Dog grooming diploma
Professional Pet Grooming Certificate / Diploma
Facts checked 7 September 2026
Report a mistake·How we check facts
Part of the route toDog Groomer·Certificate
An intensive hands-on practical academy curriculum teaching canine coat care, breed styling, safe bathing, and commercial salon equipment.
Ways to get this paid for
Government money that can cover this course. Check who qualifies before you pay.
Free adult upgrading
FreeGrade 11 and 12 courses and English classes are free at public colleges and school districts. This covers the Grade 11 and 12 prerequisite courses, not the program itself.
WorkBC training funding
Up to $7,500 tuitionIf you are out of work or underemployed, a WorkBC case manager can approve and pay for this training. Get approval before you pay.
Canada Training Credit
Half your tuition back, up to $5,000 in your lifeNot yet verifiedFederal tax credit. $250 a year builds up from age 26. Claim it on your tax return.
THE ROUTE
How this program works, step by step
Grade 11 to the job. Open any step to see what is inside.
The route (8 steps)
For the best view, open the map full screen.
STEP BY STEP
Step by step
The same route as the map, as a list.
Step 1 of 8
Grade 11
⏱ 1 school year- General BC secondary school curriculum and coursework at the Grade 11 level.
Step 2 of 8
Grade 12
⏱ 1 school year- General high school graduation (BC Dogwood Diploma) or equivalent mature student status.
Step 3 of 8
What you need to get in
- Minimum 18 years of age or Grade 12 completion
- Physical ability to handle, lift, and restrain small and large dogs safely
Step 4 of 8
How to apply
- Apply directly to an accredited private pet styling academy such as Western Dog Grooming School
- Multiple cohort start dates offered throughout the year with small student-to-instructor ratios
- Tuition: Not published
Step 5 of 8
Dog grooming diploma
⏱ 8 to 12 weeks- 300 to 450 hours of intensive hands-on practical salon training with live dogs
- Bathing, shampoo selection, dematting, and high-velocity dryer blow-out techniques
- Clipper blade maintenance, electric shear techniques, and precision hand-scissoring
- Breed-specific standard cuts (e.g. Poodles, Schnauzers, Terriers) and pet owner custom trims
- Sanitary trimming, nail clipping, dremel grinding, ear cleaning, and skin abnormality identification
- Canine body language, stress signal recognition, and low-stress handling methods
Step 6 of 8
Where to take it
⏱ 1 school in BC- Western Dog Grooming School — 8–12 weeks (Tuition not yet verified)
Step 7 of 8
Exams and registration after
- Academy practical styling assessments and timed grooming evaluations on varied dog breeds
- No provincial government licensing exam (dog grooming is completely unregulated in British Columbia)
Step 8 of 8
Leads to: Dog Groomer
- Explore Dog Groomer wages, job outlook, and career pathways
SCHOOLS
Where you can take this(1 school)
Compare tuitions, campus locations, and delivery formats across approved institutions in British Columbia.
We have not checked this school's tuition yet. See the school's page.