Pet grooming is an unregulated profession in the UK. There's no legal requirement for groomers to hold qualifications or a licence—which makes knowing what to look for even more important.
Many groomers invest thousands of pounds and years of training to develop their skills. Others may have less formal training but decades of hands-on experience. This guide helps you understand what different qualifications mean and how to find a groomer you can trust.
What you'll learn:
Dog grooming and cat grooming are unregulated professions in the UK. Unlike veterinary nurses or animal welfare officers, there's no legal requirement for groomers to hold qualifications or register with a governing body.
This means qualifications are voluntary—which makes them all the more meaningful when a groomer has them. A groomer who has invested in formal training has chosen to meet professional standards they weren't legally required to achieve.
Qualifications demonstrate that a groomer understands:
While experience matters too, qualifications give you an objective way to assess a groomer's baseline knowledge and commitment to their craft.
City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma (7863-03) is widely considered the industry benchmark for professional dog grooming in the UK.
What does Level 3 actually mean?
What they learn:
Cost: £3,500-£5,000 for Level 3 alone (prices vary by provider)
Training time: 25-40 days practical training (typically 6-12 months part-time)
City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate (7863-02) is the entry-level qualification:
Note: Level 2 covers foundational skills. Most groomers progress to Level 3 to develop the full range of techniques needed for commercial grooming.
iPET Network qualifications are Ofqual-regulated and offer a flexible alternative because you can skip straight to Level 3 without doing Level 2 first.
Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming and Salon Management
Cost: £3,990-£5,500 (varies by training provider)
iPET Network Level 3 Certificate in Dog Grooming (intermediate option)
Cost: Varies by provider - contact training schools for current pricing
iPET Network Level 3 Award in Dog Grooming (introductory)
Cost: Varies by provider - typically the most affordable entry point
Why groomers choose iPET:
AIM Qualifications (you might see "formerly OCN" on older certificates) offers similar Level 3 qualifications.
Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming
AIM Awards Level 3 Certificate in Dog Grooming (intermediate)
AIM Awards Level 3 Award in Dog Grooming (basic introduction)
Key difference: AIM content is designed by industry professionals and updated to reflect current national occupational standards. Some groomers prefer this "real-world" approach.
Open College Network qualifications are equivalent to City & Guilds/iPET/AIM Level 3 diplomas. Various OCN bodies operate across the UK:
Same standard, different badge. All Ofqual regulated.
Cost: £3,000-£6,000 (varies by provider)
Cat grooming requires different skills to dog grooming. Cats are more stress-prone, require different handling techniques, and have unique physiological needs.
Until recently, there were no formal cat grooming qualifications in the UK. Some dog groomers have developed cat grooming expertise through experience, while others have pursued the newer specialist qualifications.
iPET Network created the UK's first (and currently only) Ofqual-regulated cat grooming qualifications.
Level 3 Diploma in Cat Grooming and Salon Management (the professional standard)
iPET Network Level 3 Certificate in Cat Grooming (intermediate)
iPET Network Level 3 Award in Cat Grooming (introduction)
Why cat grooming costs more:
What to ask: If you're booking cat grooming, ask about the groomer's experience with cats. Some experienced dog groomers have developed excellent cat handling skills over the years, while others may have formal cat grooming qualifications.
Employers' Liability Insurance (if they employ anyone)
If your groomer employs staff, they should be able to show proof of this insurance.
Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance typically ranges from £1-10 million, with small operations starting at £1 million and larger businesses often opting for £2-5 million coverage.
Care, Custody and Control Insurance
Pet first aid isn't legally mandatory, though many professional groomers choose to train in it.
Situations that can arise during grooming include:
Professional groomers should know:
Canine First Aid Certificate
Accredited providers:
First aid training shows a commitment to pet safety and provides groomers with up-to-date knowledge of emergency procedures.
These questions can help you find the right groomer for your pet:
Consider looking elsewhere if you notice:
Understanding the investment helps explain pricing differences:
Note: Course prices vary significantly between providers and change regularly. The figures above are based on research conducted in November 2025. Always contact training providers directly for current pricing.
This is why qualified groomers charge what they charge. They've invested years and thousands of pounds before grooming their first dog.
Compare qualifications, insurance, and reviews from verified UK groomers.
Find Groomers →Look for these minimums:
Expect to pay more for qualified groomers:
In London, add 50-80% to these prices.
Something to consider: Cheap grooming can be expensive in the long run. A £30 groom from someone without proper training can result in:
A qualified groomer charging £60 is still cheaper than fixing what the £30 groomer messed up.
Pet grooming isn't regulated, so you have to regulate for yourself. Ask questions. Demand proof of qualifications. Check insurance. Read reviews.
Your pet can't advocate for themselves. You have to do it for them.
No, dog grooming is an unregulated profession in the UK, meaning there's no legal requirement for qualifications. However, professional groomers typically hold Level 3 qualifications from City & Guilds, iPET Network, or AIM Awards, which demonstrate competence in safe handling, breed-specific styling, and emergency procedures.
A Level 3 dog grooming qualification is the industry standard for professional groomers in the UK. It requires 25-40 days of practical training, covers advanced clipping, scissoring, and hand-stripping techniques, and is regulated by Ofqual. Major providers include City & Guilds, iPET Network, and AIM Awards. The qualification typically costs £3,500-£5,500.
Dog groomers should have Public Liability Insurance (covering injuries to customers and property damage, typically £1-10 million), Care, Custody and Control Insurance (covering pets in their care), and Employers' Liability Insurance if they have staff (legally required). Without proper insurance, you'd need to sue the groomer personally if your pet is injured.
Becoming a qualified dog groomer typically takes 6-12 months part-time for a Level 3 qualification. This includes 25-40 days of practical training plus theory work. Some intensive courses can be completed faster, but most groomers continue learning throughout their careers through CPD and specialist courses.
Ask about their qualifications (look for Level 3 from recognised bodies), insurance coverage (public liability and care, custody, control), first aid training (should be current within 3 years), what's included in the price, how they handle anxious dogs, and if you can see the grooming area. Professional groomers welcome these questions.
Training as a dog groomer in the UK costs £5,000-£10,000 total. This includes Level 2 (£1,500-£2,000), Level 3 Diploma (£3,500-£5,500), first aid training (£50-£150), and equipment (£1,000-£3,000). Annual costs include insurance (£500-£1,300) and ongoing professional development (£200-£500).
Both City & Guilds and iPET Network are Ofqual-regulated and equally valid. City & Guilds is the traditional choice requiring Level 2 before Level 3. iPET Network allows direct entry to Level 3, saving time and money. Both are well-respected in the industry - choose based on your learning style and circumstances.
Warning signs include: unable to name specific qualifications or training, no proof of insurance, using human products on pets, no health check before grooming, reluctance to show the grooming area, prices significantly below average, and dismissive attitudes about safety questions. Trust your instincts and look elsewhere if concerned.