If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your love for dogs into a fulfilling and profitable career, it’s more achievable than you might think. Our City & Guilds accredited dog grooming courses have helped countless students go from aspiring groomers to successful dog grooming business owners – and you could be next.
Real stories and real successes in dog grooming
Our alumni are proof that our courses don’t just teach you how to groom dogs – they teach you how to build a future in dog grooming:
After spending most of her adult life as a bus driver, Joanne Bolton had to rethink her career due to ill health. Registered disabled and living with arthritis, she began our dog grooming training and persevered through pain and mobility challenges by making practical adjustments – today, she’s a successful self-employed dog groomer:
“I’d say to anyone wanting to do this as a career just do it! The course was excellent. It was fun. I’ve been to seminars and grooming competitions and travelled up and down the country since starting my dog grooming journey. The College of Animal Welfare has opened whole new world for me. I believe you’re in control of your future. If working with dogs is something you want to do, then pick up those clippers and get going. Live your life the way you want too!” Read Joanne’s story
Jon Wilkinson decided to leave the corporate world behind to pursue a career in dog grooming. After spending years working as a Regional Account Manager in finance, Jon left his role to begin his new journey – but just a month later, he suffered a cardiac arrest while playing football. After a month in hospital and six months of recovery, he started our dog grooming courses. He now has his own dog grooming business. Reflecting on his journey, he said:
“My biggest achievement? I guess it’s the whole thing. Completing the studying to become a qualified groomer, starting the business and attracting, building and retaining clients is all a part of rebuilding my career and if I take a step back, that’s my biggest achievement.” Read Jon’s story
For Tiffany Saywell, our dog grooming course was the perfect fit. “The part that I particularly enjoyed the most was the practical side of the course, where it was more hands-on; this built up my confidence working with the animals and also meeting the dogs’ owners. This personal touch also aided my personal client relationship skills that I have now adapted into my own business, Brite Barks.” Read Tiffiny’s story.
Danielle Floyd, owner of Meows and Growls Grooming, started with a Level 2 course and loved grooming so much that she returned for Level 3 to refine her skills and open her own salon. “CAW helped me change my life and helped me achieve my goals,” she says. Read Danielle’s comments.
And there are many more success stories – like Victoria Harwin, who shares her inspiring journey in our YouTube interview.
Why become a dog groomer?
A career in dog grooming comes with a wide range of benefits, both personal and professional:
- Be your own boss: Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of running your own dog grooming business.
- Work with dogs every day: Turn your passion for dogs into a fulfilling career.
- Build personal relationships: Connect with clients and their dogs in a meaningful way.
- Financial stability: With the rising demand for professional pet care, the potential for income growth is strong.
Start your dog grooming career today
We offer a free guide to training as a dog groomer and starting your own dog grooming business, which is perfect for anyone who wants to take that first step with confidence.
If you’re ready to start training, our dog grooming qualifications are designed to give you the practical skills, confidence, and industry know-how needed to succeed. Delivered from our fully-equipped salons in Huntingdon (Cambridgeshire)and Tingley (near Leeds), these courses combine hands-on experience with expert-led instruction in real salon environments. Plus, with intakes starting throughout the year, you can start training whenever you’re ready.
We also offer a Level 2 Dog Groomer Apprenticeship route for those who are working in a suitable dog grooming environment in England, which requires no college attendance and can be started at any time.