC Pet Studies Grad
Casey’s Advice for Managing Online Coursework:
- Block Off Dedicated Time: Set a certain time and day of the week that you focus on school. I find if you have a certain time scheduled, you’re more likely to do it.
- Consistency Over Length: Studying 60 minutes a day keeps momentum high without causing burnout alongside a 40-hour work week.
Hands-On Practice at Home
How Online Students Master Physical Skills
A common misconception about online grooming certification is that students are left to figure out the hands-on mechanics on their own. In reality, QC’s online training pairs comprehensive digital guides and step-by-step videos with direct mentor evaluation.
When Casey started her initial grooming assignments, she kept her course notes directly at her grooming table:
“I really focused on the course materials for my first couple grooms. I had my course notes with me. I got lots of feedback on my breed standard grooms which I took into each groom for a while.”
Casey BechardQC Pet Studies Grad
How Online Grooming Feedback Works:
- Step-by-Step Study: Students learn proper coat preparation, handling, and scissor techniques through lessons and video demonstrations
- Practical Application: Students practice techniques on dogs while following safety protocols.
- Tutor Reviews: Students submit assignments and videos to an industry expert who provides detailed, constructive critiques to help them grow their skills and confidence.
What to Expect on the Job as a Groomer
First-Day Realities and Physical Demands
Completing an online program gives students the theoretical backbone and practical groundwork needed to enter a professional salon. When Casey transitioned to grooming full-time after graduating in 2018, having spent time observing experienced groomers alongside her studies helped ease her first-day nerves.
“Of course I was nervous, but I have had lots of time to watch other groomers at my shop so I felt prepared enough to start on my own.”
Casey BechardQC Pet Studies Grad
She also emphasizes that prospective students should prepare for the active, physical nature of the trade:
“Every day as a groomer is different and it’s a very physical job!”
Casey BechardQC Pet Studies Grad
From handling energetic dogs of varying sizes to spending hours on your feet, the online curriculum equips students with safe ergonomics and handling techniques so they can manage the daily demands of salon life safely.
From QC Student to Business Owner:
Launching Grooms by Casey
After gaining real-world salon experience and refining her speed and technique, Casey took the next major step in her career: launching her own brand, Grooms by Casey.
When she first started grooming, building up speed and efficiency took time—a full haircut for a breed like a Shih Tzu originally took close to 3 hours, but with practice, she brought that time down to roughly an hour. Over time, as her skills sharpened, her client capacity and income grew significantly alongside her experience.
By the Numbers: Casey’s Career & Income Growth
Weekly Client Capacity
Increased from ~10 dogs per week at the start to 20 dogs per week.
Grooming
Speed
Reduced full haircut times (e.g., Shih Tzu) from 3 hours down to ~1 hour.
Annual Earnings Growth
Doubled her yearly income from $30,000 in her first year to $60,000 today while working a flexible schedule.
Establishing her own business allowed her to transition into part-time grooming, giving her the freedom to set her own schedule, build a loyal base of recurring clients, and spend more quality time at home with her two children.
Her experience launching Grooms by Casey demonstrates one of the greatest benefits of a dog grooming certification: career autonomy. Whether you want to work full-time in a high-volume salon, run a mobile grooming unit, or build a flexible, independent business on your own terms, formal training gives you the foundational tools to make it happen.
Planning to set your own salon rates or start a solo business? Read our Dog Grooming Prices Complete Cost Guide to learn standard pricing strategies for professional groomers.
Inside the Tutor’s Desk
How to Be Successful in Your Dog Grooming Course
Now that Casey sits on the tutor side of QC Pet Studies, her experience as both a former student and an independent business owner gives her a unique perspective when reviewing assignments from across the country.
“It definitely feels like a full circle moment. I’m very grateful the school has allowed me to help other students and that they trust me in my knowledge of this industry.”
Casey BechardQC Pet Studies Grad
Having completed the program while working full-time herself, Casey knows where online students excel—and where they tend to rush.
Casey’s Top Tips for Current QC Students:
- Don’t Rush the Theory Take time to read every question in your unit assignments thoroughly before submitting.
- Focus on the Details: Pay close attention to breed-standard specifics in your textbook before submitting photos of your grooms.
- Lean on Your Tutor Remember that your tutor is an experienced professional who wants to see you succeed on the salon floor and in your future career.
A Flexible Career Built Around What Matters Most
For Casey, earning her grooming certification online wasn’t just about changing jobs—it was about creating a career that fits her life as a mother, business owner, and animal lover.
“I spend a lot of time with pups and talking about them! I work part time as a groomer and tutor. I’m very busy at home as well with 2 kids, but I think my most fulfilling part is just being able to help dogs and future students.”
Casey BechardQC Pet Studies Grad
Exploring different career paths in animal care? Browse our guide on 33 High-Paying Jobs Working With Dogs to discover how grooming compares to other rewarding roles!
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Grooming School
How do online dog grooming assignments work?
Students learn online through a combination of lessons and step-by-step videos, then apply what they’ve learned by grooming dogs in real life. You submit written assignments and videos of your work, which an expert tutor evaluates against industry standards to provide personalized feedback.
Can you start your own grooming business with an online certificate?
Yes. Many graduates go on to launch independent businesses like mobile grooming vans, home-based salons, or private storefronts (such as Grooms by Casey). Formal certification builds immediate trust with pet owners and equips you with foundational knowledge in sanitation, breed cuts, and canine handling.
How long do you have to complete an online grooming course?
Online courses are self-paced. While dedicated students like Casey can graduate in as little as 3 months by studying an hour a day, you can adjust your pace around work, family, and personal commitments. Our average student takes around 6 months for completion.
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