by Stephenie Calhoun
n the world of dog grooming, there are many ways to embark on the journey to this rewarding career. The unregulated nature of our industry offers flexibility—whether you’re self-taught, trained on the job or educated at a formal school. This openness is beneficial, allowing individuals from all financial backgrounds to pursue their passion for grooming. However, it also brings challenges, particularly regarding the quality and standards of education.With so many learning options available, each comes with its own set of pros and cons. Self-learning can leave gaps in knowledge, making it hard to prepare for every scenario. Learning from another groomer might lack comprehensive training in sanitation, anatomy or communication with clients. Attending a grooming school seems like the most complete option—aside from the cost. But not all grooming schools are created equal, and this brings us to the heart of our discussion.
Each state has slightly different processes, but most define a private trade or post-secondary school as follows: “A privately owned institution that teaches a skilled career, which the average person would not be able to acquire without training, and charges for that training.” This means individuals who provide on-the-job training, private lessons or continuing education classes are typically not required to go through these approval programs. However, there are some state-specific exceptions.
Approval programs exist to protect students and ensure schools deliver on their promises. Unfortunately, some schools are more interested in taking money than providing a proper education. To prevent this, most approval programs require schools to:
- Submit their curriculum, catalog and advertising materials.
- Provide floor plans for their facility.
- Complete background checks for all involved personnel.
- Demonstrate financial stability, often through a “surety bond,” which acts as insurance to refund students if the school closes unexpectedly.
- Adhere to rules for record-keeping and refund policies.
These measures primarily protect students, but they also safeguard schools by ensuring transparency and reducing the risk of disputes.
Many people assume that since the grooming industry is unregulated, schools are also unregulated. However, in all of the lower 48 states, grooming schools technically fall under some form of regulation.
Compliance, on the other hand, demonstrates professionalism and commitment to quality education. It ensures a safe, ethical environment for students and helps schools avoid legal troubles while building trust with their communities.
I nearly opened my school without approval, even after hours of research and phone calls. As someone who struggles with reading due to being neurodivergent, navigating outdated and confusing websites made the process even harder. I share this to emphasize that if you feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
- Research Your State’s Requirements: Use the resources provided in this article to locate your state’s approval program and gather initial details.
- Contact the Agency: Reach out to confirm the process and requirements. Don’t hesitate to ask questions for clarity.
- Prepare Your Application: Compile your curriculum, advertising materials, facility plans and other required documents.
- Understand Financial Obligations: Be prepared for fees such as application costs, annual renewals and surety bonds.
- Stay Informed: Join mailing lists or check regularly for updates to state rules and regulations.
Navigating approval programs might seem daunting, but it’s a vital step in building a reputable grooming school and raising the standards of education in our industry. By understanding and complying with these requirements, we can protect students, strengthen our businesses and improve the grooming profession as a whole.
Remember, you’re not alone in this process. Resources and support are available to guide you. Whether you’re just starting or looking to ensure compliance for an existing school, taking these steps is a powerful move toward fostering trust, transparency and excellence in pet grooming education.