Introduction:
Thank you for joining the Fancy paws family! This place was made with you in mind. educational institute meant to create well rounded groomer and exceed in excellence and true leadership in this tuff industry that is the grooming world. There are no prerequisites to get started however a strong desire to learn and true love and respect for animals is imperative to your career.
Fancy paws grooming salon is a covid baby and was Created in 2020 by Evelyn Mendoza and Leonardo Palomeque Against all the odds when the world was falling apart and business were and the biggest failing rate, we took the risk. It started with one lone groomer and a hand full of dreams and now it’s a steadily growing business with more crew members and a load of dogs. This place resides in the wonderful growing and improving hermosa park neighborhood close the well-known logan square area where I love and grew up. I have been a resident since I was 6 years old.
I am Evelyn Mendoza, head teacher and founder of Fancy Paws Grooming Salon corp. My career in the animal industry took place in Illinois, a bit far at Midwest school of grooming. There I learn basic skills to get this dream of opening a grooming salon and a grooming institution that created no ordinary groomer but one that can lead their path and dream big. This school was incredible and I’ll never forget it, but I wanted to bring this closer to home. For all those looking for a shorter commute in the city of Chicago.
My first degree is in culinary and I was a chef for more than 16 years and no ordinary one. Both of my parents always knew where my heart really was. My last conversation with my father was “I always knew you would end up working in the animal industry because your love, patience and heart was always there. I remember when you would force me to cross the street just to get to pet a dog.” I will always work to make them proud since I found my true calling and happiness.
My promise to you is that during your stay here, I will teach you all the skills you need to learn to get your dreams in motion. Just remember the rest it up to you. To put in the time, discipline and ask all the questions. The sky is the limit!
PROFESSIONAL PET GROOMING COURSE FPG 101 Fancy paws grooming salon
Total Course Cost: $5000.00
Payment Methods Accepted: Cash, Check, Debit and Credit Card (processing fees may apply.)
Tuition to be paid in full, or in installments (1,000.00 down, second payment 1,00.00, and rest of payments are 1,000.00 due at the end of the month, interest free).
Total Course Hours: 500
Classes run Tuesday through Friday, starting at 8:00AM until 4PM. Saturdays are optional provided there are dogs scheduled for student groomers.
Classroom time: 100 hours, consisting of the following:
Orientation: 2 hours
Introduction to pet care and Handling Control Techniques: 96 hours
Understanding dog breeds and their grooming history, following AKC grooming standards, basic pet first aid, and recognizing health or behavior issues related to grooming—like infections, tumors, parasites, skin problems, or seizures caused by grooming.
Medical Skin Conditions, drying techniques and coat varieties: 96 hours
Proper handling of dogs. Caring for special needs pets—including young, elderly, fearful, or aggressive animals—selecting appropriate products for finishing and treating medical or skin conditions, and understanding anatomical danger zones along with proper safety protocols. Drying techniques breed based and coat density.
Body Trim and Hairstyles Varieties: 128 hours
Advanced grooming techniques like shaving or stripping coats, using clippers and scissors, creating breed-specific styles, and doing poodle clips and topknots.
Fine Tunes, Creative Groom and Breed Base Haircuts: 180 hours
Experience haircutting according to breed that you may encounter working in the
Canine industry. Find a creative side, and learn how to style your dog in a creative way by adding color learning hair dye and a variety of top knots. Add the final touch with a basic intro of creating bandanas after groom. Proper use and cleaning, maintenance of shears, clippers, etc.
Entrance Requirements:
No experience or training is required. Age limitation is eighteen and older. Younger students will be considered with parental or legal guardian’s consent.
Classroom size: Total of 6 students maximum, 6 students per 1 instructor.
The Illinois Board of Higher Education’s Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools has authorized Fancy Paws Grooming School to operate.
Please note that Fancy Paws Grooming Salons are not accredited by any accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
STUDENT RULES AND EXPECTATIONS
Classes begin at 8:00AM; always arrive on time.
If you are going to miss class, call or text an instructor as soon as possible to inform them. We all know emergencies and the unexpected happen, but please attempt to give as much notice as possible if you will not be able to attend class.
