Dog grooming schools in Washington

Quick answer: we verified 1 dog grooming school in Washington on its own website: Maser's Grooming and Pet Boutique. You can also train in a paid pet store academy or take an online course with a local mentor. Here they are side by side.

Compare options How to choose Shops to ask FAQ

Ways to learn grooming in Washington

Maser's Grooming and Pet Boutique

Kenmore, WA

Cost: not posted, ask the school
Credential: Washington state licensed vocational school
Address: 6515 NE 181st St, Kenmore, WA 98028

School page

PetSmart Grooming Academy

In Washington: PetSmart salons

Cost: paid program
Length: 4 weeks, 160 hours, after you bathe 125+ dogs as a bather
Format: in the salon

Program page

Petco pet stylist training

In Washington: Petco grooming salons

Cost: paid program
Length: 20-week certification program
Format: in the salon with a mentor

Program page

Animal Behavior College

Online, with a mentor groomer near you

Cost: $3,499 paid in full
Length: 6 to 12 months, 150+ hands-on hours
Format: online lessons, then an externship at a local salon

Program page

Penn Foster Pet Grooming Certificate

Online only

Cost: $799
Length: 2 months fast track, about 5 months average
Format: self-paced online. You still need hands-on practice.

Program page

Schools in nearby states: Idaho.

Costs and lengths are from each program's own page, checked Oct 25 to Nov 4, 2026. Blank means the program does not publish it. Always confirm with the program before you sign up.

How to choose

• Want to earn while you learn? Look at PetSmart or Petco. Both describe their academy as paid training in the salon.
• Need to keep your job? An online course works, but plan for 150+ hours of hands-on practice with a real groomer.
• Want a full in-person course? Compare the Washington school above. Ask about total cost, tools and how many dogs you groom.
• Ask every program: how many dogs will I groom, is a tool kit included, and do you help with job placement?
• Try it first: ask a local shop below if you can work as a bather for a few weeks.

Washington shops to ask about bather jobs or an apprenticeship

These shops were named a Top Grooming Business by The Daily Groomer. We have not confirmed which ones are hiring.

• Divine K9 Groom Studio, Walla Walla
• Doggie Details Pet Grooming, Richland
• Furballs Grooming, Wenatchee
• Lesha's Dog and Cat Grooming, Tacoma
• Olive My Grooming To You, Seattle
• The Mobile Pet Spaw - The Davenport Pet Spaw, Davenport

See all Washington groomers

License and pay in Washington, in short

• License: We have not yet confirmed whether Washington 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 Washington agriculture department and with your city or county about business licenses and zoning.
• Pay: animal caretakers in Washington, the federal group that includes groomers, had a median pay of $40,570 a year (BLS, May 2025). This does not count self-employed groomers.

FAQ

Are there dog grooming schools in Washington?

Yes. We verified 1 on its own website: Maser's Grooming and Pet Boutique. You can also train in a pet store academy (PetSmart, Petco) or online with a local mentor.

How much does dog grooming school cost in Washington?

Online courses list $799 (Penn Foster) to $3,499 (Animal Behavior College). PetSmart and Petco describe their academies as paid training. Ask any school for the full cost.

How long does it take to become a dog groomer?

Online courses take about 2 months fast track up to 6 to 12 months with hands-on hours. PetSmart's academy is 4 weeks after time as a bather. Petco's program is 20 weeks.

What do groomers earn in Washington?

Animal caretakers in Washington, the federal group that includes groomers, had a median pay of $40,570 a year (BLS, May 2025). Self-employed groomers are not counted.