ICTQual Level 3 Dog Grooming Diploma Certificate
The ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming is a professional qualification designed for individuals who want to develop advanced skills in grooming, handling, and maintaining the health and appearance of dogs. As the demand for qualified dog groomers continues to grow, this diploma provides comprehensive training that combines practical techniques with essential theoretical knowledge, preparing learners for a successful career in the canine care industry.
This qualification covers all aspects of dog grooming, including breed-specific grooming styles, coat care, bathing, drying, clipping, trimming, and safe handling of dogs of various sizes and temperaments. Learners also gain knowledge of canine anatomy, skin and coat health, hygiene practices, grooming equipment, and professional salon standards. The course emphasises health and safety, infection control, and ethical practices to ensure the wellbeing of the animals in professional grooming environments.
The ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming is ideal for aspiring professional dog groomers, pet salon assistants, and animal care enthusiasts seeking to enhance their skills. On completion, learners gain a recognised qualification that improves employability, supports career progression, and ensures high standards of canine care and grooming excellence.
Key Information
The ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming is a comprehensive 30-credit programme designed for learners aiming to advance their skills in professional canine grooming. Structured across six detailed units, this qualification combines theoretical knowledge with practical hands-on training to prepare learners for careers in grooming salons, pet care facilities, and animal welfare environments.
Practical Grooming Skills
Learners gain advanced techniques in breed-specific grooming, coat care, bathing, drying, clipping, trimming, and handling dogs safely. The course also covers the use of grooming equipment and tools in a professional environment.
Health, Safety, and Canine Welfare
The programme emphasises canine anatomy, skin and coat health, hygiene, infection control, and maintaining a safe grooming environment. Ethical practices and welfare considerations are integrated throughout the training.
Professional Application
This qualification is ideal for aspiring dog groomers, pet salon assistants, and animal care professionals seeking formal recognition of their grooming skills. It provides a pathway to employment, career advancement, or further study in canine care and professional grooming
Unit Structure
This qualification, the ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming, consists of 6 mandatory units.
- Canine Anatomy, Coat Types, and Skin Health
- Dog Grooming Techniques: Bathing, Drying, Clipping, and Styling
- Breed‑Specific Grooming Standards and Presentation
- Canine Behaviour, Handling, and Welfare in Grooming
- Canine Health Checks, First Aid, and Preventive Care
- Customer Service, Salon Management, and Professional Practice
Recommended For
The ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming is designed for individuals who want to develop professional skills in canine grooming and care. It is ideal for:
- Aspiring dog groomers looking to start a career in pet grooming or canine salons
- Pet salon assistants and animal care staff seeking formal recognition of their grooming skills
- Dog breeders and owners who wish to learn professional grooming techniques for health and appearance
- Veterinary assistants or animal care professionals who want to expand their knowledge in canine hygiene and grooming practices
- Individuals seeking to enhance employability and career progression in the pet care and dog grooming industry
This course is suitable for learners with a basic understanding of dog handling or grooming, as well as those looking to advance from entry-level skills to professional, accredited competence in dog grooming. who need a clear 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
Canine Anatomy, Coat Types, and Skin Health
- Identify the major anatomical features relevant to grooming (skin, coat, nails, ears).
- Distinguish between different coat types (double coat, wire, curly, smooth) and their grooming needs.
- Recognise common skin conditions and their impact on grooming practices.
- Apply knowledge of coat growth cycles to plan grooming schedules.
- Assess how nutrition and health influence coat and skin quality.
- Use correct terminology when describing canine anatomy and coat types.
- Demonstrate awareness of breed differences in coat and skin health.
Dog Grooming Techniques: Bathing, Drying, Clipping, and Styling
- Perform safe and effective bathing techniques using appropriate products.
- Apply drying methods suited to different coat types and conditions.
- Demonstrate correct use of grooming tools (clippers, scissors, brushes, combs).
- Style and finish coats to professional standards, meeting client expectations.
- Maintain hygiene and safety standards during grooming procedures.
- Adapt grooming techniques to suit the age, health, and temperament of the dog.
- Evaluate grooming outcomes and make improvements where necessary.
Breed‑Specific Grooming Standards and Presentation
- Identify grooming requirements for a wide range of dog breeds.
- Apply breed‑specific styling techniques to meet recognised standards.
- Prepare dogs for shows or competitions, ensuring presentation quality.
- Recognise how breed standards influence coat care and styling choices.
- Adapt grooming approaches for mixed‑breed dogs while maintaining welfare.
- Communicate breed‑specific grooming needs clearly to clients.
- Reflect on professional standards in breed presentation.
Canine Behaviour, Handling, and Welfare in Grooming
- Recognise behavioural signals that indicate stress, fear, or aggression.
- Apply safe handling and restraint techniques during grooming.
- Minimise stress by adapting grooming approaches to individual dogs.
- Promote welfare by ensuring grooming sessions are humane and respectful.
- Use positive reinforcement and calming techniques to support cooperation.
- Maintain health and safety for both groomer and dog during handling.
- Reflect on ethical responsibilities in canine welfare during grooming.
Canine Health Checks, First Aid, and Preventive Care
- Conduct basic health checks (skin, coat, nails, ears, teeth) during grooming.
- Recognise signs of illness, injury, or parasites and report appropriately.
- Apply basic canine first aid in emergencies (minor wounds, heat stress, choking).
- Support preventive care by advising owners on coat maintenance and hygiene.
- Maintain accurate records of health observations during grooming.
- Collaborate with veterinary professionals when health concerns are identified.
- Promote owner awareness of preventive healthcare practices.
Customer Service, Salon Management, and Professional Practice
- Communicate effectively with clients about grooming needs and outcomes.
- Manage appointment scheduling, client records, and salon workflow.
- Apply hygiene and safety protocols in grooming environments.
- Demonstrate professionalism in client interactions and service delivery.
- Handle complaints and feedback constructively to improve services.
- Manage stock, equipment, and salon resources efficiently.
- Reflect on personal development and professional standards in grooming practice.
