Pet Grooming Studio Academy- FAQ

1) OSAP- Unfortunately, we are not registered with the OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program). Programs eligible for OSAP must be a minimum of 13 weeks long each. Our programs are 10 weeks each.

2) Better Job Ontario  – This program is operated by the Ontario Grants programs with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

To see if you are eligible for this grants program, you must first contact an Employment Services Agency and speak to a counsellor. You may visit our school after getting "the program information package" from their office. We will need to go over the required documents for the program with you.

http://www.secondcareerontario.com/web/second_career/

3) Student Loans from Financial Institutes- Please speak to your Financial Institutes advisor BEFORE visiting the school. Documents and requirements may differ depending on the Bank.

We can prepare the school documents you need if you are planning to apply for the financial institute’s student loan.

We are a compressed course that focuses on getting the students to a level in which they can be hired or work for themselves in a short period. Part 1 focuses on the simplest but most demanded style out there, the Pet Trim (otherwise known as the Teddy bear Trim). We can’t have the students wasting their time just learning the basic bathing techniques. Students must learn to keep both the dog and themselves safe as well as the proper handling and use of the tools while completing this style.

The part 2 class will take what you learned in part 1 class to a higher level. Students will focus on grooming more dogs faster, as well as different styles and techniques such as scissor finishes and correcting and blending the dogs’ natural features.

Groomers usually get paid by commission. You’re looking at between 40% - 60%. The difference will be based on your skill level, how much of the dog you can complete, and what services are being provided by the store.

There is a possibility of getting a good income in this profession. It depends on your willingness to work hard and your skill level. Many students wish to start their own business someday. And that's one of the good ways to increase your income and have more free time.

A groomer should be patient and relaxed, as well as responsible. The dogs can pick any fear or anxiety up and making grooming more difficult and/or dangerous. People who are careless or hostile should not consider grooming as a career. Groomers are caring for other people’s family members, even if they have four legs.

Having excellent communication skills is an enormous asset. Sometimes you have to explain pet hair conditions and problems to the pet owners and persuade them to take your advice and suggestions.

We encourage students to practice at home when they can. As an instructor, it’s easy for us to see who's been taking the extra time to practice and who hasn’t. It is also the students who listen to the critiques and corrections the instructors give them and try to improve on them that advance the most.

The common problem is: Many students think that they can become good at it by just attending the lessons. DEFINITELY NOT. The students who improve their skills are following instructors' directions diligently and take 100% responsibility themselves to study, practice, ask questions, and execute even minor skills to a professional standard.

An education certificate shows potential employers, other groomers, clients, and administrative officials (such as banks, insurance companies, and the government) education, commitment, and level of grooming you have.

That's proof you've got formal professional career training from a reputable government-registered pet grooming school. Few pet groomers have this certificate. So it gives employers and pet owners the impression that you are a reliable professional pet groomer who knows the work. This will help you build your credibility as a professional groomer. That's an enormous advantage!

Especially, it helps when you start your own business as well as when you apply for the groomer's position. The customers will feel more secure if a pet stylist who is certified rather than a person who does not have any formal job training handles their pet.