Program Overview

Animal Care & Pet Industries — Canadian Standards

Pet Grooming Bridging Program

A 36-hour, self-paced online bridging program designed for internationally trained groomers to align their practice with Canadian pet welfare expectations, salon safety, professional communication, and Ontario workplace basics.

Format

100% Online

self-paced

Duration

36 Hours

4 modules

Curriculum

16 Lessons

quizzes + assignment

Credential

Certificate

Completion

Program Overview

The Pet Grooming Bridging Program (Canadian Standards) is designed for internationally trained pet groomers who want
to align their existing skills with Canadian workplace expectations. Many learners already have hands-on grooming experience;
this bridging pathway focuses on the “missing link” for Canadian readiness—animal welfare, salon hygiene and safety,
professional documentation, and client communication.

Across four structured modules, learners strengthen safe handling practices for dogs and cats, sanitation and disinfection routines,
customer consultations and consent, service recovery and professionalism, and Ontario business/employment basics. The program supports
career readiness for salon employment or responsible self-employment, depending on local requirements and employer expectations.

Who This Program Is For

Graduates of pet grooming academies outside Canada
Experienced groomers seeking Canadian-aligned workplace readiness
Newcomers planning to work in Canadian grooming salons or mobile services
Individuals preparing to build a professional portfolio and client workflow
Groomers who want stronger English communication and documentation skills

Practical Benefits

Understand Canadian pet welfare and safety expectations in grooming environments
Improve sanitation, disinfection, and infection-control routines
Strengthen client consultation, consent, and professional communication
Learn Ontario employment basics, insurance concepts, and business compliance awareness
Apply best practices through case-based scenarios and a practical assignment

What You Will Learn

Canadian Grooming Standards & Safety

Animal welfare awareness and safe handling for dogs and cats
Salon hygiene, tool sanitation, and disinfection routines
Record-keeping, checklists, and incident-aware professionalism

Communication, Business & Work Readiness

Grooming ESP English, client consults, consent, and service recovery
Employment vs. self-employment basics in Ontario (awareness level)
SOP-based workflow using practicum-style case learning

Program Structure

Canadian Standards in Pet Grooming
Communication & Professional English (ESP)
Business & Employment Basics in Ontario
Practicum & Case-Based Learning

Certification

Participants who successfully complete the program receive a Certificate of Completion
issued by Richmond Hill College.

This certificate confirms continuing education and professional development and does not grant a regulated trade license,
provincial authorization, or guaranteed employment outcomes.

Career Pathways Supported

Pet grooming salons and mobile grooming services
Grooming support roles within pet care and (where applicable) veterinary environments
Client-facing service roles in pet retail and pet care operations
Responsible self-employment readiness (subject to local requirements)

Compliance & Regulatory Statement (Important)

This program is provided as continuing education and professional development.
It does not constitute a regulated certification or trade license and does not replace in-person practical training requirements (if any) imposed by employers or local regulations.
It does not authorize veterinary diagnosis, veterinary treatment, or clinical procedures.
References to regulations and organizations are educational and may vary by province/municipality; learners remain responsible for meeting applicable requirements.
The program does not guarantee employment, business licensing approval, or immigration outcomes.

Curriculum

4 Sections
16 Lessons
36 Hours

Expand all sectionsCollapse all sections

Module 1: Canadian Standards in Pet Grooming (8 hours)
This module introduces students to Canadian animal welfare laws, grooming regulations, and workplace safety standards. Participants will learn about hygiene protocols, salon sanitation, and safe handling practices for dogs and cats. By understanding the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) guidelines and best practices in pet care, internationally trained groomers gain the confidence to align their skills with Canadian expectations. Keywords: Canadian grooming standards, animal welfare, pet safety, salon hygiene.
5
Madule 2: Communication & Professional English – ESP (8 hours)
This module is designed to strengthen the communication and English-language skills required for professional success in Canadian pet grooming environments. Students will learn industry-specific terminology, practice client consultations, and develop the ability to complete essential grooming documents in clear and accurate English. Through interactive dialogues and practical exercises, learners build confidence in handling real-world conversations with clients — from greeting and consultation to managing feedback and writing reports. By the end of this module, students will be able to communicate effectively, demonstrate professionalism in both spoken and written interactions, and apply Canadian standards of customer care and documentation in their grooming practice.
5
Madule 3: Business & Employment Basics in Ontario (10 hours)
This module introduces students to the legal, business, and employment frameworks that guide grooming professionals in Ontario and across Canada. It explains key aspects of the Employment Standards Act (ESA), workplace safety regulations, and the importance of insurance coverage such as WSIB and liability protection. Students will also explore self-employment pathways, business registration procedures, and HST requirements for small businesses. Practical examples and real-life case studies help learners understand how to manage business operations, maintain compliance, and build a strong reputation in the Canadian grooming market. By completing this module, students gain the knowledge needed to transition confidently into employment or entrepreneurship within Canada’s pet grooming industry
5
Madule 4: Practicum & Case-Based Learning (10 hours)
: This final module provides hands-on, practice-based learning experiences that connect theory to real-world application. Students will apply Canadian grooming standards through simulated sessions, case studies, and role-play activities. The module emphasizes professional documentation, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and ethical decision-making when handling stressed, injured, or aggressive pets. Learners will also practice client communication and service recovery strategies to ensure customer safety and satisfaction. Through video-based observation, reflection, and instructor feedback, participants will demonstrate their readiness to work in Canadian grooming salons or start their own professional grooming practice. This capstone module builds confidence, competence, and professionalism at an advanced level
6

Instructor

Sanaz Najafi Mehri

2 Students

2 Courses

Ms. Anaz Najafi Mehri is a certified professional groomer who began her career at Pet Stylist Academy in Iran, where she completed her formal training in pet grooming and styling.

After immigrating to Canada, she continued her professional journey in the pet care industry, working as a senior groomer for over two years while simultaneously training Canadian learners through intensive two-month theoretical and practical grooming courses.

Her teaching approach emphasizes hands-on learning, professional ethics, and business readiness, helping her students confidently start their own pet grooming ventures.

Currently, Ms. Najafi Mehri serves as the Founder and President of Mr. Dog Club Inc., a registered company based in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Under her leadership, Mr. Dog Club has evolved into a professional multi-service pet care center offering grooming, daycare, and training — setting new standards in quality and client satisfaction within the Canadian pet industry.

Student:

2 Students

Lesson:

16 Lessons

Duration: 36 Hours

Quiz:

4 Quizzes

Level: All levels

You need to purchase courses from below products list to begin learning.