Diploma in Dog Grooming

Become a Qualified Dog Groomer with a Diploma

Study dog grooming online at your own pace and earn an ICOES-accredited Diploma recognised by the CPD Standards Office.

CPD Endorsed100% OnlineFrom $29/Week
12 Mths
Duration
Online
Delivery
18
Units
Flexible
Start Date
CPD Endorsed
Credential
Diploma in Dog Grooming

Become a Qualified Dog Groomer with a Diploma

Study dog grooming online at your own pace and earn an ICOES-accredited Diploma recognised by the CPD Standards Office.

CPD Endorsed100% OnlineFrom $29/Week
12 Mths
Duration
Online
Delivery
18
Units
Flexible
Start Date
CPD Endorsed
Credential
Why Study This

Practical, Job-Relevant Skills You Can Build.

ICOES-Accredited Diploma With CPD Standards Office Recognition

200 Hours Of Study, 12 Months Access, Fully Self-Paced

SEEK Pass Verified Credential Included On Completion

Skills & Applications

Skills You'll Build

Practical, job-relevant skills for these roles. As a professional development course, it builds capability in this field rather than guaranteeing a specific role or salary.

Dog GroomerPrepares and grooms dogs to breed standards, including bathing, clipping, and coat finishing in a salon or…
Pet Salon AssistantSupports senior groomers with client intake, animal handling, and general salon operations.
Mobile Grooming OperatorProvides grooming services directly to clients at their homes, managing bookings and equipment independently.
Salon Operations CoordinatorOversees day-to-day scheduling, client communication, and staff coordination for a grooming business.
Animal Care AttendantAssists with the welfare, hygiene, and handling of animals in shelters, kennels, or veterinary support settings.
Animal Welfare Support OfficerWorks within animal welfare organisations on compliance, community education, and animal handling duties.

Possible career directions only; no specific job, salary or outcome is guaranteed. Where you go depends on your experience, the employer and your location.

What You’ll Learn

18 Units

Core Units · 18 units
  • Topic 1Introduction to Dog Care
  • Topic 2Canine Biology
  • Topic 3Dog Health – Nutrition
  • Topic 4Dog Health – Disorders
  • Topic 5Exploring Dog Breeds
  • Topic 6Responsible Dog Breeding
  • Topic 7Dog Behaviour and Training
  • Topic 8Grooming Dogs
  • Topic 9Other Dog Services
  • Topic 10Scope and Nature of Grooming Animals
  • Topic 11Animal Biology
  • Topic 12Care of the Coat and Skin
  • Topic 13Dog Grooming Techniques
  • Topic 14Grooming Other Types of Animals
  • Topic 15Other Grooming Tasks
  • Topic 16Handling Animals During Grooming
  • Topic 17Grooming Safety
  • Topic 18The Business of Grooming
Before You Apply

Entry Requirements

What you’ll typically need to get started.

No formal academic prerequisites

No grooming experience required

No grooming salon setup required before starting

No prior knowledge of breed groups, biology, or coat types required

Requirements can vary by intake and pathway, so submit an enquiry to confirm what applies to you.

What’s Included

Everything That Comes With Your Enrolment

Industry-Accredited Diploma

Upon completion, receive a Certificate of Achievement from The Career Academy, accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office. The Career Academy is also a member of the International Approval & Recognition Council.

Unlimited Tutor Support

Access unlimited support from industry expert tutors via phone and email during business hours throughout your studies.

100% Online, Self-Paced Study

Study entirely online at your own pace, fitting learning around work, family, and daily life. No fixed class times or exams.

Career Centre Access

Instant access to the Career Centre upon enrolment, including latest job opportunities, CV templates, a free personalised CV review, job tips, and interview preparation resources.

SEEK Pass Verified Credential

Upon completion, verify your qualification from The Career Academy with SEEK Pass so you can share it on SEEK and stand out to employers as a qualified, job-ready candidate.

Free Student ID Card

Receive a free virtual Student ID card upon enrolment, providing access to over 150,000 discounts on food, entertainment, and travel in New Zealand and internationally.

Industry Connections and Endorsements

Gain access to a network of professionals and industry experts. The Career Academy has endorsements from organisations like SPCA New Zealand and expert input from trainers like Sarah Whitehead.

