How Long Does It Take to Become a Dog Groomer?

How Long Does It Take To Become a Dog Groomer – Updated 2025.

Key Points

• The average dog groomer in the United States can make anywhere from USD $21,500 to $83,000 per year.
• There are 4 options for how you can pursue your training:

1. 1. Self-training/learning
   2. Apprenticeships
   3. In-person dog grooming classes
   4. And online dog grooming courses

• Self-training is the cheapest option and can typically be completed in 3 to 6+ months—but a lack of professional training can hinder your ability to find work.
• Apprenticeships are typically completed in 12 to 18 months. They can be free, cost upwards of a few hundred dollars, or even pay you to complete your training.
• Online dog grooming certification courses can typically be completed in less than a year, and can cost anywhere from a couple hundred to a few thousand dollars.
• QC Pet Studies offers a self-paced, online Dog Grooming certification course that can be completed in as little as 3 months.

Introduction

Dream of a career where you can work with dogs all day? Then a career in professional grooming might be right up your alley! 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’ll take to turn this dream into a reality!

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

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. Depending on the program (such as with QC Pet Studies’ self-paced, online Dog Grooming Course), you may even be able to get certified sooner than that. 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 depends on the type of training you choose to get. There are 4 routes you can pursue:

1. Self-training/learning
2. Apprenticeships
3. In-person dog grooming classes
4. And online dog grooming courses

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:

• Self-training can take a lot of time and dedication to learn all the proper techniques.
• You’ll have no way of knowing if you’re actually learning all the techniques correctly or not.
• You won’t have access to professional grooming equipment or a mentor, which can limit the quality of the results.
• 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—and if you don’t have it, it’ll probably cost you a lot of booking opportunities.

This 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 If You’re Self Trained?

It can take anywhere from 3 to 6+ months of self-training and LOTS of hands-on practice. 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. This 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 there’s no clear-cut answer.

How Long Does It Take If You Apprentice?

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.

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. Moreover, 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 Grooming Classes?

In-person 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 USD $1,500 – $10,000+, depending on the brick-and-mortar school.

How Long Does It Take 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, in addition to your hours spent in class, you also 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.

Option #4: Online Dog Grooming Courses

In recent years, online grooming courses have become the most popular learning choice. In addition to they’re overall convenience, online 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. Plus, online learning is 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 Grooming Course?

Online 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 typically priced at USD $2,398 (unless we have a promotion running, which we often do, wherein we offer it for less). Furthermore, if you pay in full at the time of enrollment, we would knock another USD $400 off your total (bringing the tuition down to USD $1,998).

Alternatively, we also provide the option of a monthly payment plan. Students who opt for this plan need only pay a small deposit of USD $99.00 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 If You Take an Online Course?

This depends on:

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

Because QC Pet Studies’ online certification 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 3 to 6 months.

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

FAQ

Additional Dog Grooming Resources

Conclusion

As you can see, the time it takes to become a professional groomer really 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 for reading!