Class INFO & SCHEDULE
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How Can I to Become a Professional Dog Groomer?
A. You will need to take and pass both the Introduction to Dog Grooming Hybrid Course first including the online course and the one month hands on training.
Then the Dog Groomer Certification Course.
To pass the Introduction to Dog grooming Course you will have to complete the written exam at the end of completing your online course and your 1 month of hands on training.
To Pass the Dog Groomer Certification Course you have to Complete 2 months hands on training after completing the intro to grooming course. Then after you complete 1000 hours of grooming total either in a WCGA salon or another approved salon you will receive your Certification.
Total to become a Dog Groomer:
- Introduction to Dog Groomer Course (Online Course)
- Introduction to Dog Groomer Course Hands-On
- Introduction to Dog Groomer Course Written Exam
- Certification Course 2 months
- 1,000 total Intern hours.
- Shave dog with Teddy head Technical Onsite
- Spaniel Technical
- Terrier Technical
- Then Certification
We have the highest standards in the industry.
Everyone LOVES to hire our students!
Q. How Much Does It Cost to Enroll?
A. We know times are tough, please apply for one of our scholarships. 95% of people are granted scholarships that are up to $6,250 off that class. Scholarships are approved with in 48 hours.
- The Introduction to Dog Grooming is $6,000 (Includes written test valued at $450)
- The Dog Groomer Certification course is $6,000with a $250 registration fee
Total: $12,250
Scholarship: $6,250
Out of Pocket Total: $6,000
(This Includes your onsite tests: The 5 onsite tests needed for certification are Shave down with Teddy Bear Face, Long Legged Terrier Cut/Trim/Hand Strip, Short Legged Terrier Cut/Trim/Hand Strip, Long Legged Terrier Cut/Trim/Hand Strip, and Spaniel Trim/ Hand Strip) total of 5 onsite tests. Each test is valued at $450. If you miss or fail a test you will be subjected to a retesting fee. (This will be up to the discretion of the instructor)
- A deposit of 25% is due at the time of enrollment.
Tuition must be fully paid 1 week before the class starts. For pricing information for other classes, please click the drop down menu for each class.
Q. Do You Offer Financing?
A. Not at this time, but hopefully in the near future! We do offer a variety of Scholarship Opportunities and other programs on our Student Resources page.
Students with disabilities may qualify for tuition assistance, and other student benefits. For more information, please visit the Department of Rehabilitation website here.
Q. Why Is an accredited school the only way to go?
A. An accredited institution has gone through all the required steps to operate fully. The key benefit of being an accredited school is that it means the institution meets or exceeds the industry standards set by the accrediting body.
Q. Are there any advantages of going to an accredited school over any other school?
A. You have a much higher chance of employment in your field.
WCGA is the only school with a list of employers who are ready and excited to hire you. This includes any PETCO or PetSmart. We have a huge amount of employers.
A. You will be one of the only groomers in the field with a prestigious certification that holds both the WCGA Seal and the WASC Accreditation seal.
A. You will be one of the first to join our Journeyman Program. Which means you could be one of the first to be part of our Revolutionary Pet Grooming Union. After completion this will Guarantee you a minimum of $22.00 an hour (Details Coming Soon) Let WCGA Protect your rights! This is only available to WCGA graduates.
Q. I am already a groomer with over 3,000 hours of grooming experience and I just want to get my certification. Do I have to take the whole course?
A. No, you can call and make an appointment to be tested out. The written test is $450, The onsite, hands-on exams are all $450 each and you must bring your own dog to be tested out.
Q. Are there specific days for testing?
A. Yes, please call for dates and times. We are doing test outs 1 day a quarter, per salon.
Q. Who will give me my final test for certification?
A. Chris Jackson the CEO or the acting CAO will be administering all onsite tests. We want to make sure that you receive our Certification with the CEO’s signature and the WASC Seal that shows every student passed at the highest standards.
Q. Is the certification that you receive from WCGA the same as every other School?
A. No WCGA is the Only BPPE State approved, WASC Accredited Dog Grooming Vocational School.
- Also, WCGA is the only Dog Grooming School that can give you an accredited certification.
Need financial assistance? Apply for a Scholarship!
Have Questions? Call (800) 823-1305 x6
Course Descriptions
Part 1: This is part one of a hybrid course that covers important topics necessary for pursuing a career in grooming, including tools and tool maintenance, canine anatomy, health, breed history and styles, and foundational techniques for the groomer.