You must have your tools and equipment, prepared before class begins. Bags, coats, etc., must be put away during class time.
You are responsible for signing in and out of the attendance book each day and keeping your hours added, and updated weekly. Do not remove time sheets from the attendance book.
You will be respectful of all those who enters Fancy Paws, those with two legs and those with four. Along with showing respect to the people and animals at Fancy Paws, you are also expected to respect the facility and its property.
If you use something, put it away. Act with care and be thoughtful with your words and actions.
Participating in the cleaning and maintenance of the school’s grooming areas is a required part of your daily routine. Duties like cage cleaning, tub rinsing, and vacuuming reflect the real-world expectations of professional grooming salons. These responsibilities are an important part of your hands-on learning experience.
Students are not allowed to contact customers via phone or in the lobby without the consent of the school administrator. It is up to the instructor to deem when and where it is appropriate for students to interact with customers if at all.
Students are not allowed at the front desk unless asked by an instructor. The appointment book, client card file and computer are off limits.
Here at Fancy paws, we have a zero-tolerance policy against bullying. We are all here for the love of dogs, the desire to learn and we absolutely will not tolerate any words or actions meant to harm or belittle another. If you encounter any behavior of this nature, please report it to the instructor right away. The situation will be handled with the utmost seriousness, which may include having the student leave for the day, a three-day suspension, or expulsion, depending on the severity of the issue.
Any student who deliberately harms or mistreats an animal will be expelled immediately.
*Please note, we recommend that students receive a tetanus shot if you have not had one in the past five years. Dogs and cats can and do bite. It is for your protection that you receive a tetanus shot before beginning class.
Entrance requirements:
No previous training or experience is required to enroll in the program. However, prior experience in the animal care industry is preferred and may be beneficial to the student’s success. Students should be able to read and comprehend the school manuals and be able to answer written questions. Students should not have any handicaps, physical or otherwise that hinder the ability to perform the required work. Students should be prepared to work hard and have a genuine love of animals. Age limitation is eighteen or older. Younger students will be considered with parental or guardian ’s consent.
Dress code:
Students may wear most types of clothing, as long as it is clean, appropriate, and allows them to perform all grooming tasks comfortably. Common options include grooming attire from catalogs or online, medical scrubs (which are great for repelling hair), yoga or athletic pants, and t-shirts. Whatever you choose, make sure you are comfortable and able to move freely.
Shoes should be comfortable and non-slip. Popular choices include tennis shoes, Crocs, and other water-resistant slip-on styles. Since groomers often spend long periods on their feet, compression socks are recommended. These can be found at stores like Walmart or Walgreens, or ordered online for a custom fit.
Not Allowed: Open-toed sandals, flip flops, high heels, or dangling jewelry. These items can pose safety risks, particularly around excited pets.
Required: Each student must purchase a grooming apron or smock and is responsible for keeping it clean.
Attendance policy and absences:
Regular attendance and punctuality are crucial for the smooth operation of the school. Consistent participation ensures that students receive the full benefit of the program and contributes to a productive learning environment. Students are expected to attend all classes. The administrator keeps a record of attendance on each student, which becomes part of his or her permanent record.
An absence is defined as a student’s failure to report to class at the scheduled time. Each missed day counts as one day of absence. For example, missing two days counts as two separate absences.
However, if the student provides a valid physician’s note related to the absence, the entire period covered by the note will be counted as only one day of absence.
Absences will be categorized as excused or unexcused depending on the reason and circumstances, as determined by the school administrator. Failure to notify the school before class starts will be regarded as a NO CALL/NO SHOW.
No Call/No Show:
Students must report their absences daily; failure to do so will be treated as a No Call/No Show. A No Call/No Show will be viewed as a voluntary termination of the student’s enrollment agreement.
Tardiness:
Tardiness is when a student is not present and ready at the start of class. It also applies if a student leaves before the end of the day without the instructor’s prior approval. Classes begin at 8:00AM and finish between 3PM and 4PM. All students are required to be punctual. Being tardy more than three times may result in a reprimand, if the problem persists, suspension or dismissal may result. All class time missed more than twenty minutes must be made up prior to graduation.
