Course Offerings

Designed for pet owners and those aspiring to work in the pet-care industry, this hands-on course combines demonstration with supervised practice to give students the skills and confidence to keep pets clean, comfortable and healthy. Learn techniques for safe bathing and drying, brushing techniques for different coat types and simple, effective methods for routine nail and ear care. By the end of the course, you're prepared to make regular pet care a safe, stress-free experience for both you and the animals in your care. Live animals may be used for demonstration and practice.

Course Objectives

Demonstrate safe handling practices to keep pets calm and secure during basic hygiene procedures

Apply proper techniques for bathing, drying and brushing of different coat types; nail trimming; and ear cleaning

Demonstrate correct procedures for cleaning and maintaining grooming tools

Outline of Instruction

Introduction to pet grooming basics, safety standards and proper handling of pets during procedures

Types of grooming equipment, routine cleaning and maintenance of equipment, best practices to ensure a clean and safe workspace

Techniques for brushing various coat types, de-matting and detangling

Techniques for bathing and drying various coat types, choosing the right shampoo and conditioner, safe handling

Understanding the importance of regular nail trimming and ear cleaning, techniques for nail trimming and ear cleaning, recognizing the signs of ear infections

Safe handling and restraint skills, the importance of restraint in grooming, calming techniques, how to read dog body language

Managing special needs such as senior dogs, dogs with medical conditions, understanding aggressive or anxious dog behavior, handling techniques for fearful or aggressive dogs, anatomy of canine skeleton structure and reference points for proper handling

Final exam, final project

Contact Hours

30

CEUs

1

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

None

Website

None

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

Students taking this course are not required to have any prior grooming experience, but they should be willing and able to be around live animals, including dogs of various breeds and sizes. Students may be required to participate in bathing, brushing, combing and trimming nails of a variety of dogs.

Learning Supplies Needed

For the most up-to-date information on textbook and supplies requirements, please refer to the section details on the registration page.

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

During the lab portion of this course, the instructor and students must have access to a facility for bathing, drying and grooming dogs.

Requirements for Successful Completion

90% attendance
Final computed score including exams, assignments and participation must be 85% or higher.

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

N/A

Intended Audience

This course is intended for those who would like to learn how to perform basic pet grooming procedures either for their own pet or for working in the pet-care industry.

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

Pet groomer, pet bather, kennel assistant, animal care assistant, pet resort attendant, dog trainer, retail sales associate in the pet-care industry.

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

Pet Smart, Petsense (part of Tractor Supply), grooming salons such as Woof Gang, Paws-Abilities, Aussie Pet Mobile and veterinarians such as Oak Heart Veterinary Hospital and Community Veterinary Partners

Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment

Pet groomer, pet bather, kennel assistant, animal care assistant, pet resort/daycare attendant, dog trainer, retail sales associate in the pet-care industry

Related Courses

Course Contact Information

Community & Career Education Staff
919-532-5700
[email protected]