Grooming Instruction Program
Online pet grooming program with an included professional toolkit and a hands-on salon externship, certifying you in 6-12 months.
25350 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Suite 346, Valencia, CA 91355
Open enrollment year-round; students can enroll and begin studying at any time (self-paced online).
No experience required
Program Philosophy
Animal Behavior College's Grooming Instruction Program makes professional grooming skills accessible through flexible online study paired with a hands-on salon externship. Students learn canine and feline anatomy, safe handling, and the artistry of bathing, clipping, scissoring, and breed-specific styling, plus the business skills to work in a salon or run their own shop or mobile service. It provides a professional toolkit and grounds students in safety and welfare, since groomers often spot health concerns first.
Started in 2011
Visit program website
Animal lovers who want a hands-on, creative, in-demand grooming career
Self-paced online modules studied on the student's own schedule. After coursework, ABC arranges a local salon externship (minimum 100 hours) assisting a professional groomer, including performing a full groom under supervision.
Certified pet groomer, included pro toolkit, real salon experience, Pet CPR/First Aid
Cost & Outcomes
Tuition is $3,499 (plus tax and shipping where applicable), payable in full or over a monthly payment plan. Students pay out of pocket or through ABC’s financing, and eligible students can use WIOA funding, Veterans education grants, MyCAA, or Vocational Rehabilitation.
Who This Program is Built For
This program was specifically designed with these communities in mind. If you see yourself, you belong here.
What Sets This Program Apart
Professional grooming toolkit included with tuition
Flexible, self-paced online coursework for working adults
Hands-on salon externship (min. 100 hours) requiring a full supervised groom
Covers both dog and cat grooming to broaden employability
Includes Pet CPR & First Aid certification
Dedicated Program Manager support and access to Animal Behavior College's mentor network
Day in the Life
- Self-paced online reading, videos, assignments, and module exams
- Practice with the included professional grooming toolkit
- Guidance from a dedicated Program Manager
- Hands-on salon externship: bathing, brushing, drying, clipping, scissoring, and a full supervised groom
- Business-building coursework for salon employment or self-employment
Led by a professional pet groomer, with an externship coordinator who is a Certified Pet Stylist; staff bring roughly 16–19 years of professional grooming experience.
Soft and technical skills you'll gain by program completion.
Highs & Lows
Building speed and confidence with clippers and scissors, and completing the hands-on salon externship hours while balancing other commitments.
Developing real grooming artistry on live animals during the externship, the included toolkit, and the flexibility to train while working.
Employment Support
Business Building module: starting a shop or mobile business, marketing, resume, and interview prep
Hands-on salon externship that builds professional relationships
Dedicated Program Manager support
Access to ABC's mentor network and the public 'Find a Pet Groomer' directory
ABC job board and alumni benefits
Hear From the Program
How It Works
Request program information or speak with an ABC Admissions Counselor (online form or 800-795-3294)
Submit an application for admission
Complete financial arrangements and choose a payment plan (financial aid application if applicable)
Verify a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent (or pass the Scholastic Level Exam) and complete the entrance exam if required
Sign the Enrollment Agreement and receive acceptance notification
Gain access to the online course materials and connect with your assigned Program Manager
Complete all online modules and pass Pet CPR & First Aid certification
Complete the ABC-arranged local externship/mentorship, then pass the final exam to earn your Certified Pet Groomer credential
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us.No. Most students begin with little or no professional experience; programs are designed for beginners.
Yes. The online coursework is self-paced so you can study around work, school, or family.
No. Externships are unpaid educational experiences that provide hands-on training before entering the workforce.
ABC is a California state-approved (BPPE) vocational school. It is not accredited by a USDE-recognized agency; the Veterinary Assistant Program is NAVTA-approved.
Programs prepare you for careers in the animal industry, though employment is not guaranteed.