Time Off Requests:
Time Off Requests must be submitted via the Time Off Requests sheet located near the student attendance book. Time off should be requested at least one week in advance of the requested day(s) off. Time off requests for holiday seasons (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, July 4th, etc…) are discouraged as holidays are peak scheduling times for groomers and may not be granted. All decisions are determined by the school administrator and are considered final.
Make-up work:
Students who are absent or tardy for any reason must make up any missed classes in order to graduate. The opportunity to make up classes will be determined by the instructor’s discretion.
Leave of Absence:
Fancy Paws Grooming Corp recognizes that personal circumstances may require a student to take a leave of absence from their training. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate each individual’s needs, reviewing each situation to find the most suitable solution.
Attendance Requirements:
Students who accumulate three unexcused absences may be placed on probation for the remainder of the program. If an additional unexcused absence occurs during this probationary period, the student’s participation will be deemed unsatisfactory and may result in termination from the program.
Course Withdrawal:
Students wishing to withdraw from the course must submit a written request to the administrator. If the withdrawal is completed before the first day of class, no tuition fees will be incurred.
Re-Enrollment Policy:
Students who have either voluntarily canceled or been dismissed from the program and wish to return must request an interview with the school administrator. During this meeting, they must present a valid reason for reinstatement. The administrator’s decision on re-entry is final.
Standards of Conduct:
Students must behave professionally and respectfully at all times. The use of inappropriate language, possession of unauthorized substances (such as alcohol or unprescribed medication), or any form of disrespectful behavior may lead to dismissal. Actions harmful to the learning environment, school staff, or fellow students may result in immediate termination. Theft of any property—whether belonging to the school or another student—is grounds for automatic dismissal.
Academic Support and Guidance:
Students have access to counseling to help them grow their abilities and develop professional skills. The school administrator and instructors are available to provide academic and career-related guidance, drawing from years of industry experience.
Suspension and Dismissal Policy:
Fancy Paws Grooming Corp holds the authority to dismiss any student for reasons including, but not limited to: disruptive behavior, failure to control one’s actions, repeated unexcused absences or tardiness, violating the No Call/No Show policy, abusive or threatening conduct, intentional dishonesty, or failure to make required payments for tuition or supplies.
Credit Transfer Policy:
Fancy Paws Grooming Corp is an independent institution and is not associated with any colleges or universities. As such, credits or clock hours earned here may not be transferable to other institutions of higher education.
Grading:
All practical exercises will be evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis.
Injuring an animal is an automatic FAIL on that specific exercise. If the student injures an animal again and does not adhere to safety as instructed that student will fail the assigned exercise and be placed on probation. A third injury will qualify the student for suspension or expulsion. All occurrences of injury will be reviewed by the school director and a decision for probation, suspension and/or termination will be made based on the severity and intent of the injury. Safety for students, staff and the animal sent rusted in our care is of the up most importance.
Grading on written examinations: A: 96-100%
B: 88-96% C: 75-88%
Any written exam scores below 75% will be a fail.
Failed tests may be retaken at the director’s discretion. Students who fail the program will not receive a course completion certificate.
Upon completion, a certificate will be issued provided all tests and demonstration dogs are completed satisfactorily.
STUDENT HOLIDAYS:
- New Year’s Day
- President’s Day (third Monday in February)
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
If a student needs any other observed holiday off for any reason, they may request so and will be granted at the discretion of the instructor.
CLEANING REQUIRMENTS FOR ALL STUDENTS:
Cleaning is a key part of a groomer’s career, just as important as grooming skills like puppy cuts and scissoring. In most shops, groomers help maintain a clean and organized environment. At Fancy Paws Grooming Corp, daily cleaning is an essential part of our education.
It is our duty as animal professionals to maintain a healthy, clean environment for the animals entrusted in our care. Cleaning allows us to learn about necessary disinfection of tools and work areas, proper sanitation practices and safety for both pets and groomers alike.
Students are required to follow the guidelines set forth by the school each day. Additional weekly cleaning lists can be found posted in common areas for students to see and include in their routine. One of the greatest compliments a customer can give upon entering your shop is, “Wow, it smells good in here!”
DAILY CLEANING (AT YOUR TABLE):
- Wipe down your table between dogs and at the end of the day
- Vacuum hair from the floor between dogs and at the end of the day.
