Brian Cottrell with a dog, Scout, at The Dog Grooming Academy of Indianapolis. (Photo courtesy of Brian Cottrell)
Aspiring dog groomers are in luck. A new academy is opening in Noblesville at 15310 Herriman Blvd. and accepting new students.
The Dog Grooming Academy of Indianapolis, in the same building as the DogDayz Playhouse & Retreat, is accepting applications for a new group of students. Students will learn how to groom, bathe, groom and style, along with health and safety, dog handling and customer service skills, according to the organization.
The courses include 144 hours of instruction, according to owner Brian Cottrell, who lives in Noblesville. He said he opened the academy because finding qualified professional groomers had become difficult.
“(I’m most excited) to be able to develop professional dog groomers that will help fill the void we have in the Indianapolis area (and) also (to) give our local businesses the resources to train their current employees to become better at their trade,” Cottrell said.
To be admitted to the academy, applicants must be at least 18 years old and complete the application and interview process.
“We want to help make sure this is the right career path for those interested in taking a professional dog grooming class,” Cottrell said.
The director of instruction is Lawrence resident Pam Casey. He has 20 years of general experience in the field and eight years of experience as an instructor.
“I’m excited to help open the school because there’s a shortage of organizers,” Casey said. “It just doesn’t seem like enough to go around.”
Classes are scheduled to begin in Jan. 8, 2024, although Cottrell said they may have classes in late August to early November. Evening classes are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 to 8:30 pm Day classes are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm Saturday classes are 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
According to the academy’s website, tuition and tools/equipment total $6,400.
Limited seating available. Prospective students must fill out an application at doggroomingacademy.net. For more, visit the website or call 317-316-8200.