Free bonus courses included

Free Student ID Card

Virtual Student ID card providing access to over 150,000 discounts on food, entertainment…

CAN
Your Provider

The Career Academy NZ

The Career Academy offers an online Career Centre providing career coaching, CV reviews, interview preparation, job search resources, and LinkedIn profile reviews. Students have access to a Career Success Hub, Business Hub, and Self Service Resource Hub. The centre includes one-to-one coaching from dedicated career support staff and is available to all students during and after their studies.

Fees & Funding

Flexible Ways To Pay

From $29/Week
on an interest-free payment plan
EASY WAYS TO PAY
Pay upfrontWeekly payment plan
Enquire to confirm the exact fees and payment options for your situation. We don’t list a set price here because it varies by your circumstances.
Getting Started

Your Path To Enrolment

A few simple steps from enquiry to your first day.

1
Click Enrol Now
2
Choose payment option (upfront or payment plan)
3
Complete enrolment form
4
Gain instant access to course and Career Centre
Why Students Choose The

What Students Say

★★★★★

Cameron transformed his passion for dogs into a successful mobile dog grooming service. With everything from a full grooming table to a hydro-bath, he brings the salon directly to his client's homes. Cameron's journey started with The Career Academy's Diploma in Dog Grooming, which equipped him with the skills and confidence to launch his business.

CYCameron Young
★★★★★

Janet followed her passion for dogs and landed her dream role in a grooming salon, thanks to the Advanced Certificate in Dog Grooming from The Career Academy. Her studies gave her the knowledge to expand her expertise, and she's already planning to launch her own mobile grooming service.

JJanet
Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

There are no formal entry requirements listed for this diploma. It is designed to be accessible to beginners with an interest in dog grooming and animal care. Submit an enquiry to confirm whether any prerequisites apply to your situation.
A weekly payment plan may be available to spread the cost of enrolment. Submit a Get Course enquiry to confirm current pricing and payment options.
Students have 12 months of access to complete the course. The estimated study time is around 200 hours in total. Because the course is self-paced, you can move faster or slower depending on your schedule.
The course is 100% online and self-paced, with no fixed class times or sit-down exams. Unlimited tutor support is available by phone and email during business hours. All you need is an internet connection to get started.
This course does not include a mandatory work placement. Practical skills are developed through online coursework and guided assessments. If hands-on experience is a priority for you, submit an enquiry to explore your options.
The diploma carries accreditation from ICOES and recognition from the CPD Standards Office. On completion, students receive a Certificate of Achievement and a SEEK Pass verified digital credential. It is not a government-accredited qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).
The diploma prepares students for roles such as dog groomer, pet salon assistant, mobile grooming operator, and salon operations coordinator. It also builds a foundation for animal care support roles in welfare and kennel environments. These are potential pathways, not guaranteed outcomes.
As a professional development course, credit toward formal qualifications is arranged through the provider's RPL or credit recognition process. Submit a Get Course enquiry to confirm what this diploma may count toward with other providers or institutions.
About This Course

Diploma in Dog Grooming

This Diploma in Dog Grooming covers breed-specific grooming techniques, coat care, skin and health checks, safe handling, and the business skills needed to work in a grooming salon or run your own. Students complete around 200 hours of study over up to 12 months of access.

Delivered by The Career Academy NZ, the course suits complete beginners and working animal care enthusiasts who want a formal credential. Everything is online and self-paced, with no fixed class times and no sit-down exams. Unlimited tutor support is available by phone and email during business hours throughout the course.

On completion, students receive a Certificate of Achievement accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office, plus a SEEK Pass verified digital credential to share with employers. The Career Academy NZ holds endorsements from organisations including SPCA New Zealand.

Ready When You Are

Take The Next Step Into Education & Teaching

Enquire about this course and a course advisor from The Career Academy NZ will be in touch with pricing and next steps.

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Disclaimer: Course information on this page is sourced from the education provider and was last verified on the date shown below. Details including pricing, availability, entry requirements and course content may change without notice. Get Course is a directory service that connects students with course providers; we do not deliver courses directly. Contact the provider for the most current information before enrolling.

Last updated: July 2026