How Long Does It Take to Become a Dog Groomer?

How long does it take to become a dog groomer? That’s exactly what we’re here today to find out! So, if you’re a dog lover who’s been playing with the idea of pursuing professional grooming as a career, you’ll want to stick around.

Keep reading to find out how long it takes to become a dog groomer!

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Table of Contents

So, How Long Does it Takes to Become a Dog Groomer?

There are two ways I can answer this question for you: the long way and the short way.

The Short Way

Let’s begin with the short way.

The amount of time it takes to become a professional dog groomer can vary, but typically it takes between 6 months and a year to complete the necessary training. Of course, this all depends on how quickly you learn and if you have any prior experience in the pet care industry.

The Long Way

The longer way to answer the question, “How long does it take to become a dog groomer?”, depends on the type of training you choose to get. There are 4 routes you can pursue:

Self-training/learning
Apprenticeships
In-personal dog grooming classes
Online dog grooming courses

So, let’s break each one down individually…

Pro Tip: Discover the PROS and CONS of becoming a professional dog groomer!

Option #1. Self-Training/Learning

Self-training/learning is the most cost-effective route to take when learning how to groom dogs. You can watch online tutorials, read books, watch YouTube videos, and more. If this is the route you choose, be sure to educate yourself on the proper techniques required in dog grooming, as well as the sanitary measures needed.

However, there are some pitfalls to being self-taught that you need to be aware of.

First, self-training can take a lot of time and dedication to learn all the proper techniques. Second, you’ll have no way of knowing if you’re actually learning all the techniques correctly or not. Third, you won’t have access to professional grooming equipment or a mentor, which can limit the quality of the results.

And lastly, but just as importantly, if you’re self-taught, you won’t be able to earn any sort of credible certification or credentials. Your future clients WILL want to see this! So, if you don’t have it, it’ll probably cost you a lot of booking opportunities…

How Much Does It Cost to Teach Yourself Dog Grooming?

The cost of self-teaching yourself dog grooming will depend on the resources you use. Books, YouTube videos, and other online material can range from free to a few hundred dollars – it all depends on what you want to learn.

Additionally, you’ll also need to consider the grooming equipment you’ll need. After all, having the proper tools and equipment will be key to making sure you learn how to use everything correctly. The cost of grooming equipment and tools can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Dog Trainer if You’re Self-Trained?

It can take anywhere from 3 to 6+ months of self-training and practice to become a competent dog groomer. However, it really depends on your level of commitment and how quickly you’re able to learn.

Option #2: Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are an excellent way to learn from experienced master groomers, as you’ll be able to observe their techniques and get hands-on experience. Moreover, the apprenticeship route is also a great way to earn a reliable certification and gain valuable business contacts.

How Much Does It Cost to Be a Dog Grooming Apprentice?

The cost of being a dog grooming apprentice can range from free to a few hundred dollars. Some companies may even pay you for your apprenticeship services. Honestly, it ranges from business to business, so we can’t really provide a clear-cut answer.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Dog Groomer If You Apprentice?

Well, first you’ll actually need to find your apprentice. This can take time, as you’ll want to make sure you’re working with a reputable master groomer. Once you find them, depending on the program and how quickly you learn, it can take from approx. 12 to 18 months.

Trimming the fur. Groomer is with Maltese dog indoors. Man is in the black uniform. Become a dog groomer article.

Option #3: In-Person Dog Grooming Classes

For many years, in-person dog grooming classes were the most popular route to take when learning how to groom dogs. When you take in-person classes, you have direct access to a professional dog groomer, as well as the proper grooming equipment and tools. This route also provides you with the opportunity to earn a credible certification, as well as gain valuable business contacts.

How Much Does It Cost to Take In-Person Dog Grooming Classes?

In-person dog grooming classes can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the school or program you choose. The more comprehensive and advanced the program, the more it will likely cost.

Let’s say you’re starting from scratch and want to take a course that goes as in-depth as possible (so you can graduate with a proper certification). You’ll more than likely be looking to spend anywhere from $1,500 – $10,000+ USD, depending on the brick-and-mortar school.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Dog Groomer If You Go to In-Person Classes?

In-person classes may take from 6 months to a year or more, depending on which program you choose. Additionally, these programs often require that you work with an experienced mentor for a certain number of hours in order to gain hands-on experience. So, keep in mind that you’ll need to factor this time into your overall training timeline.

Pro Tip: Compare the SIMILARITIES vs. DIFFERENCES between in-person and online dog grooming courses!

Option #4: Online Dog Grooming Courses

In recent years, however, online dog grooming courses have become the most popular learning choice! This is thanks, in large part, to the pandemic and how it’s changed the way people learn and access instructors.

In addition to they’re overall convenience, online dog grooming courses are also typically less expensive than their in-person alternatives. This is due to the fact that there isn’t a physical school location that your tuition is helping to fund/maintain. Moreover, online grooming courses are often self-paced, so you’ll have more freedom and flexibility when it comes to learning.

How Much Does It Cost To Take An Online Dog Grooming Course?

Online dog grooming courses usually range from $200 to a few thousand dollars. This, of course, depends on the program you choose and how comprehensive/in-depth it is.

As an example: QC Pet Studies’ accredited, self-paced, and online Dog Grooming certification course is $2398 USD. That said, if you pay in full at the time of enrollment, we’ll knock $400 USD off your total (bringing the tuition down to $1898 USD).

Alternately, we also provide the option of a monthly payment plan. Students who opt for this plan need only pay a small deposit of $99 USD at the time of enrollment, followed by low monthly payments for a set number of months until the remaining balance is paid off.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Dog Groomer If You Take An Online Course?

This depends on two things:

Which online program you enroll with;
And how quickly you learn and apply the material.

Because QC Pet Studies’ online Dog Grooming Course is 100% self-paced, YOU get to choose how quickly you graduate! When you first enroll, you’ll get 2 full years to finish your program. That said, many of our alumni were able to earn their globally-recognized International Dog Grooming Professional™ (IDGP™) certification within 6-12 months.

Again, though, this all depends on your personal learning style and how fast or slow you’re able to work through the program content.

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Additional Dog Grooming Resources

Lastly, to help you decide whether or not dog grooming is the right career path for you, here are some additional resources you may find helpful:

Final Thoughts: How Long Does It Take To Become A Dog Groomer?

As you can see, there’s no single right answer to this question. The length of time it takes to become a dog groomer depends on the type of program you choose, whether that be in-person or online.

Regardless, if you’re motivated, consistent, and have some patience, there’s no reason you can’t reach your goal of becoming a professional dog groomer! With the right certification and hands-on experience, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful and certified dog groomer.

Good luck and thanks so much for reading!

Start your professional dog grooming career in less than a year with QC Pet Studies. Enroll in our self-paced, online Dog Grooming Course and begin your journey today!