Pet Grooming Bridging Program

The Pet Grooming Bridging Program at Richmond Hill College – Ontario is a short-term, online course (under 40 hours) designed for internationally trained pet groomers who want to align their skills with Canadian workplace standards. Many vocational certificates from countries such as Iran, India, and Turkey are not directly recognized in Canada. This bridging pathway provides the missing link, giving pet stylists the opportunity to upgrade their training, improve employability, and prepare for careers in Canada’s growing grooming industry.

Why Choose This Program?
Canada’s pet care industry is expanding rapidly, with professional grooming services in high demand. However, international certificates are often not equivalent to Canadian credentials. The Pet Grooming Bridge Program helps you:

Understand Canadian Animal Welfare regulations and safety standards
Learn Communication & Professional English – ESP and improve customer communication
Gain knowledge of Business & Employment Basics in Ontario, Canada
Complete Practicum & Case-Based Learning to apply Canadian best practices

Program Structure (36 Hours)

Certification
Upon successful completion, students receive the Pet Grooming Bridge Program Certificate – Richmond Hill College (a 36-hour). This professional certificate can be added to your resume for job applications, study permits, and immigration pathways.

Who Should Enroll?
This program is ideal for:

Graduates of pet grooming academies outside Canada
Experienced groomers with international work experience
Individuals planning to work, study, or immigrate to Canada in the animal care industry

Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Pet Grooming Bridging Program can pursue:

Employment in Canadian pet salons, mobile grooming services, or veterinary clinics
Self-employment opportunities as certified groomers
Further studies in Canadian colleges in animal care and grooming programs

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

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