Pet Grooming

Pet Grooming

Work with Animals Every Day!

Help pet owners proudly show off their furry friends by keeping their pets groomed and healthy. Kirkwood Continuing Education now offers a noncredit Pet Grooming Certificate to teach you skills and techniques to professionally groom and maintain the appearance of pets, especially dogs.

This in-person program lasts for 12 weeks, with hands-on training and real-world experience maintaining an active pet grooming service that is open to the community. Tuition includes all required textbooks and grooming supplies.

*You do not need to apply to Kirkwood to take this noncredit course.

Begin Jan. 5, 2025Begin April 14, 2025

Program Details

Kirkwood offers tuition assistance and other support based on eligibility for students each year who pursue noncredit certificates.

Click the link below to find out how and if you qualify for funding that covers your tuition costs.

Learn More!

Course Objectives:

  • Identify each grooming tool and explain its use.
  • Demonstrate clipper care and maintenance.
  • Understand the blade care routine and recognize blade lengths.
  • Learn proper scissor techniques and handling.
  • Identify common AKC breeds and their temperaments.
  • Identify and recall basic canine anatomy.
  • Learn the proper way to safely restrain animals as a grooming assistant.
  • Demonstrate bathing techniques for a canine, including properly cleaning facial wrinkles and using drying procedures.
  • Explain the function of anal sacs and the importance of maintenance.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of regulations and customer relations skills required for a successful pet grooming business.
  • Name and recognize common external parasites of small animals.
  • Prepare, dilute, and administer flea and tick dips on selected animals, as well as understand and explain flea and tick eradication treatments for the yard and home.
  • Outline the use of monthly parasite control products.
  • Clean and sanitize grooming lab and equipment to comply with state regulations.
  • Explain Iowa Code Chapter 162 as it relates to operation of a pet-related business.
  • Identify and implement the five most common types of dog grooming styles.
  • Learn to correctly trim nails and clean ears.
  • Identify the five basic styles of the following areas: head, ear, feet, and tail.

Get Your Pet Groomed!

Looking for a way to get your pet groomed and contribute to the community? The Kirkwood Grooming Lab is equipped with everything necessary for a safe, positive experience to pamper your pet. 

We are now taking appointments! Use our convenient online booking service link below to view prices and schedule your next session with us.

*At this time, all grooming services are for dogs only.

Book AppointmentSee Our Happy Clients!

Grooming Services

Includes shampoo, conditioning, brush, blow out, full-body haircut, nail trim & filing, anal gland expression (as needed), ear cleaning, and bandana. See online booking for prices.

Small dog (0-19lbs)

Medium dog (20-49lbs)

Large dog (50-79lbs)

Extra Large dog (80 lbs & up)

Includes deep cleaning and conditioning FURminator bath, anal gland expression (as needed), blow out, extensive brush/comb-out, nail trim & filing, ear cleaning, and bandana. See online booking for prices.

Small Dog (0-19lbs, short hair or double coat)

Medium Dog (20-49lbs, short hair or double coat)

Large Dog (50-79lbs, short hair or double coat) 

Extra Large Dog (80lbs & up, short hair or double coat) 

Includes shampoo, conditioning, blow out, anal gland expression (as needed), nail trim & filing, ear cleaning, and bandana. See online booking for prices.

Small dog (0-19lbs)

Medium dog (20-49lbs)

Large dog (50-79lbs)

Extra Large dog (80 lbs & up)

Includes shampoo, conditioner, blow dry, brush, nail trim & filing, sanitary trim, and clean up around eyes and feet. Note: This is NOT a full body haircut. This service is perfect for in-between grooms, trying to grow a coat out, and pets who have a few rough patches. See online booking for prices.

Small dog (0-19lbs)

Medium dog (20-49lbs)

Large dog (50-79lbs)

Extra Large dog (80 lbs & up)


Other Services:
- Face Trim (no more than 10 minutes)

- Ear Pluck (impacted hair removal and ear cleaning)

See online booking for prices.

Complete PAW-dicure - Includes nail trim & file, shaving paw pads, nail polish, and moisturized pads with paw-balm

Nail Polish - Add a pop of color with a variety of pet-safe nail polish to complete your dog's daily appearance.

Nail Trim & Filing - Potential upcharge depending on pet's temperament. 


Program Notice

The program featured above is a noncredit* course created in collaboration between the Agricultural Sciences department and the Continuing Education department. *College credit is not awarded for noncredit programs.

 

Questions?

Continuing Education Department

Kirkwood Center for Lifelong Learning

319-398-1022

contactce@kirkwood.edu