Are you looking to embark on a rewarding career with a variety of options?  

Do you dream of working from home with the freedom to choose your own hours? Perhaps you're interested in setting up grooming services in a boarding kennel or day-care facility. 

You might want to rent a bench at a veterinary clinic, operate a mobile grooming service, or work in a bustling salon alongside fellow animal lovers. Whether you envision opening a cozy one-person shop in your town or grooming your own pets at home, kingsbury & co. Pet Grooming Academy is the ideal place to start your journey.  

kingsbury & co. Pet Grooming has been a highly successful grooming business for over 15 years

If you're ready to learn through a practical, hands-on, structured, and comprehensive course, with daily grooming sessions under the guidance of a fully certified New Zealand Master Groomer with over 25 years of experience, then you've come to the right place.

Our academy is equally busy and thriving. Leanne, the owner, has dedicated her life to grooming, tutoring, and certifying for the National Dog Groomers Association of New Zealand. Now, she is offering a series of intensive block courses designed to cultivate the next generation of skilled dog groomers in New Zealand.

Why choose a career in dog grooming? 

Every year, dog ownership in New Zealand continues to rise. As more people welcome dogs into their homes—especially fluffy breeds that require regular grooming—the demand for trained groomers has never been higher. Currently, there are no formal regulations governing dog grooming in New Zealand, which has led to a shortage of skilled professionals in the industry. Many grooming parlours are booked a year in advance, creating a significant opportunity for those looking to enter this fulfilling career. 

A career in dog grooming is not only safe and sustainable but also resilient. The dog grooming industry remained largely unaffected during the COVID-19 pandemic, proving its stability even in challenging times. Additionally, dog grooming opens doors to various related fields, including dog daycare, walking, and boarding, allowing you to expand your career opportunities. 

Course Options

  • Block 1: Entry Level Beginners Grooming 

    This is where your journey begins!

    You will learn to wash dogs to the highest standard, covering various coat types and breeds.

    Key topics include;
    shampoo selection, drying techniques, brushing, de-matting, basic salon-style haircuts, along with nail cutting.

    Each day, you will work hands-on with a dog and receive instruction on vital grooming topics. Safety protocols for both you and the dogs will be emphasised, and you'll receive a complimentary set of scissors and tools specially selected by Leanne.

  • Block 2: The Junior Grooming Block

    In this block, you will tackle more complex grooms, including breed-standard haircuts and longer-coated styles.

    You'll gain experience with de-matting and explore senior grooming products.

    Each day will involve hands-on work with dogs, along with demonstrations from Leanne.

    You will also have the opportunity to experience the role of a bather-dryer in a busy salon environment.

  • Block 3: The Intermediate Grooming Block 

    Here, you'll take on even more responsibilities, interacting directly with customers and handling two dogs per day.

    The difficulty of the dogs and haircuts will increase, with a focus on finish work and understanding canine behaviour.

    Leanne will demonstrate her techniques on more challenging dogs, and you'll learn about business strategies and marketing.

  • Block 4: The Advanced Block 

    In this final block, you'll hit the ground running!

    You will be grooming 3-4 dogs a day, including challenging cases.

    Hand stripping techniques will be introduced, and you'll have the opportunity to visit other salons for inspiration.

    The curriculum can be customised to focus on specific areas of interest, ensuring you gain expertise in your desired grooming specialties.

$500 off when you book all four blocks!

Meet Your Tutor: Leanne Kingsbury

Leanne Kingsbury is a well-known, fully certified New Zealand Master Groomer with over 25 years of experience grooming dogs and cats. As a certifier / examiner with the National Dog Groomers Association of NZ  for 10 years, an international grooming judge and the owner of kingsbury & co. Pet Grooming Academy, she has a wealth of knowledge to share. Leanne’s diverse background includes veterinary nursing, agility, and behavioural training. She is passionate about working with dogs that are typically challenging to groom, emphasising a non-sedation approach and rehabilitation methods.

In her spare time, Leanne enjoys outdoor adventures with her family and beloved dogs, Haze, Peak and Dawn. Her extensive experience makes her an invaluable resource for both new and seasoned groomers.

Book your spot

Additional Information 

  • Each block runs for one month (20 business days).

  • Upon completion of each block, you will receive a certificate and Leanne will serve as a reference for future job opportunities.

  • All necessary grooming gear will be provided during the course, so you won’t need to purchase your own clippers or scissors.

  • Leanne has connections with local clients who offer accommodation with meals included, should you require it.

  • Each block is $3500. There is a $500 discount on block four if you choose to do all four. 

Ready to take the first step toward a fulfilling career in dog grooming?

Get in touch with us for more information or to schedule a visit. We look forward to welcoming you to kingsbury & co. Pet Grooming Academy! 

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