Pet Health and Grooming

Accelerate Your Future at SoCal ROC!

Do you love working with animals and would like to turn that love into a career. Pet grooming is a fast growing and in-demand field that can lead to self-employment! This course can also be an introduction into a career of working with animals and many of the skills you learn can be applied in many other professions!

Students will learn to perform animal grooming duties such as washing, brushing, clipping, and trimming coats, cutting nails, and cleaning ears. Students will learn how to Interpret animal behavior and identify grooming needs on live dogs!

Learn Valuable Industry Skills!

1. Brief Introduction to Dog and Cat Types
   1. Personalities
   2. General handling
2. Basic Anatomy and Health Care of Dogs and Cats
   1. Structures of dogs and cats in relation to body parts and purposes; basic health care; informing the pet owner of problems noticed while grooming
3. Introduction to Dog Grooming
   1. Use and proper care of equipment and grooming tools; dog nail trimmers, brushes, electrical clippers, guard comb, grooming scissors
4. Preparation of Dogs for Grooming
   1. Combing and brushing techniques; cleaning ears; nail clipping; taking care of eyes, stomach, and rectal area.
5. Bathing and Drying
   1. Procedures for using shampoos, conditioners, and flea products; basic bathing and drying techniques.
6. Basic Cuts and Grooming Procedures
   1. Procedures to treat mats; shaving down a dog; choosing the proper cut.
7. Grooming Small and Non-Sporting Dogs
   1. Various types of terriers and the particular cuts for each type; terminology related to terriers. Detailed look at a representative breed in that group
   2. Types of non-sporting dogs; various breeds; original purpose of these dogs; non-sporting breed cuts; detailed look at a representative breed in that group
   3. Types of toy breeds; original purpose of these dogs; terminology and cut procedures; detailed look at a representative breed in that group
8. Origin and Original Purpose of Dog Grooming
   1. breed identification
   2. breed cuts
9. Grooming Mixed Breeds and Puppies
   1. Types of cuts; terminology; procedures; choosing the mixed breed cut.
   2. Proper handling of puppies; types of grooming problems associated with puppies; grooming in stages; recognizing signs of stress; introducing the puppy to clippers; bathing and drying puppies; the positive grooming experience.
10. Dog Behavior and Personalities
    1. The various personality types; groomer responsibilities; hazards; various procedures/techniques for working with each type of dog.
    2. Owner notification of problems; protection of self and others; proper use of muzzles; instruction of owners to curb grooming behavior problems.
11. Grooming Cats
    1. Different types of cat personalities are discussed; problems faced by groomers with each; hazards; kitten personalities and problems.
    2. Proper handling procedures; combing and brushing procedures; dematting and shaving down; bathing and drying procedures; grooming kittens.
12. The Business Side of Grooming
    1. Job descriptions in a typical grooming business
    2. Setting prices
    3. Phone procedures
    4. Customer service
    5. Record keeping; advertising
    6. Accounting and payroll
    7. Zoning regulations

Professional Certification Opportunities!

Designations offered to students completing the Pet Health and Grooming course include

• A Certificate of Competency displaying industry knowledge of pet grooming
• Eligibility to take Advanced Pet Grooming

Checkout Potential Career Options! 

Dog Groomer
Dog Grooming Business Owner
Veterinary Assistant
Veterinarian

Thank you for your interest in enrolling in the SoCal ROC Pet Health and Grooming course.

In order to enroll in the program, students must:

• Open to Grade Levels 9-12th

• Purchase of apparel and materials is required for adults, but is optional for our district high school students. Please contact registration for full list.

Complete in 1 Semester: M/W from 4:15pm - 7:00pm 

To access the most recent course schedule please call registration or click the link under Course Information. Please be advised schedule is subject to change and dependent on enrollment

Benefits of CTE

After completing courses in CTE,  you will have a clearer vision of your future career path and what the next steps will be. Career Technical Education allows high school students to see what options are out there and see first-hand what careers they enjoy and thrive in. Whether you decide to enter the workforce, pursue a trade or apprenticeship, or apply to college, CTE adds to the traditional high school experience and is designed to prepare you for the next stage in your life.

Earn High School Credit!

You can earn 5 elective credits

Ready To Enroll?!

Call our Career Guidance Specialist or register through your home school counseling offices and receive priority through pre-registration for classes that meet from 1:15 - 4:15 and 4:15 - 7:00 p.m.

In person

Phone: 310-224-4200