At Fancy Paws Grooming School in Chicago, students are immersed in a real salon environment from day one. You won’t just watch from the sidelines—you’ll bathe, dry, clip, and style dogs of all breeds under professional supervision. This hands-on approach ensures you graduate with the skills employers demand and the confidence to confidence to expand your career to new horizons. Small groups, real salon experience, and a supportive instructor to guide you from day one.
Call or text to schedule your interview.
early enrollment starts october 1st for 2025 season
Learn More About Our Grooming School in Chicago
Program at a Glance
- Total training: 500 hours (about 4–5 months, depending on your pace)
- Schedule: Tue–Fri, 8:00 AM until last dog goes home (occasional Saturdays)
- Start dates: Ongoing enrollment — no semesters; begin individually and join active classes
- Tuition: $5,000
- Tools: Bring your own kit (~$500–$1,000)
- Financial aid: Not offered, but flexible payment plans available
- Instructor: Evelyn Mendoza
- Location: 4516 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
What You’ll Learn (Real Salon Skills)
- Breed & coat-type haircuts: poodles, doodles, bichons, Shih Tzus, short-coated & double-coated dogs
- Bathing techniques: short-coat, double-coat, and medicated washes for common skin conditions
- Comfort grooms: safe, low-stress approaches for senior dogs and pets with disabilities
- Style & creativity: top knots and basic coloring techniques for the canine beauty industry
Daily Experience
Arrive by 8:00 AM, prep stations, review the day’s dogs, and work through bathing, drying, clipping, scissoring, finishing, and cleanup. You’ll practice safety, handling, time management, and client-level results—until the last dog goes home.
Tuition & Tools
Tuition: $5,000
Tools: Students supply their kit (~$500–$1,000). We’ll provide a recommended list during enrollment so you buy once and buy right. Payment plans available.
How to Enroll
- Call (773) 510-1470 to schedule a short interview and tour
- Review tuition & tools list and select a start week
- Complete enrollment paperwork and payment plan (if needed)
- Bring tools and begin your 500-hour journey.
Why Choose Fancy Paws Grooming School in Chicago
- Hands-on from day one in an active salon—be job-ready, not just classroom-ready
- Small, supportive environment with individual start dates and pacing
- Chicago-based program close to CTA and major roads—no long commute for great training
- Clear path to work: build a portfolio, practice client communication, and learn shop flow
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the program?
500 hours; most students finish in 4–5 months.
What are the class days and hours?
Tue–Fri starting 8:00 AM (occasional Saturdays) until the last dog is picked up. No night or weekend classes.
Do you have semesters or fixed start dates?
No—ongoing enrollment. You start individually and join current students at different stages.
Is financial aid available?
We don’t offer financial aid, but payment plans are available.
What’s the cost of tools?
Plan for about $500–$1,000 for a professional kit.
Ready to Start?
How to Apply to Fancy Paws Grooming School? Call or text (773) 510-1470 •
Fancy Paws Grooming Salon & Academy
Training Chicago’s next generation of professional pet groomers.
Call or Text (773) 510-1470STUDENT RESOURCES
Everything you need to start and succeed at our Grooming School in Chicago.