Welcome to Joybound’s Engelstad Grooming Academy, where the grooming experience tells a story of empowerment, compassion, and giving back to the community. If you love animals and are looking for a fulfilling career, dog grooming may be the perfect fit for you. The pet industry is booming, and skilled groomers are in high demand.
Grooming isn’t just about making dogs look their best — it’s about keeping them healthy, comfortable, and happy. With hands-on experience and the right training, you can embark on a career that allows you to work with animals every day while building valuable skills in a growing industry. The program is tuition-free with a referral from a partner agency.
“With this training, our students are going to walk out with the ability to be job-ready in the pet industry.”
– Bernie, Joybound’s Director of Grooming Services
At Joybound’s Engelstad Dog Grooming Academy, we are committed to helping individuals overcome barriers to employment by providing top-notch vocational training in the pet grooming industry. Our four-week, tuition-free program equips students with the expertise, confidence, and hands-on experience needed to enter this rewarding field. With instruction from industry professionals, access to state-of-the-art grooming equipment, and direct experience working with shelter and community pets, our students graduate prepared to thrive in their new careers.
Grooming FAQs
We have answers to all your Grooming Salon & Academy questions — and more! Just visit our FAQ page to start learning.
Vocational Training
There are many Joybound pathways that can take you towards a career in the world of animal wellness. See if any are right for you!
Grooming Salon
When you groom your dog at Joybound, you’re supporting our educational program and giving back to the community.
Making a Difference
Our grooming academy is more than just a training program — it’s a way to create positive change. Students gain practical experience by working with Joybound’s shelter pets, providing essential care to animals that might not otherwise receive professional grooming. This hands-on training benefits not only our students but also the animals they help, increasing adoption rates and improving the overall well-being of pets in our community.
Empowering Students
Dog grooming is a growing industry with ample job opportunities. Our academy will prepare you for a successful entry into the pet industry.
Students at the Engelstad Grooming Academy learn from some of the best in the industry! Our instructors are dedicated to helping you succeed in the four-week program and embark on a rewarding career in the pet industry. And our modern, fully equipped academy has the latest technology to enhance your learning experience.
Paw-sitive Community Impact
Grooming Joybound’s shelter animals gives them the love and attention they need to thrive and get ready to meet their new families. Students work with Joybound’s shelter dogs, dogs from the community, and special-needs dogs to hone their skills. Participants become part of the team that helps shelter dogs find their forever homes.
Curriculum
The curriculum at the Engelstad Grooming Academy includes the following — and much more!
- American Kennel Club Standards: Learn the benchmarks of excellence in grooming practices.
- Canine Anatomy: Gain an understanding of the anatomy relevant to grooming procedures, ensuring precision and safety.
- Bonding with Pets: Appreciate the emotional connection between pets and their owners, fostering trust and rapport.
- Customer Service Skills: Develop exceptional service etiquette tailored to the grooming industry.
- Safe Handling Techniques: Acquire expertise in handling dogs, including essential pet first aid.
- Tool Mastery: Familiarize yourself with the tools of the grooming profession.
- Bathing, Drying, & Brushing Techniques: Develop proficiency in fundamental grooming techniques for achieving a professional grooming outcome.
Joybound’s Grooming Salon
Whether your dog needs a bath, simple trim, or a full makeover, Joybound Grooming Academy students and highly skilled instructors are here for you. Your furry friend will look and feel their best with the personalized attention and loving care they receive.
Book a grooming appointment! Experience the joy of supporting Joybound, helping our students succeed and giving back to the community. Every bath, nail clip, and hair trim makes an impact on the lives of pets and people.
Thank You to the Engelstad Foundation
This program would not be possible without the generous support of the Engelstad Foundation. Their commitment to workforce development and animal wellness has made it possible for us to train aspiring groomers at no cost while also providing vital services to pets in need. We are deeply grateful for their investment in this program and the lives it transforms.
“We commend Joybound for continuing to advocate for animals while finding new ways to make our communities that much stronger.”
– Kris Engelstad, Engelstad Foundation Trustee
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