Dog Grooming Courses in the Mid Atlantic, USA

If you live in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States (such as New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, or nearby areas), there are a few different ways to learn dog grooming – even if there isn’t a school right on your doorstep.

Some people prefer face-to-face training, while others choose online courses and then build hands-on experience locally. The options below cover both approaches.

Penn Foster — Online

Penn Foster offers a Pet Grooming Certificate that can be completed online, making it a popular choice for people who want to study from home and work at their own pace.

This option can suit those who:

live outside major cities
need flexible study hours
plan to practise grooming skills alongside learning

Because it’s an online program, students usually pair the course with hands-on practice at home or in a local grooming setting.

Animal Behavior College — Online with Local Externship

Animal Behavior College offers online dog grooming education that includes a local externship, allowing students to gain real-world experience with a grooming business near where they live.

This can be a good option if you want:

online lessons combined with hands-on exposure
guidance while learning practical grooming skills

Availability of externships can vary by location, so it’s worth checking what’s available in your area.

NYC School of Dog Grooming — New York

For those located near New York City, the NYC School of Dog Grooming offers face-to-face grooming education with hands-on training. This type of school can suit learners who prefer structured, in-person teaching and direct guidance from experienced groomers.

Local Grooming Schools & Salon Training

Across the Mid Atlantic states, there are also independent grooming schools and salons that offer training, apprenticeships, or assistant roles. These opportunities aren’t always widely advertised, so asking local groomers where they trained can uncover options you won’t find online.