BECOME A FULLY QUALIFIED DOG GROOMER with FOUR PAWS GROOM SCHOOL
Dog grooming is not a regulated industry…WHAT?
This means that technically anyone can groom a dog without any training or knowledge (a scary prospect given the use of sharp tools).
Fortunately to protect animal welfare, the dog grooming industry is moving towards self regulation and has identified an OFQUAL REGULATED, LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA in DOG GROOMING as the standard required to be competent. As such, this is the level employers are looking for and customers are seeking when choosing a groomer. Level 3 regulated qualifications are equivalent to A-level learning and therefore earn UCAS points too for those looking to further study.
What are your choices?
There are several dog grooming qualifications in the market, each offered by different Awarding Organisations who are regulated by Ofqual (the government agency who oversees all qualifications in England). However, iPET Network is the ONLY sector specific Awarding Organisation for the animal care and veterinary science sector making them leaders in the field and experts in dog grooming.
Why is this important?
The iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming and Salon Management has been designed by some of the UK’s top groomers to ensure that those achieving the qualification can safely and effectively groom dogs of different breeds and coat types. In turn, this ensures a high level of animal welfare is met for the canines we care for. The qualification appeals to those entering the industry from other careers and looking to set up their own business, and those looking for employment in the sector, providing the knowledge required to operate a successful salon alongside the practical skills to style dogs.

We are an AWARD WINNING TEAM offer AWARD WINNING QUALIFICATIONS!
Focus on the iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming and Salon Management
All of the iPET Network dog grooming qualifications are nationally recognised, regulated by Ofqual, and on the UK educational framework. Here at Four Paws Groom School, we deliver the iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming and Salon Management qualification over 25 days. During your practical grooming training in the school, you will also complete 1 day of Canine First Aid with additional theory work to be completed at home. Your Tutor will be available throughout the course to ask questions and provide support on your learning journey. You do not need any prior experience to start this course or to have completed another level course first. This is the fastest route to fully qualified dog groomer status.
The units covered in the iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming and Salon Management are:
- Health and Safety in a Dog Grooming Environment
- Assess and Plan Dog Grooming Styles and Maintenance of Equipment
- Prepare, Style, and Finish a range of Dog Breeds
- Health Checking, Handling, and Canine Behaviour
- Canine Emergency First Aid
- Promote the Welfare of Dogs conforming with Relevant Legislation
- Customer Care and Managing Complaints
- Planning the Operation of a Small Canine Business

Our nearest student lives just 400 yards away and our furthest is on the other side of the world in Australia!
Why Four Paws Groom School
Network Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming and Salon Management with Four Paws Groom School you will leave with in-depth knowledge of each coat type, breed styles, canine first aid, customer care, salon health and safety, business management and much more.
For example, we also teach hand stripping techniques which isn’t compulsory as part of the qualification but we feel is important to your grooming knowledge and expands your overall styling skills. This is a bonus to training with Four Paws Groom School!
⏰Times, Days & Dates – Flexible training !
At Four Paws Groom School, we try to accommodate all our student’s needs and requests to fit around their lifestyle, meaning you don’t have to complete the course in one block, it is possible to complete the course 1 or 2 days per week depending on your availability. We take on new students each month and are open all year round, not being restricted to term times. All new students start on a Monday for induction purposes. We recommend that you complete a full week (or as many days as you can) at the beginning of your training as there is a lot to take in. Training days are Monday to Friday and start at 9:15am and finish at 4:15pm.
Trust the team at Four Paws Groom School
Four Paws Groom School has been training people from all over the world and enabling them to start highly successful dog grooming businesses since 2009. Our AWARD WINNING TEAM of tutors are always on hand to support and encourage, passing their expertise on in a fun and friendly style that appeals to learners of all ages. Whether you are a novice just starting out or have had dogs all your life, we adapt our training to suit you.

At Four Paws Groom School we offer ongoing support to our students, meaning you can call and email us with questions even years after your training!
Choosing an iPET Network Training Centre
PET Network has over 170 approved training centres throughout the UK but Four Paws Groom School was the first! How? The Directors of Four Paws Groom School, Fern Gresty and Sarah Mackay, are also Directors of iPET Network. As employers in the sector, they recognised that learners were not always prepared for commercial pet grooming on completion of their course and wanted to raise the standards of education across the animal sector. Four Paws Groom School is still the flagship centre, offering the highest level of teaching that sets the standard that others aspire to.
Near or far – you don’t need a car!
We have grooming schools in Cheshire, Herefordshire & Shropshire but students travel from across the globe to train with the best. Distance doesn’t need to be a barrier to training with us as our Cheshire school even has it’s own self-catering accommodation available just steps from the front door. At just £35 plus vat per night, our accommodation is cost effective, comfortable and even dog friendly.
What makes us unique?
🐾 Flexible learning – no set course dates means you can start whenever suits you!
🐾In person practical training and online theory
🐾No prior experience required
🐾Courses to suit every budget with payment plans available
🐾Friendly & experienced Tutors
🐾100’s of 5 star student reviews
🐾Discounted student kits from great suppliers
🐾A HUGE database of dog models ready to be groomed by you!

