How to Check If a Grooming School is Legitimate

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Choosing a grooming school is a big decision. It’s an investment of your time, money, and future, so naturally, you want to make sure you're making the right choice. Unfortunately, many people assume that if a grooming school exists, it must be legitimate—but that’s not always the case.

Because grooming is an unregulated industry, many schools fly under the radar without state approval, often without even realizing it. Some schools genuinely want to provide a great education but don’t know they’re supposed to be approved. Others, however, may be more focused on making money than actually preparing students for success.

I know firsthand how hard it can be to navigate this process. When I first started my school, even after hours of research, I had no idea there were approval requirements. It’s confusing, frustrating, and not always easy to find answers. So, if you’re unsure about how to check if a school is legitimate, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision.

Step 1: Check for State Approval

First things first—every state in the lower 48 has an approval process for private trade schools. This doesn’t mean they specifically regulate grooming education, but they do oversee any business that offers career-based training for a fee.

To check if a grooming school is approved in your state:

• Look up your state’s private trade school or workforce development agency.

• Search their directory to see if the school is listed. If you don’t see it, contact the agency and ask.

• You can also ask the school directly—any approved school should be able to provide proof of their approval.

If a school isn’t approved, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re bad, but it does mean they could be at risk of being shut down or fined. It also means they aren’t following the same accountability standards as other career-based schools, which could be a red flag.

Step 2: Look for Red Flags

Not every unapproved school is intentionally doing something wrong, but unfortunately, there are some out there that aren’t focused on providing a solid education. If you see any of these red flags, proceed with caution:

🚩 No clear information on approval status – If a school is approved, they should be able to provide proof. If they get defensive or dodge the question, that’s a bad sign.

🚩 No real website – If a school only has a Facebook page with vague info, that’s concerning. A professional school should have a clear website with details on their curriculum, tuition, and policies.

🚩 Overpromising results – If a school claims you’ll make six figures right away or be a “master groomer” in just a couple of weeks, that’s unrealistic. Grooming is a skill that takes time to develop.

🚩 Poorly written or vague curriculum – A quality grooming program should include hands-on training with different coat types, safety procedures, and customer communication skills. If a school is vague about what they teach, be wary.

🚩 No student reviews or overwhelmingly negative ones – If you can’t find past student experiences, or if all the reviews seem overly polished or defensive, dig a little deeper before committing.

Step 3: Read Reviews and Talk to Former Students

One of the best ways to get an honest look at a school is by talking to former students. Some ways to do this:

• Look at Google, Facebook, and Yelp reviews.

• Join grooming industry groups and ask if anyone has attended the school.

• Reach out to former students directly and ask about their experience.

• Pay attention to how the school handles criticism—do they respond professionally or attack negative reviewers?

Step 4: Evaluate the Curriculum

A good grooming school should be preparing you for real-world success. Ask yourself:

✅ Does the curriculum cover all coat types and breed styles? (A program that only teaches basic shaving isn’t setting you up for success.)

✅ Does it include canine behavior, handling, and safety training? (Grooming isn’t just about styling—it’s about working safely with animals.)

✅ Is hands-on training included? (You can’t learn to groom from a book alone.)

✅ How long is the program? (If a school promises to teach you everything in just a couple of weeks, that’s a red flag.)

If a school won’t share a curriculum outline or seems vague about what’s included, that’s a major warning sign.

Step 5: Check Their Business Practices

A reputable school should have clear policies in place, including:

• Transparent tuition and fees – You should know exactly what you're paying for. Watch out for hidden costs!

• Refund and cancellation policies – Legitimate schools have structured policies for tuition refunds.

• Student contracts or agreements – A professional school should outline expectations for both students and staff.

• Qualified instructors – Who is teaching the program? Are they experienced, and do they have industry knowledge?

Final Thoughts

Choosing a grooming school is a big deal. It’s not just about learning to groom—it’s about setting yourself up for long-term success. The right school will prepare you for the challenges of the job, teach you proper techniques, and help you feel confident in your skills.

I know how overwhelming this process can be. If you’ve ever felt like you’re getting lost in a sea of information (or lack of information), trust me—I’ve been there. But taking the time to research a school before committing can save you from frustration, disappointment, and wasted money.

A great school will be transparent, approved, and focused on education first, not just profit. So, do your research, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to walk away if something doesn’t feel right. You deserve a quality education, and the right school is out there for you.