- Hang up your clippers, clean and put away tools, hang up your smock/apron
- Wipe off and tidy your grooming station
- Empty your trashcan
- Lower your table at the end of the day
DAILY CLEANING (AROUND THE SHOP):
- Vacuum the bathing room, the classroom and the lobby
- Dispose of the vacuum cleaner contents in the main trash bin
- Empty ALL trash
- Dust the lobby, spot clean windows/doors
- Clean out bathtubs, remove hair from drains, hang up hoses, and store shampoo bottles properly.
- Return all grooming nooses, products, cleaning supplies, and borrowed items to their designated places.
- Lower tables in bathing room
- Hang towels to dry
- Remove bottom grates of bathing room cages, spray with bleach water, stack in tub to dry. Spray down and wipe out interior of cage
- Remove the bottom grates from the classroom cages, spray them with a bleach solution, and place them in the tub to dry. Clean the interior of the cage by spraying and wiping it down.
BOOKS:
Fancy Paws Grooming Corp TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT LIST
Verplank, M. (n.d.). Notes from the grooming table (Blue or Brown ed.).
Harrell, B. (n.d.). Groomer’s guide to pet first aid, injuries & health.
Verplank, M. (n.d.). Theory of 5.
OPTIONAL BOOKS:
Murphy, J. (n.d.). Dog grooming simplified: Straight to the point.
American Kennel Club. (n.d.). The A.K.C. complete dog book (22nd ed.).
Holistic Dog Grooming – Required Equipment
Clippers:
- 1 detachable blade 2-speed clipper
- 2 of each: 4F, 5F, 7F clipper blades (No skip tooth blades)
- 1 of the following clipper blades: 9, 10, 30, 15
- 1 Artero Spektra clipper or Wahl Bravura Lithium clipper
Brushes & Combs:
- 1 greyhound comb
- 2 universal slicker brushes
- 1 boar bristle or similar brush
- 1 small soft slicker brush
- 1 pin brush
- 1 de-shedding rake
- 1 flea comb
- 1 furminator-style blade
Shears:
- 1 set of stainless-steel attachment combs for detachable blade
- 1 8.5″ straight shear
- 1 thinning shear
- 1 8.5″ curved shear
Other Tools:
- 1 pair of ear/eye scissors
- 1 small matt splitter
- 1 large matt splitter
- 1/2 oz styptic powder
- 1 ear powder
- 1 pair of nail trimmers
- 1 Dremel machine
- 1 pair of cat nail trimmers
- 1 jar of Andis Blade Care Plus blade wash
- 1 can of Andis Cool Care Plus Spray
- 1 hemostat
Estimated Cost: The total cost of your equipment will range from approximately $700–$900. This list is a solid starter kit, but as you gain experience, you may discover additional tools that fit your needs.
Affordable Shears: If you’re just starting, we recommend beginning with lower-cost shears. Some affordable options include:
- Purple Dragon
- Smith King
- Lilys PET
- Gimars
- Kingstar
For moderately priced shears, consider:
- Aussie Dog
- Anvil
- Geib
- Foxy Roxy
Suggested Retailers:
- Groomer’s Mart
- Ryan’s Pet Supply
- Frank Rowe & Son
- Amazon
- Cherrybrook
- Chewy
Well-Known Grooming Suppliers:
- Andis
- Artero
- Geib
- Wahl
- Aussie Dog
- Oster
- AGS
STUDENT COMPLAINT POLICY AND PROCEDURE:
Any complaints made by students are treated with the utmost seriousness. Communication is the first step in resolving issues that may arise during your training. Most complaints can be handled by respectful face to face communication between the involved parties. Students are welcome and encouraged to approach instructors with any complaints or concerns, and that instructor will do their best to find a resolution that is acceptable for all involved parties.
If the student is unhappy with the outcome of speaking with their instructor, the student should register their complaint with the school administrator, Aimee Gibbs.
Every attempt will be made to find an acceptable resolution.
Complaints against this institution may be registered at any time with the Illinois Board of Higher Education at www.ibhe.org, complaints@ibhe.org
Complaint Call Line: (217)557-7359