Our students have gone on to appear in TV dog grooming shows and we have also featured on the BBC and Channel 4 highlighting great dog grooming training!
Practical hands-on training
The perfect mix of practical skills and theory knowledge
The practical dog grooming training is completed in our modern training salon where you will have a different dog to groom each day throughout your course. To complete the qualification, you will be required to have access to a computer/laptop. The theory element of the qualification is completed via an online e-portfolio system where you will have access to a suite of learning materials to support the completion of the theory work. We also run a fortnightly theory support sessions online so you can access your Tutor for asking questions just by logging on.
💳Costs, Payment Plans and Finance Options
Training as a dog groomer is an investment in your future career, an investment that can be very lucrative as well as enjoyable. The course must be paid in full prior to practical training commencing but we now have options to spread the cost. However, a £500 plus VAT deposit is all you need to get registered and started on the theory work and your dog grooming journey.
The iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming and Salon Management is studied over 25 days but this can be extended to offer further practical training days in the school, adding confidence to new groomers.
25 days £4490 plus VAT = £5388
30 days £4990 plus VAT = £5988
We are able to offer payment plans and these plans are all unique to each student. The minimum deposit is £500 in order to register you on the qualification and gain access to the online theory work, breaking the remaining fees down prior to starting the course.
Four Paws Groom School has also partnered with Ideal4Finance, allowing our students to spread the cost of training over even more time, meaning you can get started on your grooming journey now but also finance equipment! Find out more by following this link to our website and apply online in just a few clicks Course Funding – Four Paws Groom School
At Four Paws Groom School, we know that choosing where to begin your grooming journey is about more than just price it’s about trust, quality, and your future.
Working to a budget
Our learners choose us because of our years of hands-on industry experience, our passionate and supportive tutors, and the strong connections we’ve built within the grooming world.
We are committed to giving every student not just a qualification, but the confidence, skills, and opportunities to thrive in a real career. That said, we also believe that high-quality education should be accessible. So, if you’ve found the same course elsewhere at a lower price, we’ll MATCH IT!
Because when you choose Four Paws Groom School, you shouldn’t have to compromise. You deserve the very best training, from people who truly care about your success at a price that works for you.
Your own personal budget
We understand that everyone’s journey into dog grooming is different and so is every budget.
While our Level 3 Diploma is an incredible, career-defining qualification, we know it may not be the right starting point for everyone financially. That’s why we’re committed to working with you to find the perfect course to match both your goals and your budget.
Whether you’re looking to take your very first step with a focused day course from £150 plus VAT, complete a practical only course for £3000 plus VAT or you’re ready to immerse yourself in our Ultimate Dog Grooming Package at £8,500 plus VAT, we offer a pathway for every stage of your journey and everything in between.
Because at the heart of what we do is you.
Your ambition, your future, and your success matter to us and we’ll help you find a way to get started, no matter where you’re beginning.
Start your dog grooming journey today
✂ Grooming Equipment
We recommend several suppliers who offer great equipment to start your venture at highly discounted prices just for our students. You are required to purchase equipment before your start date, and you should bring the equipment with you on your first day. By purchasing this equipment (average price £500-£800 depending on what you choose), you will achieve the best experience throughout your training. Alternatively, you can rent one of our grooming kits for £10.00 per day.
👀Look at our reviews!
We are one of the best dog grooming training establishments in the country (in our opinion) but don’t just take our word for it! Check out some of what our previous students have had to say about their course Four Paws Groom School | Student Reviews – Four Paws Groom School Cheshire. Alternatively, you can head to our Facebook or Google pages for more of what our students say!
✅Ready to book?
To secure a place, we require the following:
- Completed student contract using the link for the school you would like to attend Student Contract Agreement – Four Paws Groom School Cheshire & Shropshire – Fill out form or
- Student Contract – Four Paws Groom School Herefordshire
- A photo of a form of ID, for registration purposes
- Payment of a £500.00 plus VAT non-refundable deposit which can be bought on our website Course Deposit Payment – Four Paws Groom School
