Course Overview
Awarded by City & Guilds, this qualification is aimed at those who are looking to train as a dog groomer. Working with qualified groomers in the our fully equipped dog grooming suites, the emphasis placed upon practical training throughout the course gives learners the knowledge, skills and experience needed to stand out in an increasingly competitive job market and progress within the industry.
Practical training will be supported by online learning. All course materials will be provided via our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Key Facts
Location: This programme is run at our Huntingdon (Cambridgeshire) and Leeds (West Yorkshire) centres.
Duration: Approximately 6 months (six days of Live Online lessons, followed by 19 practical days in College).
Start dates:
- Wednesday 9 September 2026
- Thursday 7 January 2027
- Tuesday 6 April 2027
Your theory lessons will take place on a day release basis on the days of the week above. You will then discuss at your pre course discussion which day/s of the week you will come into centre for your practical days.
For those who would like to complete their course quicker than six months, we offer bespoke, condensed formats, where you can come into College for more than one day a week to shorten the length of the programme, depending on your experience.
Interested in training as a dog groomer and starting your own business? Download our FREE guide to find out how!
NEW: July is Dog Grooming Awareness Month. Find out more ➜
Course Content
Online theory learning will be complemented by practical training throughout the programme, giving trainee dog groomers the opportunity to gain confidence using professional dog grooming equipment to undertake a range of bathing and grooming techniques. Over the course of the qualification, you will cover how to:
- Prepare dogs for grooming
- Bath dogs
- Dry dogs for styling
- Trim and prepare dogs for styling
- Move and lift dogs
- Clean the grooming environment
- Understand professional practice
- Identify breed characteristics and behaviour
Assessment
You will undertake written and practical assessments, as well as an online examination.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal academic requirements. We welcome applications from anyone who has a passion for working with dogs and can demonstrate a genuine desire to join the dog grooming industry.
All applicants are invited to attend a pre course interview where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your suitability for the programme.
Find out more about how to strengthen your application
Please note that if you are under 18 years of age you are required, by law in England, to either stay in full-time education, undertake an apprenticeship, or spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering while in part-time education or training. If applying to undertake this course under the age of 18 please ensure that you are still complying with one of these options.
Please note: As our courses include online learning components, students are required to have access to a PC or laptop with a reliable internet connection.
Course Fees
Course Fees
£1,995
Awarding Body Fees*: £153
* these are payable by all students or employers and are recharged at cost and subject to change.
Course fees must be paid in full before the beginning of the course. A loan scheme is available, details can be found below.
CAW Loans2Learn Scheme
The CAW Loans2Learn scheme is a personal loan that can help you to spread the cost of your course into manageable payments over a period of up to 5 years. The loan can be used to fully or partially cover your course fees (but does not cover any awarding body fees, such as enrolment and examination fees). More information can be found here.
LOAN CALCULATOR
The current rate of interest for a CAW Loans2Learn is 9%. Click on the calculator icon to calculate your monthly repayment options based on different repayment term lengths.
Sources of financial help can be found on our student finance page, including details of the City & Guilds Bursary programme. Before making any financial decision it is recommended that you seek advice from an independent source, for example the Money Advice Service.
If you have not achieved your qualification by the planned end date detailed in your individual learning plan, continued support and course access is available by paying monthly direct debit payments, or applying for a supplementary or increased loan, until certification is achieved.
These are current figures and may be subject to change. The differences in course fees reflect the level of funding that is available as a result of government policies and priorities. These may be as a result of age, employment status, previous education achievements, or location for example, and are outside the control of The College of Animal Welfare.
What Next?
Completion of this course should give you the skills and knowledge needed to be able to apply for the City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming therefore you may wish to consider pursuing further training with us.
You could also choose to study our brand new Level 3 Award in Preventative Canine Dental Care and Oral Hygiene! This course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to incorporate preventative canine dental care and oral hygiene into your role as an animal care or dog grooming professional.
Alternatively, you could look for employment working in the dog grooming sector to gain further experience, if you are not already doing so. You can take a look at the dog grooming jobs advertised on our job board here.
You can further develop your skills by attending dog grooming workshops, demonstrations and events such as Dog Grooming Congress.
If you’d like more information about the opportunities that our dog grooming courses could give you professionally, you can visit our career profile for Dog Groomers.
You may wish to participate in Dog Grooming Awareness Month, a campaign held each July to celebrate the dog grooming profession and raise awareness of the important role dog groomers play in the health and welfare of dogs.
