Are you a dog lover who loves being around all sorts of breeds? Do you have good organizational skills or think that you’ve got the spunk to own an incredibly lucrative business? Grooming dogs may be just the sort of business you need to be in. The average gross income of dog groomers is $50,000-$150,000 per year. Now that’s pretty good income for most people. And remember, small business owners can deduct most of the costs associated with their businesses from their income taxes. This is almost a no-brainer. But throw in the fact that learning to be qualified to open a shop and start taking customers costs much less than many other career education courses and takes less time. Plus, some dog grooming schools offer courses entirely online through DVD and CD tapes, so that’s a plus too. It may take up to $15,000 to learn massage therapy and take two years or even longer in some states–not so with dog grooming.
JKL Grooming is a totally online company that teaches through CDs and DVDs. They are charging $854 for the CD format and 9 DVDs and other formats cost even less. You make the choice. In order for a diploma to be issued, everyone has to take tests online and performance proof of practical grooming by practicum photo submission of “prescribed grooming subjects.” Tests and examination are taken online and can only be repeated once in the event of an initial failing grade. They also have some helpful links for grooming photos, grooming chart and business cards templates. There’s a lot of personal help on this web site. Once in the workplace, groomers can earn awards and recognition from local and state associations by entering into competition. This will increase their earnings. JKL Grooming does not license groomers. None of the grooming schools do. It’s always up to the people completing these courses, offline or on, to attract, maintain and build their client base.
Basics and Beyond is another online provider of grooming training. Much like JKL, this site. They charge $440 total, plus any extras that people want to order from them, including additional books. Their requirements are almost identical with JKL’s and they also require photos to be submitted for final diploma. They are registered with Dunn and Bradstreet and a member of the Better Business Bureau. They take all major credit cards and will students to pay in installments too. It’s a very interesting site and worth a consideration.
The Texas All Breed Grooming School is a local option for Texans would be dog roomers who don’t feel comfortable taking their course online. Located in Arlington, TX, between Dallas and Ft. Worth, it is a member of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Better business Bureau. All the equipment and tubs are in one building and each student has his or her own grooming table. Theirs is a 12-week course of instruction, hands-on training in grooming techniques and dog biology, psychology and breed recognition. The total cost for training, materials, and lab fees is presently $4,685 but you should give them a call to see if their prices have changed. They only have 12 students at any one time, so you can arrange to start when there is room and according to your and their schedules. They require a doctor’s statement of good health and a personality that is not afraid of dogs.
1003 Enterprise Place, Suite 100
Arlington, Texas 76001-7141
Phone: (817) 472-7054
Petite Pooch is a dog grooming business on its own, as well as being a school for training future pet groomers. The Texas Workforce Commission Career Schools and Veterans Education has certified this school. Theirs is an 11-week course that requires a $1,000 deposit 30 days before beginning a session. They offer four sessions per year. Call them for more information and to confirm total costs for completion of the course work.
Carrollton (972) 417-7100 Farmers Branch (972) 241-2500
Petite Pooch Chateau
Dog Grooming Academy
2741 E. Beltline #105
Carrollton, TX 75006