Part 2: Part two of a hybrid course is fully hands-on and takes place at our state of the art facility in Arcadia, CA. Learn how to work as a pet hygienist and bathe dogs professionally from the industry’s top groomers while working with dogs of a wide variety of breeds and temperaments. Upon completion of this course, students will move straight onto the Certified Dog Groomer Course.
You will need both this class AND the Dog Groomer Certification Course to receive your certification.
Click below for more details on this course.
CLICK TO VIEW CLASS DETAILS
Format:
Part 1: Online or Textbook
Part 2: Hands-on
Course Length:
Part 1: Self-paced
Part 2: Hands-on, 2 days per week for 4 weeks
Registration Fee: $250
Course Cost: $6,000 per course
(effective July 5, 2024)
DISCOUNTS MAY BE AVAILABLE
Call for details.
*** Click the Tabs Below to View Class Starting Dates ***
Dates are subject to change depending on the county’s current Covid-19 guidelines.
CLICK TO VIEW ** ARCADIA ** CLASS SCHEDULE
2026 dates
Arcadia Campus
Class Days (2 days/week):
Saturday-Sunday
10:00am-5:30pm
Starting in 2025, the Introduction to Dog Grooming Course will be 250 hours (100 hours online + 150 hours hands-on). Hands-on training will be 2 days/week for 4 weeks.
Starting Dates:
January 3, 2026
6 Spaces Left
April 4, 2026
6 Spaces Left
July 11, 2026
6 Spaces Left
October 3, 2026
6 Spaces Left
2026 dates
Arcadia Campus
Class Days (2 days/week):
Monday – Tuesday
10:00am-5:30pm
Starting in 2025, the Introduction to Dog Grooming Course will be 250 hours (100 hours online + 150 hours hands-on). Hands-on training will be 2 days/week for 4 weeks.
Starting Dates:
March 16, 2026
5 Spaces Left
June 15, 2026
6 Spaces Left
September 14, 2026
6 Spaces Left
December 14, 2026
6 Spaces Left
2026 dates
Arcadia Campus
Class Days (2 days/week):
Wednesday – Thursday
10:00am-5:30pm
Starting in 2025, the Introduction to Dog Grooming Course will be 250 hours (100 hours online + 150 hours hands-on). Hands-on training will be 2 days/week for 4 weeks.
Starting Dates
February 11, 2026
5 Spaces Left
May 13, 2026
6 Spaces Left
August 12, 2026
6 Spaces Left
November 11, 2026
6 Spaces Left
Dates may be subject to change.
CLICK TO VIEW ** LA VERNE ** CLASS SCHEDULE
2026 Dates
La Verne Campus
Class Days (2 days/week):
Saturday-Sunday
10:00am-5:30pm
Starting in 2025, the Introduction to Dog Grooming Course will be 250 hours (100 hours online + 150 hours hands-on). Hands-on training will be 2 days/week for 4 weeks.
Starting Dates:
January 3, 2026
5 Spaces Left
April 4, 2026
6 Spaces Left
July 11, 2026
6 Spaces Left
October 3, 2026
6 Spaces Left
2026 Dates
La Verne Campus
Class Days (2 days/week):
Monday-Tuesday
10:00am-5:30pm
Starting in 2025, the Introduction to Dog Grooming Course will be 250 hours (100 hours online + 150 hours hands-on). Hands-on training will be 2 days/week for 4 weeks.
Starting Dates:
January 5, 2026
5 Spaces Left
April 6, 2026
6 Spaces Left
July 6, 2026
6 Spaces Left
October 5, 2026
6 Spaces Left
2026 Dates
La Verne Campus
Class Days (2 days/week):
Wednesday – Thursday
10:00am-5:30pm
Starting in 2025, the Introduction to Dog Grooming Course will be 250 hours (100 hours online + 150 hours hands-on). Hands-on training will be 2 days/week for 4 weeks.
Starting Dates:
January 7, 2026
4 Spaces Left
April 8, 2026
6 Spaces Left
July 8, 2026
6 Spaces Left
October 7, 2026
5 Spaces Left
Dates may be subject to change.
CLICK TO VIEW ** PLAYA VISTA ** CLASS SCHEDULE
2026 Dates
Playa Vista Campus
Class Days (2 days/week):
Saturday-Sunday
9:00am-4:30pm
Starting in 2025, the Introduction to Dog Grooming Course will be 250 hours (100 hours online + 150 hours hands-on). Hands-on training will be 2 days/week for 4 weeks.
