NEW: Now Available with an In-Person Externship!
Become a Certified Professional Dog Groomer
International Dog Grooming Professional™ | IDGP™
There's never been a better time to start a career as a professional dog groomer. Across the country, grooming salons and pet stylists have waiting lists—or are turning away new clients entirely. It's the perfect opportunity to launch a rewarding and in-demand career you'll love. Get your International Dog Groomer Certification with QC's comprehensive online training—now with two ways to train:
Dog Grooming Online Track
Get professional, self-paced online training with personalized feedback from your grooming mentor with the online-only track. Master hands-on grooming skills from the comfort of home, with guidance from a pro groomer every step of the way. Perfect for aspiring groomers looking for comprehensive online training that's flexible and affordable.
NEW: Dog Grooming Externship Track
Get all the perks of our Dog Grooming Course PLUS extra practice with a hands-on externship placement at a professional grooming salon. Complete the online track of your course and start your externship placement working alongside experienced groomers. You'll build your confidence and graduate with valuable industry connections.
No matter which option you choose, you'll graduate with the knowledge, skills, and certification you need to succeed in the growing dog grooming industry.
Are you ready to start your amazing new career?
Tuition & Payment Plans
Select a track and payment plan that best suits your budget.
Prices are listed in US dollars.
Why Choose QC?
Get Your Professional-Grade 36-Piece Grooming Kit
When you enroll, you'll receive dog grooming tools to help you complete your studies and start your career. This kit includes cordless WAHL clippers and combs, three grooming scissors, an assortment of brushes and combs, and more!
Learn with One-on-One Mentorship
Just because you're learning online doesn't mean you're learning alone. You'll receive personalized audio feedback from your grooming mentor throughout your course.
Enjoy Lifetime Access to Your Course
You'll have lifetime access to all the tools and resources available to QC students. This includes course materials, business templates and discounts on industry products!
Payment Plans that Work for You
QC offers flexible payment options and affordable tuition so you can focus on mastering your dog grooming skills and launching your career.
Your International Dog Grooming Professional Certification
Once you graduate from your online dog grooming course, you'll receive a certification and be able to use the designation of International Dog Grooming Professional (IDGP).
This certification demonstrates that you have successfully completed professional training and that you possess all the skills and knowledge required to safely handle dogs and deliver top-notch, professional grooms.
If you complete the Externship Track, you'll also receive an additional certificate of completion recognizing your additional hands-on training and real-world salon experience!
Hear From Students and Grads
QC Pet Studies is proud to have amazing students and grads pursuing their dream careers in the pet industry. Here are some of their success stories!
“QC Pet Studies allowed me to pursue my dream while at home. I learned a lot of new skills and techniques. My tutor was great and very knowledgeable. The course material was very detailed as well and easy to learn from despite it being all virtual. I would recommend it to everyone.”
“The Dog Grooming and First Aid courses are fantastic. I learned so much from Lisa and Paddy. I've officially started my own business, Sparkling Dog Grooming. I've constructed an entire professional grooming studio in my basement and have started building a very nice client list.”
“The Dog Grooming course was extremely helpful. The video tutorials were very well done, and they made learning to groom a dog very clear. The tutor's notes were also very helpful. I feel very confident in my skills after finishing the course and starting my career.”
“The tutors were very well-spoken and gave great instructions. There was never a time when I was confused. The hands-on videos had lots of visual content and showed you just about everything you needed to know for your assignments.”
“I was concerned about how much one could actually learn about a hands-on profession online; however, as I got further in and watched the videos, I saw how in-depth they are and how they really take the time to show you the skills you need to know to complete the course.”
“Overall it was a great experience. I loved how it was all online and all at my own pace. Having the option to do it whenever I can and leaving it for a couple of days if I was busy was a blessing. I worked a full time job while taking this course and it was definitely easier to juggle everything with it being online. Would definitely recommend to others!”
Course Outline
The Dog Grooming Course is split into 5 parts, each containing individual training units.
The first units in this course will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of dog grooming. In these units, you'll cover health and safety, basic dog anatomy, skincare, behavior, the tools of the trade and more.
While you complete these units we recommended that you start considering your grooming workspace so that you are prepared for the practical assignments later in the course. Unit C will be particularly helpful in selecting appropriate tools, equipment and products.
It is also recommended that you start seeking out dog owners who are willing to let you use their dogs in practical assignments later in the course.
