ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming

The ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming is designed for individuals who wish to build a professional career in the dog grooming industry. This qualification provides learners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to groom dogs to a high standard, while also ensuring animal welfare and client satisfaction.

Learners are trained in advanced grooming techniques, including bathing, drying, clipping, scissoring, and styling for a wide range of breeds. The programme emphasises breed‑specific coat care, enabling graduates to meet professional standards and client expectations. In addition, learners gain competence in canine behaviour and handling, ensuring that grooming procedures are carried out safely and with minimal stress to the animal.

Beyond technical skills, the diploma also covers canine health checks, first aid, and welfare considerations, equipping learners to identify signs of illness, injury, or stress during grooming sessions. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are not only skilled groomers but also responsible professionals who prioritise animal wellbeing.

The qualification further develops customer service and salon management skills, preparing learners to work in established grooming salons or set up their own businesses. Topics such as client communication, appointment scheduling, hygiene protocols, and financial management are integrated to support entrepreneurial success.

Upon completion, graduates are recognised as competent dog groomers capable of working independently, joining grooming salons, or offering mobile grooming services. The diploma provides a strong foundation for career progression in the pet care industry, combining technical expertise with professional practice.

Course overview

Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming

To enrol in ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming, learner must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Age Requirement: Learners must typically be 18 years or older at the time of enrolment. The qualification is open to both school leavers and adult learners.
  • Educational Background: No formal GCSE requirements are usually needed, but learners must be able to work at Level 3 standard (equivalent to post‑secondary vocational study).Some centres may ask for basic literacy and numeracy skills to ensure learners can complete written assignments and recordkeeping.
  • Professional Experience: Many awarding bodies (such as City & Guilds) require learners to have completed a Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants before progressing to Level 3.Alternatively, relevant work experience in dog grooming or animal care may be accepted.
  • English Proficiency: As the programme is delivered in English, learners must demonstrate competence in written and spoken English.International learners may need to provide evidence of proficiency through recognised assessments (e.g., IELTS or equivalent), depending on centre requirements.
  • Additional Requirements: Learners must be comfortable working with dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments.Most programmes include 25 days of practical training at an approved grooming centre or salon.

This qualification, the ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming, consists of 6 mandatory units.

  1. Canine Anatomy, Coat Types, and Skin Health
  2. Dog Grooming Techniques: Bathing, Drying, Clipping, and Styling
  3. Breed‑Specific Grooming Standards and Presentation
  4. Canine Behaviour, Handling, and Welfare in Grooming
  5. Canine Health Checks, First Aid, and Preventive Care
  6. Customer Service, Salon Management, and Professional Practice

Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming:

Canine Anatomy, Coat Types, and Skin Health

  • Identify the major anatomical features relevant to grooming (skin, coat, nails, ears).
  • Distinguish between different coat types (double coat, wire, curly, smooth) and their grooming needs.
  • Recognise common skin conditions and their impact on grooming practices.
  • Apply knowledge of coat growth cycles to plan grooming schedules.
  • Assess how nutrition and health influence coat and skin quality.
  • Use correct terminology when describing canine anatomy and coat types.
  • Demonstrate awareness of breed differences in coat and skin health.

Dog Grooming Techniques: Bathing, Drying, Clipping, and Styling

  • Perform safe and effective bathing techniques using appropriate products.
  • Apply drying methods suited to different coat types and conditions.
  • Demonstrate correct use of grooming tools (clippers, scissors, brushes, combs).
  • Style and finish coats to professional standards, meeting client expectations.
  • Maintain hygiene and safety standards during grooming procedures.
  • Adapt grooming techniques to suit the age, health, and temperament of the dog.
  • Evaluate grooming outcomes and make improvements where necessary.

Breed‑Specific Grooming Standards and Presentation

  • Identify grooming requirements for a wide range of dog breeds.
  • Apply breed‑specific styling techniques to meet recognised standards.
  • Prepare dogs for shows or competitions, ensuring presentation quality.
  • Recognise how breed standards influence coat care and styling choices.
  • Adapt grooming approaches for mixed‑breed dogs while maintaining welfare.
  • Communicate breed‑specific grooming needs clearly to clients.
  • Reflect on professional standards in breed presentation.

Canine Behaviour, Handling, and Welfare in Grooming

  • Recognise behavioural signals that indicate stress, fear, or aggression.
  • Apply safe handling and restraint techniques during grooming.
  • Minimise stress by adapting grooming approaches to individual dogs.
  • Promote welfare by ensuring grooming sessions are humane and respectful.
  • Use positive reinforcement and calming techniques to support cooperation.
  • Maintain health and safety for both groomer and dog during handling.
  • Reflect on ethical responsibilities in canine welfare during grooming.

