Kirkwood Pet Grooming Program

12/07/2025

Our Pet Grooming students had a fantastic visit to La Bella Pet Spa! Thank you to Natasha and Johanna for welcoming us into their salon and sharing their passion for grooming.

Students learned about pet esthetics—supporting skin and coat health with the right products and techniques—and got a peek into the exciting world of grooming competitions where creative skills really shine.

We also talked about the real-life side of grooming: staying motivated, handling tough days, and protecting work–life balance in this caring profession.

We’re grateful to LaBella for always supporting our students and the future of grooming!

If your animal-care business would like to host student observers, please reach out: [email protected]

11/25/2025

Before we head into the holiday, we’re taking a moment to spotlight what truly makes this program special: our students. Their dedication, curiosity, steady hands, and compassion for animals shine through every single day. We’re proud of the progress they’ve made this fall and grateful to be part of their journey.

🗒️ The grooming lab will be closed Wednesday–Friday for the Thanksgiving break, and we’ll be back in the salon Tuesday, December 2.

Wishing you a warm, safe, tail-wagging Thanksgiving— The Kirkwood Pet Grooming Team 🐾 💙

11/06/2025

The Kirkwood Pet Grooming Program had an amazing trip to The Edge Pro in Ankeny and Animal Rescue League of Iowa in Des Moines this week!

At The Edge Pro, Jason and his team shared expert tips on clipper, blade, and shear care—giving our students valuable hands-on training to keep their tools in top shape.

At ARL, shelter manager Grace gave us a tour of their facilities for dogs, cats, rabbits, and even livestock. We learned about their rescue work, behavior programs, and met their groomer Jodi, who explained how shelter grooming brings unique challenges.

Huge thanks to both teams for sharing their time and expertise—experiences like these help our students grow as skilled, compassionate groomers.

10/28/2025

American Foxhound Benny came in for a well-deserved deshed today! Student groomer Madi gave him the full spa treatment — brushing, blowout, and all the extra love a handsome hound deserves.

10/07/2025

Welcome to our first flexible-schedule grooming students!

Today marks a special milestone as we kick off our brand-new flexible enrollment option! Some students are stepping into the lab for the very first time today, while others are already a few weeks into their training — all learning at their own pace.

They’re getting hands-on experience with our patient pals Archie, Brewer, and Murphy 🐶💈— the best teachers a groomer could ask for!

We’re so excited to see each student grow their skills, confidence, and creativity through real-world practice. 💪✂️✨

📅 Flexible scheduling = more ways to learn, more opportunities to shine!

👉 Enroll today or book a grooming appointment for your dog:
www.kirkwood.edu/petgrooming

10/01/2025

From Virginia to Kirkwood and beyond! 🌟

Pet Grooming grad Laura Buller came to Kirkwood to sharpen her skills — and now she’s thriving in her new career.

Read her inspiring story in Currents:
📖 https://online.fliphtml5.com/kioog/grkn/

✂️🐾 Alumni Spotlight: Laura Buller

Laura Buller traveled all the way from Virginia to Kirkwood to sharpen her skills in Kirkwood's Pet Grooming program — and says it was well worth the trip! Now, just a few months after graduation, Laura's business is thriving.

Read her inspiring story in the latest issue of Currents: https://online.fliphtml5.com/kioog/grkn/

09/20/2025

These pups are looking for a new home 🏠

🐕 Check out Kirkwood Animal Health Programs and some of their adoptable (and well-trained!) dogs.

09/16/2025

Ready to grow your grooming skills and deepen your knowledge? Join Kirkwood’s Continuing Education Pet Care workshops this fall! Whether you’re a professional groomer or a dedicated pet parent, you’ll find hands-on training and expert insights to elevate your care and techniques.

📅 Workshops include:

Sept 17 | Canine First Aid & CPR (5:30–7:30pm)

Sept 29 | Extreme Deshedding (8:30am–4:00pm)

Oct 14 | Anatomy of the Mat (8:30am–12:00pm)

Oct 28 | All About the Doodles (8:30am–12:00pm)

Nov 3 | Behind the Salon (8:30am–5:00pm)

Nov 10 | Canine Massage Essentials (1:30–5:30pm)

Dec 9 | Elevating the Everyday Groom (8:30am–12:00pm)

📍 Location: Kirkwood Community College
🔗 Learn more & register: www.kirkwood.edu/programs/continuing-education/

Don’t miss this chance to sharpen your skills, build confidence, and connect with others in the grooming community. Spots are limited—reserve yours today!

09/01/2025

Looking for us? We’re out for the holiday!

The Kirkwood Pet Grooming Program is closed Monday, September 1, 2025, for Labor Day. Bailey & Blu want you to know we’ll be back in action on Tuesday!

08/26/2025

🐾✨ Happy National Dog Day! ✨🐾
Today we had the sweetest visitors — Lily the Border Collie & Nyla the Bernese Mountain Dog! 🐶💛

Celebrate with us:
👉 Tag a dog lover in the comments
👉 Or share a photo of your favorite pup below!

Let’s fill this feed with furry faces and love for our four-legged friends. 🐕💙

We can’t wait to see all of your favorite pups in the salon very soon!

08/25/2025

📣 These proud grads did it—and you can too!
✂️ Kirkwood’s Pet Grooming Program is open for enrollment now.
💡 Many students qualify for tuition assistance.

🐶 Start your journey: www.kirkwood.edu/petgrooming

💸 Explore funding options: www.kirkwood.edu/cefunding

08/19/2025

✂️🐾 What’s in a Pet Groomer Starter Kit?
From clippers and combs to bath tools and our brand-new Student Groomer Workbook — these are the tools you’ll learn to use in our flexible grooming program.

💬 Tag a future groomer who should see this!


📍 Learn more: www.kirkwood.edu/petgrooming