GROOM WITH A VIEW
Q I have always enjoyed grooming and clipping my own dogs, but have never had any formal training.
Following the surge in dog ownership, I’ve read that groomers are struggling to keep up with demand, and because of the lockdowns, some grooming businesses in the UK have not survived. Is this true? If this is the case, is now a good time to think about setting up a grooming business? How would I go about it? Hilary George, Essex.
Joanne says: There have certainly been some casualties during the last 12 months, but with the surge in puppy buying, I think many groomers are busier than ever!
If you are thinking of embarking on a grooming career, I would suggest you carry out market research in your area first to see if there is actually a need for the service near you. Qualified groomers can be found on www.thegroomersspotlight.com
Research a training school carefully, and look at the credentials of the main tutor and the qualifications they deliver. The recognised qualifications in the industry are City & Guilds,
Open College Network, and iPet Network. To locate a City & Guilds training school take a look at www. summitgroomertraininggroup.co.uk
To be fully qualified as a groomer you require a Level 3 Diploma; most courses are between 25 to 35 days and cost £4,000 to £7,000. Arrange a visit and meet the tutor to ensure you choose the right one for you.