iPET Network Level 3 Award in Creative Dog Grooming – Qualification Number 610/1180/0 (link to qualification on Ofqual register)

Having seen a recent increase in public and professional interest in the creative grooming industry, the iPET Network Level 3 Award in Creative Dog Grooming has been developed to support the awareness and growth of this expanding industry. 

At iPET Network, creation and delivery of qualifications that support provision of the highest possible standards of canine welfare is our primary objective and this qualification is no different. This qualification has been designed to teach Candidates how to complete a thorough assessment of the health and behaviour of the dog to be groomed, to ensure the dog is both physically fit and of a suitable temperament to be used for creative grooming. Units will address the safe handling and restraint of dogs during creative grooming, structure and function of the skin and how this relates to safe use of colour, and principles of designing, planning and carrying out creative grooming while, at all times, placing animal welfare at the centre of all activity.

The qualification is aimed at existing, experienced dog groomers wishing to expand their knowledge and skill-set. The qualification forms a balance of theoretical and practical learning to ensure Candidates have the knowledge, understanding and skills required to carry out creative grooming techniques in a safe manner, using a combination of live and model dogs.

This qualification has been developed following extensive consultation with worldwide leading industry experts, ensuring its relevance in the creative grooming industry, a focus on safety and welfare of dogs, support of the continued growth and development of the industry, as well as utilising the skills and knowledge of those at the forefront of the field.

iPET Network places the welfare of animals at the heart of all qualifications developed. This qualification has been created in consultation with a veterinary surgeon to advise on all aspects of welfare of dogs during grooming. While views on the use of oxidising colours in creative dog grooming varies, iPET Network does not support or advise the use of oxidising colours (permanent dyes/bleaches) and these are NOT used during ANY assessments associated with this qualification.

Candidates who complete this qualification will be able to:

• Interpret canine behaviour and correctly assess a range of factors to establish their suitability for creative grooming;

• Recognise health and safety concerns surrounding creative grooming and implement appropriate measures to minimise risk;

• Understand the anatomy and physiology of healthy skin and hair and how appropriate colour should be selected and safely used on dogs;

• Plan, design and carry out creative grooming techniques whilst maintaining high standards of canine welfare.

The iPET Network Level 3 Award in Creative Dog Grooming consists of three mandatory units:

Unit 338: Maintaining Welfare and Interpreting Canine Behaviour During Creative Grooming (1 credit)

Unit 339: Safe Use and Application of Colour During Creative Grooming (2 credits)

Unit 340: Plan, Design and Carry Out Creative Grooming (3 credits) 

EDUCATION FOR PEOPLE, FOR PETS, FOR THE FUTURE