In order to provide you with the resources to learn your craft safely, your grooming course also comes with complimentary training on dog first aid. You'll learn about emergency situations that may occur in a grooming environment so that you'll be prepared to respond calmly and effectively in any emergency.
Once you understand the basics of dog grooming and dog first aid, you will move on to units that teach you the hands-on skills involved preparing for a groom. In these units, you'll cover essential tasks, including nail trimming, ear cleaning, brushing, de-matting, bathing, and drying. You'll study coat types and learn how to work with different dog breeds to keep each and every dog looking and feeling their best. You'll complete a number of basic practical assignments that will prepare you to start your practicum.
Dog grooming as a profession requires a lot of background knowledge, but ultimately your success will depend on your ability to safely and skillfully groom dogs. You'll learn to complete the most popular pet cuts and advanced breed styles through a series of detailed instructional videos with certified Master Groomers.
You'll complete practicum units designed to help you hone your technique and receive feedback on these essential skills. The units within the practicum involve practical assignments that draw on the content you've mastered throughout the course.
(Optional Unit)
After completing your practicum you can choose to complete the optional Business Essentials unit. This unit will help you develop the skills you need to run your own successful dog grooming business, from building your brand to constructing a business plan to setting your prices.
If you choose the Externship Track, you'll be matched with a professional grooming salon in your area once you've completed the online portion of your course and paid your fees. Spend 80 hours working alongside an experienced groomer, honing your skills in a real salon environment, and gaining valuable industry insight as you complete your unpaid externship. Track your hours, receive mentorship and feedback from your host, and graduate with a certificate that showcases both your knowledge and hands-on experience.
As an Externship Track student, you'll also earn an additional professional certificate showcasing your advanced training and hands-on experience.
Note: Students who choose the Online Track will graduate with their International Dog Grooming Professional™ (IDGP) Certification upon completing the course.
Meet Your Grooming Mentors
When you enroll with QC Pet Studies, you'll be paired with an expert grooming mentor who will review your work and provide detailed audio feedback on each assignment. With decades of industry experience, your mentor will offer valuable advice to help you succeed and improve as you progress through the course.
Mari Kusanagi
Second-Generation Groomer
20+ Years of Experience
Mari Kusanagi is a second-generation dog groomer with over 20 years of experience. She combines her deep-rooted passion for animal care with expert grooming techniques. With a background in animal hospitals and a commitment to fear-free grooming, Mari creates a safe, compassionate space for pets. She enjoys guiding pet parents on at-home care, helping them deepen their connection with their pets.
Lisa Day
Certified Master Groomer
40+ Years of Experience
Known for her expertise and dedication to pet care, Lisa carries the prestigious titles of International Certified Master Groomer (ICMG) and Certified Master Groomer (CMG), not to mention she's a top-notch Evaluator with Canadian Professional Pet Stylists (CPPS). Lisa strives to create a positive and trusting atmosphere for both pets and their owners.
Paddy Gaffney
Certified Master Groomer
20+ Years of Experience
Paddy Gaffney is a skilled dog groomer based in Ottawa, known for her expertise in grooming various breeds, particularly Poodles, Poodle mixes, and Samoyeds. As a certified Master Groomer, salon owner and certifier for Canadian Professional Pet Stylists, Paddy is passionate about sharing her skills and experience to train up-and-coming groomers. She is recognized for her dedication to maintaining high standards in grooming and pet care.
Access an Exclusive Virtual Community Where Creativity Thrives
Become a member of QC's supportive Virtual Community where pet care enthusiasts and professionals connect with mentors, share insights, and grow together. Tap into free webinars where top pet care experts reveal industry secrets, and participate in engaging discussions on everything from your latest training to your next career move. We're here to inspire and enhance your journey in the pet care field.
Join us in shaping the future of pet care.
QC Pet Studies' Guarantees
QC means Quality of Course, and we stand behind that promise. That's why QC Pet Studies offers a money-back guarantee.
The 21-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Try the course risk-free for 21 days. This gives you time to receive your course materials and evaluate whether the course is right for you. If you decide it's not a good fit, simply contact QC and request a refund. It's that easy!
The 1-Year Money-Back Guarantee
Your online course will pay for itself within one year. That's a promise. If, after one year of receiving your certificate of completion, you haven't earned the equivalent of your tuition fees in your professional salary, your course tuition will be refunded in full. All you have to do is provide proof that you've made a reasonable effort to find work as a dog groomer.
Questions about the guarantees ? Contact Us