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. Students will also learn puppy cuts, kennel cuts and breed specific cuts. In addition, they will acquire the knowledge necessary to trim the most common breeds of dogs (as well as basic styles for mixed breeds), learn Dog Behavior, Anatomy, Skin and Coat Care and become certified in dog and cat CPR. Upon graduation, they will have the skill and knowledge needed to succeed as an entry-level pet stylist. For those students interested in learning cat grooming, we will also cover this instruction in the course.

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.

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

"Hey everybody, my name is Shannon and I have to tell you about my experience at Petropolis, as a student. I had already been grooming for about 6 ½ months, but had no certificate. I did my research and Petropolis was the best so I started January 19, 2009. The first week I was shown the basics of the salon it was so exciting because I learned something new every day. My teachers Mandy, Jan, Bradi were there for me answering questions showing me new haircuts all about shampoos, everything that I didn't know. My speed has increased my haircuts are a thousand times better, I'm more confident today then every and I just want to encourage you today if your reading this please give Petropolis a call you'll be so glad you did. Thank you everybody at Petropolis."

Shannon G'Sell