Starting Dates:
February 7, 2026
1 Spaces Left
May 9, 2026
6 Spaces Left
August 8, 2026
6 Spaces Left
November 7, 2026
6 Spaces Left
2026 Dates
Playa Vista Campus
Class Days (2 days/week):
Tuesday-Wednesday
9:00am-4:30pm
Starting in 2025, the Introduction to Dog Grooming Course will be 250 hours (100 hours online + 150 hours hands-on). Hands-on training will be 2 days/week for 4 weeks.
Starting Dates:
March 10, 2026
6 Spaces Left
June 9, 2026
4 Spaces Left
September 8, 2026
6 Spaces Left
December 8, 2026
6 Spaces Left
2026 Dates
Playa Vista Campus
Class Days (2 days/week):
Thursday-Friday
9:00am-4:30pm
Starting in 2025, the Introduction to Dog Grooming Course will be 250 hours (100 hours online + 150 hours hands-on). Hands-on training will be 2 days/week for 4 weeks.
Starting Dates:
February 26, 2026
5 Spaces Left
May 28, 2026
6 Spaces Left
August 27, 2026
6 Spaces Left
December 3, 2026
6 Spaces Left
Dates may be subject to change.
This course is an 8 week class and is fully hands-on. This course takes place at our state of the art facility in Arcadia, CA. Learn how to groom professionally from the industry’s top groomers while working with dogs of a wide variety of breeds and temperaments.
Required: Introduction to Dog Grooming Hybrid Course
Both the Introduction to Dog Grooming Course and
Certified Dog Groomer Course are required to
receive certification.
Click below for more information on this course.
ENROLL
CLICK TO VIEW CLASS DETAILS
Format:
Fully Hands-On
Pre-Requisite:
Introduction to Dog Grooming
Course Length:
8 Weeks
Job placement assistance is available after certification is received, if needed.
Cost: $6,000
(effective July 5, 2024)
DISCOUNTS MAY BE AVAILABLE
Limited time only. Call for details.
*** Click the Tabs Below to View Class Starting Dates ***
Dates are subject to change depending on the county’s current Covid-19 guidelines.
CLICK TO VIEW ** ARCADIA ** CLASS SCHEDULE
2026 Dates
Arcadia Campus
Class Days (2 days/week):
Saturday-Sunday
10:00am-5:30pm
Starting in 2025, the Dog Groomer Certification Course will be 750 hours (300 hours hands-on, 150 Internship hours and 300 Externship hours). Hands-on training will be 2 days/week for 8 weeks.
Starting Dates:
January 3, 2026
6 Spaces Left
April 4, 2026
6 Spaces Left
July 11, 2026
6 Spaces Left
October 3, 2026
6 Spaces Left
2026 Dates
Arcadia Campus
Class Days (2 days/week):
Monday – Tuesday
10:00am-5:30pm
Starting in 2025, the Dog Groomer Certification Course will be 750 hours (300 hours hands-on, 150 Internship hours and 300 Externship hours). Hands-on training will be 2 days/week for 8 weeks.
Starting Dates:
March 16, 2026
5 Spaces Left
June 15, 2026
6 Spaces Left
September 14, 2026
6 Spaces Left
December 14, 2026
6 Spaces Left
2026 Dates
Arcadia Campus
Class Days (2 days/week):
Monday – Tuesday
10:00am-5:30pm
Starting in 2025, the Dog Groomer Certification Course will be 750 hours (300 hours hands-on, 150 Internship hours and 300 Externship hours). Hands-on training will be 2 days/week for 8 weeks.
Starting Dates
February 11, 2026
5 Spaces Left
May 13, 2026
6 Spaces Left
August 12, 2026
6 Spaces Left
November 11, 2026
6 Spaces Left
Dates may be subject to change.
CLICK TO VIEW ** LA VERNE ** CLASS SCHEDULE
2026 Dates
La Verne Campus
Class Days (2 days/week):
Saturday-Sunday
10:00am-5:30pm
Starting in 2025, the Dog Groomer Certification Course will be 750 hours (300 hours hands-on, 150 Internship hours and 300 Externship hours). Hands-on training will be 2 days/week for 8 weeks.
