ICTQual Level 2 Dog Grooming Assistance Certificate
The ICTQual Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants is a professional qualification designed for individuals who want to develop foundational skills in canine grooming and support. This course provides learners with the practical knowledge and hands-on techniques needed to assist professional dog groomers while ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of dogs in a grooming environment.
Learners will gain an understanding of canine anatomy, coat types, grooming tools, hygiene procedures, and safe handling techniques. The course also covers essential workplace skills, including professional behaviour, communication with clients, and maintaining cleanliness and safety standards in grooming salons or pet care facilities.
This qualification is ideal for aspiring dog grooming assistants, pet salon staff, or animal care enthusiasts seeking formal recognition of their grooming skills. It equips learners with the confidence to support professional groomers, develop practical expertise, and enhance employability in the pet care industry. On completion, learners will hold a nationally recognised Level 2 certificate, providing a solid foundation for career progression in dog grooming or further study in canine care and professional grooming qualifications.
Key Information
The ICTQual Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants is a practical 10-day training programme designed to provide learners with foundational knowledge and hands-on skills in canine grooming. Structured across three focused units, this qualification equips participants with the essential techniques and understanding required to support professional dog groomers and ensure the wellbeing of dogs during grooming sessions.
Core Learning Areas
Learners will develop a thorough understanding of canine behaviour, handling techniques, coat types, and basic grooming procedures. The course provides guidance on assisting with bathing, drying, brushing, and preparing dogs for grooming sessions while ensuring comfort and safety.
Health, Safety, and Professional Standards
The programme covers hygiene practices, infection control, risk awareness, and salon safety protocols. Learners also gain knowledge of professional conduct, client communication, and teamwork in a grooming environment.
Practical Application
This qualification equips learners with the skills to support professional groomers effectively, contributing to efficient salon operations and high standards of animal care. It serves as a foundation for those looking to progress into more advanced dog grooming or broader animal care qualifications.
Unit Structure
This qualification, the ICTQual Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants, consists of 3 mandatory units.
- Introduction to Dog Grooming and Canine Care
- Basic Grooming Techniques and Tools
- Health, Safety, and Professional Practice in Dog Grooming
Recommended For
The ICTQual Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants is designed for individuals who want to work in the canine grooming and pet care industry and support professional groomers. It is ideal for:
- Aspiring dog grooming assistants seeking formal training and practical skills
- Pet salon staff looking to enhance their competence in grooming support
- Animal care professionals who want to broaden their knowledge of canine handling and grooming procedures
- Dog breeders and owners who wish to gain professional-level understanding of grooming basics
- Students or career changers aiming to enter the dog grooming or pet care sector
This course is suitable for learners with a basic understanding of animal care or dog handling, and it provides a solid foundation for those wishing to progress into higher-level grooming qualifications or pursue a career in professional dog grooming. understanding of animal activity licensing requirements, welfare standards, and legal responsibilities to operate ethically and in compliance with current legislation.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
Introduction to Dog Grooming and Canine Care
- Understand the role and responsibilities of a dog grooming assistant in professional settings.
- Develop knowledge of different dog breeds, coat types, and grooming requirements.
- Learn to recognize common canine behaviors and body language.
- Understand the principles of canine health and welfare.
- Gain awareness of basic nutritional needs and general care for dogs.
- Develop skills in handling and restraining dogs safely and compassionately.
- Understand the importance of maintaining a clean and safe grooming environment.
- Recognize signs of illness, discomfort, or stress in dogs and respond appropriately.
Basic Grooming Techniques and Tools
- Learn essential grooming skills such as brushing, bathing, and drying dogs.
- Develop competence in trimming nails, cleaning ears, and maintaining coat hygiene.
- Understand the correct use and maintenance of grooming tools and equipment.
- Gain knowledge of breed-specific grooming standards and techniques.
- Learn to identify matting, tangles, and other coat issues and how to address them safely.
- Develop the ability to work efficiently while ensuring the dog’s comfort and safety.
- Apply practical grooming skills to support professional groomers in salons or mobile services.
- Build confidence in performing basic grooming tasks under supervision.
Health, Safety, and Professional Practice in Dog Grooming
- Understand infection control and hygiene standards in grooming environments.
- Learn to apply health and safety procedures to protect both dogs and handlers.
- Recognize potential hazards in grooming salons and implement preventative measures.
- Develop professional communication skills with clients and team members.
- Understand ethical practices and responsibilities when handling animals.
- Learn record-keeping procedures for grooming sessions and health observations.
- Develop problem-solving skills for addressing unexpected grooming challenges.
- Gain confidence in maintaining a professional, safe, and caring grooming practice.
