Thank you to our former dog grooming student, Joanne Bolton, for talking to us about changing her career, and being so determined to qualify as a dog groomer despite her physical disabilities. We are so proud of you Joanne and all that you have achieved!
I did the level 2 and 3 dog grooming at Leeds and absolutely loved it! I learnt lots on the level 3 thanks to my tutors, Helen and Ellen, they were very attentive and explained things well!
I spent most of my adult life as a bus driver until in my 50s. Due to bad health I left driving and had to think of something else to do. I’m registered as disabled and suffer from arthritis in my feet, knees, hips and hands.
I started the level 2 course as a hobby. I found the mobility side very difficult but persevered as I’d paid for the course, and I was really enjoying it! I discovered I could make adjustments and groom sitting down.
It felt like a huge achievement completing level 2 and as a reward I bought myself a toy poodle puppy. So then I needed to learn to groom him properly! I bought myself a table and basic second-hand equipment from Facebook and set up a workspace in my garage. Soon friends were bringing me their dogs, then friends of friends. I began to think maybe I can actually do this.
I’m not going to lie. I struggled most days with my mobility and pain but I enrolled on level 3. By the time I completed level 3 I had improved my workspace and made a little salon in my garage. I’ve now registered as self-employed. I’m picky about the dogs I groom. I only groom small dogs. I don’t work full-time. I don’t think I ever will again, but I have achieved so much and my self-esteem and self-worth has massively improved. I’m earning my own money again and enjoying every moment! Being self-employed gives me opportunity to groom the dogs I want too and work the hours that suit me.
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!
Interested in studying to become a dog groomer? Check out our City & Guilds dog grooming courses.