Pet Grooming

Select start date and campus

Applying as a Canadian applicant

Domestic students should apply online or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.

Applying as an International applicant

International students should apply online.

Campus tours

Campus tours are one of the best ways to experience Conestoga. During this time, we are offering online guided tours to show you all Conestoga has to offer.

Book your tour

Virtual tours

If you can't make an on-campus tour or attend one of our events, the virtual tour is a great way to visit us.

View our Virtual tour

Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

Animal Behaviour, Handling and First Aid
ANML1000

Description:

This course provides a thorough understanding of animal behaviour, and how to deal with and prevent undesirable behaviour. Topics include normal and abnormal behaviour patterns, methods of preventing, eliminating, or modifying behaviour problems, physical and psychological requirements of animals, animal welfare and rights, various code of conduct. Basic Animal Handling techniques for the safety of the animal and the handler are introduced as well as basic first aid.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Grooming Lab I: Equipment Care, Bathing & Brushing
ANML1020

Description:

This course introduces the fundamentals of equipment care and pre-bathing techniques in animal grooming. Topics include bathing and brushing tools and equipment, safe management of a pet on the grooming table, equipment care and sterilization, and different techniques for different canine coats. Students learn to perform an evaluation to identify problems involving the skin, coat, external parasites, lifestyle factors and odour control. Grooming products are discussed and compared. Students will apply various bathing and brushing techniques.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Grooming Lab II: Clipping and Scissoring
ANML1060

Description: This course introduces the fundamentals of clipping and scissoring techniques in animal grooming. Topics include clipping and scissoring tools and equipment, advanced safe management of a pet on the grooming table, and different clipping and scissoring techniques for different canine coats. Students will practice various clipping and scissoring techniques.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Medical Issues: Coat and Skin Care
ANML1080

Description: This course explains various medical coat and skin conditions that may affect grooming. Topics include identification of conditions, treatment and education of clients.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Business Communications Essentials
COMM1375

Description: This course provides students with the skills required to create professional written business correspondence required for office clerical tasks and regular workplace communication. Students will learn the format of common forms of written business correspondence. Students will learn best practices for professional and efficient communication in a business environment.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Microsoft Applications for the Workplace
COMP1189

Description: This course builds students’ skills in working with the Microsoft Office suite to complete common workplace tasks. Students will learn to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Teams, and OneDrive in an office environment to create professional documents, collaborate with team members, and track information. Students will learn best practices for working efficiently and professionally on the computer in the workplace.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.

Hours: 1
Credits: 0
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Self-Care: Physical and Mental Health
HEAL1315

Description: This course introduces principles of self-care and stress management. Topics include identifying personal strengths and limitations, stress management strategies and promoting physical and mental health.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.

Hours: 14
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Grooming Lab III: Specialized Cuts and Products
ANML1090

Description: This course introduces specialized cuts and products in animal grooming. Topics include specialized cut design, different clipping and scissoring techniques for specialized cuts and specialized product use.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: ANML1000 AND ANML1020 AND ANML1060
CoRequisites:

Grooming Lab IV: Cat Grooming
ANML1100

Description: This course introduces the fundamentals of cat grooming. Topics include safe handling of cats, washing and bathing techniques specific to cats, and clipping and scissoring tools and equipment. Students practice a variety of cat grooming techniques.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: ANML1000 AND ANML1020 AND ANML1060
CoRequisites:

Business Operations, Record Keeping and Marketing
BUS1415

Description: This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of starting a business in the Canadian business system. Students will develop an understanding of how to register their own business, the fundamentals of bookkeeping and human resources, legal considerations, insurance requirements, as well as a variety of marketing strategies.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Animal Ethics & Welfare
ETHS1040

Description:

This course focuses on the expected professional standards in the animal health care industry. Topics include provincial and national veterinary professional organizations, legislation, regulatory standards, and ethics. Students will use case studies, scenarios, and groups discussions to make well-informed and ethically sound decisions.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Job Search and Employability Skills
ETR1220

Description: This course provides students with the knowledge and skills required for success in industry-targeted job search and in job maintenance. Students will learn to target job search activities and documents to an industry or employer of interest. Students will improve their interview skills through in-depth practice and industry-specific preparation. Students will learn essential self-management and workplace behaviour skills to promote job retention and success in the workplace.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Field Placement (Pet Grooming)
FPLT1280

Description: This course provides a consolidated experience within the Conestoga College grooming clinic, to apply all the skills learned in the program. Students will work under supervision of Faculty to perform various grooming duties for pets of the public.

Hours: 112
Credits: 6
Pre-Requisites: ANML1000 AND ANML1020 AND ANML1060 AND ANML1080 AND OHS1320
CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

Identify the basic health, housing, and maintenance requirements to provide appropriate care for cats and dogs.
Restrain and manage cats and dogs in grooming environments using accepted restraint techniques to encourage the safety of staff and animals.
Use professional communication and interpersonal skills to counsel clients in appropriate pet care, promote and maintain client relationships, and effectively contribute as a member of an animal care team.
Apply small business principles including customer service practices, marketing activities, and bookkeeping procedures to establish or operate a pet grooming service
Bathe and brush cats and dogs using techniques that promote the health and wellbeing of the animal
Perform breed standard cuts using a variety of clipping and scissoring techniques that promote the wellbeing of the animal and meet client expectations and accepted standards of practice.
Maintain an orderly and sanitary grooming environment using appropriate disinfecting agents and following recognized biohazard disposal protocols that promote the health and safety of staff and animals.