Grooming Division

Educational Objective

The objective of our Grooming Division is to create an environment that is conducive to learning the art of professional pet grooming. Through use of a balanced mixture of hands on training, lecture and practical experience students will have the opportunity to gain the skill and confidence to become successful pet stylists.

In addition to providing students with a structured, balanced curriculum, it is the goal of the Grooming Division to instill in their students the motivation to continue their education and to keep abreast of new developments in the industry. Workshops, advanced educational seminars and certification programs that emphasize better education and higher standards can only enhance their professionalism as well as that of the industry as a whole.

Bather / Brusher Course ( 14 Classes – 105 Contact Hours)

Students enrolled in the Bather / Brusher Course will receive extensive instruction in order to acquire the basic skills needed to become proficient at bathing and brushing all types of dogs and cats.

Basic Grooming Course ( 40 Classes + 6 externships – 348 Contact Hours)

Students enrolled in the Basic Grooming Course will receive instruction in the rudimentary skills of bathing and brushing the various coat types found in all breeds of dogs and cats. In addition, they will acquire the knowledge necessary to trim the most common breeds of dogs, as well as basic styles for mixed breeds. Upon graduation, they will have the skill and knowledge needed to succeed as an entry-level pet stylist.

Advanced Grooming Course ( 18 Classes – 135 Contact Hours)

Requirements for this course include completion of an approved Basic Grooming Course, normally one-year on the job grooming experience and a practical applications test. The course consists of advanced scissoring techniques and styling of the less common breeds of dogs. Various aspects of shop management or ownership will also be covered.

Meet Your Instructors

Janice Starns - Academy Instructor

Jan graduated from the Petropolis Academy in 2001. Jan has been an instructor in the Academy since 2003. She holds an  A.A.S. degree from St. Louis Community College. Jan is a member of the ISCC (International Society of Canine Cosmetologists) and holds a certificate of completion in Pet First Aid from the St. Louis Chapter of the American Red Cross. Jan attended the US Pet Pro Classic Pet Styling Show in Dallas, Texas, in 2004.

Bradi Westfall - Salon Manager, Academy Instructor

Bradi graduated in 2003 from the Petropolis Academy. She has been an instructor in dance since 1990. She holds a certificate in administration from Southeastern Community College. Bradi is a member of ISCC (International Society of Canine Cosmetologists) and holds a certificate of completion in Pet First Aid from the St. Louis Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Mandy Seay - Academy Instructor

Mandy graduated in 2005 from the Petropolis Academy of Grooming. She has worked with animals since 2001 and has been a certified Pet Care Technician since 2005. Mandy is a member of ISCC (International Society of Canine Cosmetologists) and holds a certificate of completion in Pet First Aid from the St. Louis Chapter of the American Red Cross. In her free time Mandy volunteers at the Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center. Mandy is currently testing for DermaTech licensing through ISCC.

Mindy Boyer - Asst. Academy Instructor

Mindy graduated from Petropolis Academy of Grooming & Training in 2006. She began her career in the pet care field at the age of 15 as a bather-brusher and continued this work until high school age. She continued her pet care work in the areas of kennel and doggie day care until she began her training at Petropolis.Mindy also studied animal caretaking at tech school during her high school years. Mindy has done volunteer work at Open Door Animal Sanctuary. Mindy plans to study the DermaTech program through ISCC in the near future.

Testimonials

“My greatest passion in life has always been animals. So it was a natural progression to become a qualified groomer. I researched my options and decided on the Petropolis Academy of Grooming and Training.

My time spent there was awesome. Oh, it was hard work, but very rewarding. The Staff and teachers were welcoming and knowledgeable. I always felt that I fit in from the first day until the last.

Having become a successful groomer, I have now realized many things about the academy. The teachers taught me all I needed to know. The equipment I received was more than adequate. The facilities at Petropolis Academy of Grooming and Training were top notch. All these things enabled me to find a job immediately and become a successful dog, cat and sometimes bunny, groomer. DO IT!!!”

Sincerely,
Marie Wiesner
Class of October 2002