Do you have accommodation options?
If you need somewhere to stay during your course, try Airbnb. We’ve listed a few nearby options here that are walking distance from the school.
Can I study part time?
No, we only offer full-time training. Grooming requires muscle memory, and learning the techniques properly takes time and repetition. Our 4 Week Program is intensive and designed to give you the best possible start. After completing your training, we recommend finding work or volunteering in a grooming environment to keep developing your hands-on skills.
What’s the difference between the Certificate III and the Pet Stylist Certification?
The Certificate III in Animal Care (Pet Grooming) is a nationally recognised qualification delivered in partnership with an RTO (Heiniger Academy). It suits students who specifically want a government-recognised certificate for employment, funding, or personal preference.
Our Pet Stylist Certification is an industry-based qualification, developed by experienced educators and working groomers. It focuses on practical, job-ready skills, modern grooming techniques, and real workplace expectations.
A key part of the industry-based pathway is Blocks 4 and 5, which are completed after foundation training, once you’ve started working and are navigating groomer life and customer expectations. These blocks provide ongoing support while you’re on the job, helping you refine skills, manage more complex grooms, and continue learning during your early years in the industry.
Dog grooming is an unregulated industry in Australia, and many groomers work successfully with industry-based training alone. The right option depends on your goals and how you want to use your qualification.
Is the Pet Stylist course a TAFE course?
No. On completion of our 4 Week Pet Stylist course, you’ll receive:
A Certificate of Professional Dog Grooming (in-house)
Industry Certification at Pet Stylist level (IC Block 3) from igroomschool
If we feel more training time is needed, you may receive a Certificate of Participation instead.
Is the 4 week course suitable for beginners who need extra time or confidence?
Yes. The course is designed for beginners, and class sizes are extremely small (just 2 or 4 students), so you’ll get plenty of one-on-one support.
Do you offer help sourcing second-hand grooming equipment?
Yes. There are Facebook groups where students regularly buy and sell used equipment. If we have anything available ourselves, we’ll let you know.
Will we cover business topics like pricing or setting up a salon?
The course itself is focused entirely on hands-on grooming. For business topics, we recommend:
The Dog Grooming Business 101 course from igroomschool ($49)
Booking a 1:1 consult with Nat while you're here (she loves talking shop)
Can I take photos of my grooms during the course for a portfolio?
Absolutely — you’re encouraged to document your work.
Do I complete 35 dogs entirely myself?
You’ll build up to full grooms over the course. Early weeks focus on individual parts of the groom, helping you establish a solid routine. By the final week, you’ll be putting it all together. Our method is designed to give you real skills you can grow from — not just rushed full grooms.
Do graduates stay in touch?
Yes. We have an active alumni Facebook group where students share advice, updates, and job opportunities.
Are there refresher workshops or follow-ups after the course?
Yes. You can book 3-hour follow-up sessions with a trainer at the same rate as our DIY classes. You bring the dog and tell us what you want to work on. We also strongly recommend continuing with:
Block 4: Professional Dog Groomer
Block 5: Senior Dog Groomer
(both online via igroomschool)
What can I do with my own dogs to prepare for the course?
Use them to build your handling confidence. Practise getting them on and off a table, holding their legs gently but firmly, checking nails, brushing them out properly, or even just getting comfortable restraining them safely. The more hands-on time you have, the more confident you’ll feel when you start the course. Research dog handling techniques and practice.
How many students go on to work or start their own business?
Roughly half of our students start their own business, while the other half find employment with grooming salons or pet supply and services stores.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. We offer flexible options to pay off your course in smaller instalments before you begin. Contact us to arrange something that suits your budget.
Do I enrol with Dog Diversity or Heiniger Academy first if I want to complete the Certificate III in Animal Care (Pet Grooming)?
Enrol with Dog Diversity first. Places are limited and fill quickly.
Do you offer concession pricing or government funding?
No. As a private training school, we’re not eligible for government concessions or funding — even for the Certificate III.