Course Overview

Study the anatomy of dogs and cats, and become familiar with problems you should be looking out for when grooming them.  Gain the skills to quickly but carefully groom pets.  Understand the personality of individual cats and dogs, and learn how to put them at their ease, making your task easier.  Explore the various different breeds and discover how to groom each.  Acquire the sound business skills necessary to help get your pet grooming career off the ground.

Pre-requisites/previous study

No previous experience required.

Qualification

ICS Professional Pet Grooming Diploma

Support and benefits

• Two complimentary textbooks: ‘Essential Dog’ and ‘Essential Cat’
• Complimentary grooming kit: double-sided brush, comb, grooming scissors, electric clippers, nail trimmers, nail treatment
• Access to a dedicated ICS tutor to mentor and motivate you throughout
• Access to the ICS online Student Community, allowing you to interact with other students and browse our resource library
  

Key topics

• The Grooming Professional

Consider career opportunities. Learn how to communicate effectively with clients.

• Anatomy and Health Care of Dogs and Cats

Examine the anatomy of both dogs and cats. Discover how to identify health issues.

• Preparation of Dogs for Grooming

Learn how to prepare the coat and specific body areas for grooming. Explore shampooing, conditioning, bathing and drying. Discover how to identify and remove fleas and ticks.

• Cuts and Grooming Procedures for Dogs

Discover how to shave a severely matted dog. Examine good clipping techniques.

• The Groups of Dogs

You’ll complete a unit on each of the following groups of dogs: terrier, utility, toy, gundog, pastoral, hound, working, poodles. You’ll also complete a unit on mixed breeds and puppies.

• The Personalities of Dogs and Cats

Explore different canine and feline personalities, such as fearful, aggressive and happy-go-lucky. Learn how to groom animals with behavioural problems. Examine kittens and learn how to handle cats.

• Cat Grooming Procedures

Consider pre-grooming examinations. Discover how to correctly clip nails and clean ears. Learn how to demat, shave, comb, brush, bath and dry cats.

• The Business Side of Grooming

Discover how to set prices, keep records, advertise your business, interview prospective employees and provide quality customer service. Explore legal and financial considerations.

Course Code

E02

Hours of study

12 months / 120 hours

Technical requirements

Pet grooming is not recommended for anyone with repetitive motion injuries or back problems.

Outline

You’ll complete twenty-four assessments during your course. It is simple and easy to complete these assessments online via the ICS Student Community. When you complete an assessment online, it is marked instantly, meaning that you receive your result straightaway. This allows you to progress through your course without delay. It is, however, also possible to handwrite your answers and post these to ICS.

Assessment Breakdown

Assessments 1-24: 20 multiple choice questions (per assessment)

Notes

Each multiple choice question comes with four potential answers. Only one of these answers is correct; the other three are wrong. You must identify the correct answer.