Canine Health Checks, First Aid, and Preventive Care

  • Conduct basic health checks (skin, coat, nails, ears, teeth) during grooming.
  • Recognise signs of illness, injury, or parasites and report appropriately.
  • Apply basic canine first aid in emergencies (minor wounds, heat stress, choking).
  • Support preventive care by advising owners on coat maintenance and hygiene.
  • Maintain accurate records of health observations during grooming.
  • Collaborate with veterinary professionals when health concerns are identified.
  • Promote owner awareness of preventive healthcare practices.

Customer Service, Salon Management, and Professional Practice

  • Communicate effectively with clients about grooming needs and outcomes.
  • Manage appointment scheduling, client records, and salon workflow.
  • Apply hygiene and safety protocols in grooming environments.
  • Demonstrate professionalism in client interactions and service delivery.
  • Handle complaints and feedback constructively to improve services.
  • Manage stock, equipment, and salon resources efficiently.
  • Reflect on personal development and professional standards in grooming practice.

Completing the ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming equips learners with advanced grooming techniques, canine welfare knowledge, and the professional confidence needed to thrive in the pet care industry. This qualification is widely recognised as a strong foundation for those who wish to work directly with dogs and their owners, while also opening doors to entrepreneurship, welfare work, and community engagement. Graduates are prepared not only to deliver high‑quality grooming services but also to contribute meaningfully to animal wellbeing and the wider pet care sector.

  • Work as a professional dog groomer in established salons: Provide a full range of grooming services including bathing, drying, clipping, scissoring, and breed‑specific styling. Learners will be able to meet professional standards, ensure animal comfort, and deliver results that satisfy client expectations.
  • Join mobile grooming services: Offer convenient, on‑the‑go grooming solutions for clients who prefer home visits. This pathway allows graduates to build strong customer relationships, expand their client base, and provide stress‑free grooming experiences for dogs in familiar environments.
  • Establish an independent grooming business or salon: Manage all aspects of a grooming enterprise, from appointment scheduling and customer service to hygiene protocols and financial operations. This option empowers learners to become entrepreneurs, creating their own brand and tailoring services to local demand.
  • Contribute to animal welfare organisations, rescue centres, and charities: Apply grooming skills to support the rehabilitation and rehoming of dogs. Grooming plays a vital role in improving the health, comfort, and appearance of rescue animals, making them more adoptable and enhancing their welfare.
  • Provide specialist grooming services for show dogs and competitions: Develop expertise in breed‑specific standards and presentation, preparing dogs for exhibitions and competitive events. This pathway allows graduates to work at a higher level of precision and artistry, showcasing advanced grooming skills.
  • Educate dog owners on coat care, hygiene, and preventive health practices: Share knowledge with pet owners to promote responsible care. This includes advising on brushing routines, parasite prevention, nutrition, and overall wellbeing, strengthening community awareness of canine welfare.
  • Take on customer service and salon management responsibilities: Oversee client communication, stock management, and workflow organisation. Learners can progress into supervisory roles, ensuring smooth salon operations while maintaining high standards of professionalism and customer satisfaction.
  • Continue developing skills through CPD workshops and advanced grooming courses: Specialise in areas such as creative styling, hand‑stripping, Asian fusion grooming, or canine behaviour. Ongoing professional development allows graduates to refine their expertise and stay competitive in the industry.
  • Collaborate with veterinary practices or pet care businesses: Offer grooming services that complement veterinary healthcare, such as parasite control, hygiene maintenance, and welfare monitoring. This collaboration strengthens the link between grooming and overall animal health.
  • Build a reputation as a trusted grooming professional: Establish credibility through consistent quality, ethical practice, and client satisfaction. Over time, this reputation can lead to opportunities in consultancy, training, or mentoring, enabling experienced groomers to guide the next generation of professionals.

FAQs

This course is ideal for individuals who want to build a career in dog grooming, whether by working in salons, joining mobile grooming services, or starting their own business. It also suits those already working in animal care who wish to formalise their skills and gain a recognised qualification.

Graduates can:

  • Work as professional dog groomers in salons.
  • Offer mobile grooming services.
  • Establish their own grooming business or salon.
  • Support welfare organisations and rescue centres with grooming and rehabilitation.
  • Provide specialist grooming for show dogs and competitions.
  • Educate owners on coat care, hygiene, and preventive health.

The ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming is a 30 Credit hours training programme designed to be completed in full-time study over this period, with a focus on both theoretical learning and practical application.

ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming is offered in various formats, including online, in-person, or a combination of both. Participants can choose the format that best fits their schedule and learning preferences. But final decision is made by ATC.

Yes, ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming consist of 6 mandatory assessments. These assessments are designed to evaluate participants’ comprehension of course material and their capacity to apply concepts in practical situations. It is mandatory to pass all assessments to achieve this qualification.