Starting Dates:
January 3, 2026
5 Spaces Left
April 4, 2026
6 Spaces Left
July 11, 2026
6 Spaces Left
October 3, 2026
6 Spaces Left
2026 Dates
La Verne Campus
Class Days (2 days/week):
Monday-Tuesday
10:00am-5:30pm
Starting in 2025, the Dog Groomer Certification Course will be 750 hours (300 hours hands-on, 150 Internship hours and 300 Externship hours). Hands-on training will be 2 days/week for 8 weeks.
Starting Dates:
January 5, 2026
5 Spaces Left
April 6, 2026
6 Spaces Left
July 6, 2026
6 Spaces Left
October 5, 2026
6 Spaces Left
2026 Dates
La Verne Campus
Class Days (2 days/week):
Wednesday – Thursday
10:00am-5:30pm
Starting in 2025, the Dog Groomer Certification Course will be 750 hours (300 hours hands-on, 150 Internship hours and 300 Externship hours). Hands-on training will be 2 days/week for 8 weeks.
Starting Dates:
January 7, 2026
4 Spaces Left
April 8, 2026
6 Spaces Left
July 8, 2026
6 Spaces Left
October 7, 2026
5 Spaces Left
Dates may be subject to change.
CLICK TO VIEW ** PLAYA VISTA ** CLASS SCHEDULE
2026 Dates
Playa Vista Campus
Class Days (2 days/week):
Saturday-Sunday
9:00am-4:30pm
Starting in 2025, the Dog Groomer Certification Course will be 750 hours (300 hours hands-on, 150 Internship hours and 300 Externship hours). Hands-on training will be 2 days/week for 8 weeks.
Starting Dates:
February 7, 2026
1 Spaces Left
May 9, 2026
6 Spaces Left
August 8, 2026
6 Spaces Left
November 7, 2026
6 Spaces Left
2026 Dates
Playa Vista Campus
Class Days (2 days/week):
Tuesday-Wednesday
9:00am-4:30pm
Starting in 2025, the Dog Groomer Certification Course will be 750 hours (300 hours hands-on, 150 Internship hours and 300 Externship hours). Hands-on training will be 2 days/week for 8 weeks.
Starting Dates:
March 10, 2026
6 Spaces Left
June 9, 2026
4 Spaces Left
September 8, 2026
6 Spaces Left
December 8, 2026
6 Spaces Left
2026 Dates
Playa Vista Campus
Class Days (2 days/week):
Thursday-Friday
9:00am-4:30pm
Starting in 2025, the Dog Groomer Certification Course will be 750 hours (300 hours hands-on, 150 Internship hours and 300 Externship hours). Hands-on training will be 2 days/week for 8 weeks.
Starting Dates:
February 26, 2026
5 Spaces Left
May 28, 2026
6 Spaces Left
August 27, 2026
6 Spaces Left
December 3, 2026
6 Spaces Left
Dates may be subject to change.
For Students who have completed our Certified Grooming Course previously and would like a refresher, and/or would like to get more knowledge on certain breeds. Topics learned include advanced grooming techniques, such as Hand Stripping, Barber Rolling, New Drying Techniques, Pain-Free De-Matting, Canine Behavior and more.
Pre-Requisite: Introduction to Dog Grooming Hybrid Course and Certified Dog Groomer Course
APPLY NOW
CLICK TO VIEW CLASS DETAILS
Click to Enroll in Advanced
Format:
Hands on training
Hours:
2 Days per Week, 10:00am-4:30pm
Course Length:
12 Sessions
Instructor:
TBD
Registration Fee: $250
Cost: $4,000
(Prices Increasing 7/5/24)
Campus:
TBD
CLICK TO VIEW SCHEDULE
Click to Enroll in Intermediate
Starting Dates:
ADVANCED CLASS
12 sessions, one day per week for $4,000. Grow your skills and learn things like speed grooming, advanced de-matting, doodle styles, customer communication and more! For WCGA Alumni only.
Specialty Classes & workshops
Cat Grooming Courses
$99.99
There are several class options that are open to everyone at any skill level! Learn to groom cats professionally from Nicole Jackson, Certified Cat Grooming Instructor. She will work with you to help you reach your cat grooming goals. Each day will be planned out and personalized to your skill level and your needs.
May be taken with or without the Dog Groomer Certification Course (but grooming knowledge of both species is highly recommended for employment). Bundle deals are available if you enroll in both the Dog Groomer Certification and Cat Groomer Certification Courses together!
CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLASS INFO + STARTING DATES
Introduction to Cat Grooming: Hybrid Course
Description: This course will focus on establishing your foundational cat grooming skills, which includes proper cat handling for safety and control, professional bathing and drying techniques, brushing and de-matting, trimming nails, sanitary trims, and basic cat hygiene needs. Comes with an online course that can be studied at home at your own pace. A written final exam and a hands-on technical exam are required to pass this course. This class is a pre-requisite to enroll in the Cat Groomer Certification Course.
Instructor:
Nicole J.
Format:
Hybrid workshop: Hands-On + Online
Hours:
10:00am to 6:30pm
Workshop Length:
4 Sessions + 2 Weeks of Internship
Cost:
$4,000 + $250 Reg. Fee as of July 5, 2024
Discounts May Be Available. Please Call for Information
Next Starting Dates:
ARCADIA CAMPUS
April 6, 2026
4 Spaces
November 2, 2026
4 Spaces
LA VERNE CAMPUS
January 5, 2026
4 Spaces
PLAYA VISTA CAMPUS
July 7, 2026
4 Spaces
Cat Groomer Certification Course
Description:
This course will focus on building upon your skills learned in Introduction to Cat Grooming, with an emphasis on haircuts and styling, including Belly Shaves, Face Trims, Mane Trims, Hygienic Trims, Kitten Cuts, and more. A hands-on technical exam is required to pass this course and receive your certification.
Instructor:
Nicole J.
Format:
Hybrid workshop: Hands-On + Online
Hours:
10:00am to 6:30pm
Workshop Length:
4 Sessions + 2 Weeks of Internship
Cost:
$4,000 as of July 5, 2024
Discounts May Be Available. Please Call for Information
Next Starting Dates:
ARCADIA CAMPUS
April 6, 2026
4 Spaces
November 2, 2026
4 Spaces
LA VERNE CAMPUS
January 5, 2026
4 Spaces
PLAYA VISTA CAMPUS
July 7, 2026
4 Spaces
Advanced Cat Grooming Workshop
Description:
In this workshop, students will work with one of our Professional Cat Groomers for additional one-on-one training to learn the Lion Cut, Bolero Cut, and work on building confidence and gaining valuable experience with more challenging cats.
Pre-Requisite:
Successful completion of the Cat Groomer Certification Course.
Format:
Hands-On
Instructor:
Nicole J.
Next Starting Date:
Coming Soon
Workshop Length:
TBD
Cost:
TBD
-
$99.99
Join us to partake in our immersive hands-on workshops! These 5 hour seminars will help guide and educate you to be the best groomer you can be. Workshops are led by West Coast Grooming Academy’s very own CEO and Founder Chris Jackson! With over 27 years of mastery in the pet grooming industry and teaching over 1,000 students, he is back again to host WCGA’s first ever hands-on training workshop.
CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION
WORKSHOP INFO
Cost:
$350.00/ Per Class
Hours:
5 hrs
Course Length:
1 Session
Format:
Hands-On
DATES + LOCATION
West Hollywood Campus
Available Class Dates:
Workshop 1: Proportion Techniques and Teddy Bear Face
March 24, 2025
Workshop 2: Long Legged/Short Legged Breed Standard Terrier Trim, Terrier Hand-stripping
March 31, 2025
Workshop 3: Spaniels Breed Standard Trim
April 7, 2025
Workshop 4: Poodle Standard Trim
April 21, 2025
All Classes held from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
ADDRESS:
7574 Melrose Ave,
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(Inside Fur Town Pet Spa)
Call or Text (626)631-6745
PETS FIRST: A Salon Safety, First Aid & CPR Course for Groomers
$99.99
This is one-day class, you will learn the most common safety issues typically seen in salons and how to prevent them, proper animal handling (with low-stress techniques included), proper cleaning & disinfection protocols, and pet first aid procedures for the most common in-salon injuries (and how to prevent them!). Finally, you will learn how to implement emergency Pet CPR and what to do should you need to use it. Each participant will receive a certificate of completion. Sometimes the unexpected happens… Will you be prepared to take action when it does?
CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION
WORKSHOP INFO
Cost:
$150
Hours:
4 hrs
Course Length:
1 Session
Format:
Hands-On
DATES + LOCATION
PLAYA VISTA CAMPUS
Available Class Dates:
TBD
Limited to 15 students only! Book early!
ADDRESS:
12005 Bluff Creek Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90094
(inside Wallis Annenberg Petspace)