Dog grooming schools in Maine

Find the best dog grooming schools and programs nearby
Daily Groomer
Portland Head Light on the rocky coast, Maine

The top grooming schools in

Find the best dog grooming schools and programs nearby

to know:

Maine's top dog grooming schools. Compare grooming certifications and salaries near you.

  • HPU Grooming Academy

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Maine grooming schools we verified

Details as of Oct 2026 from each school’s own website. Where a school does not post a detail, we leave it out. Prices and schedules change, so confirm with the school.

HPU Grooming Academy

Topsham, ME

  • Cost (as of Oct 2026): $6,000 (equipment and tools separate) [2]
  • Length (as of Oct 2026): 650 hours [2]
  • Format (as of Oct 2026): One-on-one instruction [2]
  • Credential (as of Oct 2026): Certificate of Completion [2]
  • Address (as of Oct 2026): 647 Lewiston Road, Topsham, ME 04086 [2]

Visit HPU Grooming Academy’s website

Schools in nearby states

New Hampshire 2 verified schools

Online programs such as Penn Foster and Groomers University teach the theory, but you still need hands-on practice on real dogs. [8] [9] Compare online programs

Other ways to start grooming in Find the best dog grooming schools and programs nearby

School is one path. You can also apprentice under an experienced groomer, or start as a bather at a big-box salon that trains on the job. Our national guide to starting in grooming compares each path, the first steps and how to choose a school.

Top Maine grooming shops to learn from

These Maine shops were named a Top Grooming Business by The Daily Groomer. They are good places to ask about bathing roles, jobs or an apprenticeship. We have not confirmed which ones are hiring.

See all Maine groomers in our directory · 2025 Top Grooming Businesses in Maine

Maine license rules

We have not yet confirmed whether Maine requires a license for groomers or grooming businesses, so we do not say either way. Before you groom for pay or open a salon, check with the Maine agriculture department and with your city or county about business licenses and zoning.

Rules differ by state. Our national guide explains how some states license grooming businesses.

Certification is different. It is a credential, not a requirement to work. [3] How certification works

What groomers can earn in Maine

BLS does not publish a separate groomer wage. The closest series is Animal Caretakers (SOC 39-2021), which includes groomers along with kennel, shelter and other animal care workers. [4] All industries, OEWS May 2025: [1] [5]

  • Median per year ($17.90 per hour): $37,230
  • Mean per year ($19.13 per hour): $39,790
  • Lowest 10% earned less than: $31,360
  • Top 10% earned more than: $48,530

About 1,430 people worked as animal caretakers in Maine. OEWS wage data do not include self-employed workers, so salon owners and independent groomers are not counted. [4]

FAQ

Do I need a license to groom dogs in Maine?

We have not yet confirmed Maine’s rules for groomers and grooming businesses. Before you groom for pay or open a salon, check with the Maine agriculture department and with your city or county.

How much does grooming school cost in Maine?

As of Oct 2026, posted prices from Maine schools in our list: HPU Grooming Academy: $6,000 (equipment and tools separate). [2]

How long does grooming school take in Maine?

It depends on the school. As of Oct 2026: HPU Grooming Academy: 650 hours. [2]

How much do groomers earn in Maine?

BLS does not publish a separate groomer wage. In the May 2025 OEWS estimates, animal caretakers (SOC 39-2021, the group that includes groomers) in Maine had a median annual wage of $37,230, compared with $35,360 for the U.S. These figures do not include self-employed workers. [1]

Sources

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: OEWS May 2025, Maine, Animal Caretakers (SOC 39-2021), series OEUS230000000000039202101 to 15, via the BLS Public Data API (checked Oct 26, 2026)
  2. HPU Grooming Academy: happypawsunleashed.com/dog-grooming-academy (checked Oct 26, 2026)
  3. The Daily Groomer: How To Get Started In Grooming (survey of 4,000+ groomers)
  4. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, Animal Care and Service Workers (checked Oct 25, 2026)
  5. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: OEWS May 2025, United States, Animal Caretakers (SOC 39-2021), series OEUN000000000000039202101 to 15, via the BLS Public Data API (checked Oct 26, 2026)
  6. PetSmart Careers: Working in Our Pet Salons (checked Oct 25, 2026)
  7. Petco Careers: Grooming careers (checked Oct 25, 2026)
  8. Penn Foster: Pet Grooming Certificate (checked Oct 26, 2026)
  9. Groomers University: Courses and FAQ (checked Oct 26, 2026)
  10. Paragon School of Pet Grooming: home page (checked Oct 26, 2026)
  11. Animal Behavior College: home page (checked Oct 26, 2026)
  12. NDGAA: NCMG Program
  13. NDGAA: NCMG written testing

Top grooming schools near you:

HPU Grooming Academy

Topsham

HPU Grooming Academy offers a comprehensive 650-hour hands-on training program in a professional salon setting. Students receive one-on-one instruction from experienced grooming instructors and gain practical experience. The academy provides career guidance and job placement assistance upon completion. Tuition is $6,000, excluding equipment and tools.

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Next steps:

For more information about getting started in grooming, make sure you check out the full Get Started in Grooming guide. And if you want to reach out to any of the top grooming businesses in the state to get a job or see if they offer an apprenticeship, make sure you check out The Top Maine Grooming Businesses.

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