The New Jersey Dog Grooming Academy

Seanita Ross

2024-04

If you’re having trouble looking for a dog grooming school, NJDGA can put a stop to your worries! I have worked in the pet service industry for almost a decade (dog walking/sitting, daycare/boarding, training, etc.) and never thought I could be a groomer because I have never been great with scissors! Knowing that this is the only pet service that is LIFE PROOF I decided to go for it. Rick and Joan more than exceeded my expectations. They are real and honest people and will make sure that you’re not over complicating yourself as a groomer, but you’re also knowledgeable when you’re working on the business side and how to talk and approach customers. I stepped in not ever picking up a clipper before to walking out feeling more than confident. They’re not only there for you during your time at school but also outside of it rather you’re attending or not. It’s definitely what you make of it so make sure you’re taking notes and paying close attention! Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping me further my career and giving me the confidence that I am a dog groomer with 0 experience! I now have my own home grooming salon with the hopes of having a mobile grooming van in the close future! Thank you again for everything 😊

Laura Arico

2024-03

I attended the NJDGA. I had prior experience being a bather and some grooming training. This school took my skill/trade to another level. After graduation I found employment within a week or so, am very happy working there, and I am able to have a career that I can support my family. I recommend this school to anyone who is interested in starting a grooming career. Having prior experience is helpful but not mandatory.

Justin Steib

2024-04

After 4 years of grooming, I wouldn’t suggest paying a few thousand dollars for Rick and Joan’s teaching. You learn way more on the job, and we’ve NEVER learned to cut faces with them. They also don’t believe in power dryers or doing anal glands. We would stand there for hours with a human hairdryer with no tips. They will give you a certificate even if you are not ready. Rick also never told us prices or how to run a grooming shop. He mostly talks about how he used to be successful in nyc (nothing to do with grooming). Nice people, but stupidly over priced. Both of my bosses went to the same school and share the same opinion

Emily Light

2024-04

Only came here once so far but I’ll be back. Everyone is super friendly and accommodating—I was a walk-in to get my dog’s nails trimmed and they got me in within 15min. The place was clean and not super loud like some other places around. They did a great job on the nails. A bit pricey but worth it for a job done right.

Daniel Mecchi

2023-12

Rick and Joan are the best teachers I ever had. They are very knowledgeable as well as creating a great stress free learning environment. If you want to learn dog grooming I couldn’t recommend this place enough.

Bahar Akalin

2024-04

Joan and Rick are amazing and you learn everything you need to know as a groomer. I am so lucky to choose this academy to become a professional groomer.

Aurelia Alberto

2021-05

I can't believe I almost did an online course instead of coming here, Joan and Rick are seriously the best teachers I have ever had- they have a bunch of 5 stars for a reason! They are so open and honest about the reality of the business as well as what they expect of you to be able to be successful. I was able to learn how to work with extremely elderly dogs, matted dogs, dogs with behavioral issues/physical ailments and of course puppies! That's an experience you can't get online. They have great equipment that most salons don't even have to ensure the safety of both the dog and the groomer. When you are on Joan and Rick's team, they will do anything for you! I if I ever need anything from them in the future I know they will be there!

Elizabeth Rosato

2021-05

I recently graduated and attending this school was one of the best experiences of my life. Rick and Joan give each student personalized attention. They have created a very positive environment that prioritizes both the safety of the dogs as well as the students. After I graduated, they helped me find a job at a grooming shop, and kindly left a positive recommendation to the owner. Anyone looking to become a groomer should definitely attend this school.

rosie oconnor

2023-12

This place is the worse, they do not teach scissor work or how to finish a dog properly with scissors. They charge $8,000 and you are not able to get a job because they lack teaching you 50% of what you need to know in order to be able to find employment. Very sad

Danielle M

2018-05

I fell in love with this place from the moment I walked through the door. Rick and Joan are amazing teachers and you will definitely learn a lot from them. Learning new skills can definitely be stressful, but this school has a very relaxed environment that makes it easy to learn. Rick and Joan are very knowledgeable and will take their time explaining exactly what they want. Choosing The NJ Dog Grooming Academy to get my certification was one of the best decisions that I have ever made.

Maria Monty

2022-05

Joanne and Rick are two of the most incredible teachers, and people in general. They guided me through the in’s and out of dog grooming in all aspects from the actual grooming process, to the business end of shop operations. I graduated from their school with confidence in my grooming skills, eager to put all they taught me to use. They are capable of turning anyone with the drive and desire to groom into a well versed groomer by the time of graduation.

Lacey Dale

2018-05

Fantastic School! My amazing teachers Joan& Rick taught me the full grooming process an more! Wonderful environment clean an safe working areas, Plenty of dogs to the groom! A real down-to-earth environment. I recommend this school for anyone seeking to be a Certified Pet Groomer!!!

Heather Michel

2020-05

Rick (Owner), Joan (Owner), and Lacey (Teacher's Assistant) are truly invested and committed to ensuring that the education of dog grooming is up to the highest standards. Attending the academy is a smart decision for someone wants one-on-one attention. This advantage means that the instructors observe how you process information and will help each one of their students learn to their best level. If you are a good student- you will be a great groomer (still hear Rick's voice in my head drilling in one of his many mantra's). Bottom line-you will get a lot of your experience at NJ Dog Grooming Academy if you (the student) put in the time and effort! They know how to set you up for success!

Sarah Talik

2023-05

Amazing teachers who go above and beyond. You definitely get out what you put in. 10/10 would recommend. They truly care about their students and want what's best for them and to create qualified, confident, safe professional groomers. I'd rate higher if I could. Definitely worth the time and effort I put in and I learned a TON in my time there.

Melissa T

2021-05

The New Jersey Dog Grooming Academy is the best pet grooming education money can buy. Rick and Joan (owners) are professional, knowledgable, and VERY experienced instructors and their current teaching assistant Kirsten is also an amazing grooming instructor. They know the pet grooming business inside and out and share their collective plethora of knowledge about grooming techniques, animal safety, and business with all of their students. The hands on experience you get at the NJDGA is fundamental to learning to groom properly and safely. The scheduling is flexible and they can work with you in terms of other jobs/commitments. If you are considering becoming a dog groomer I would HIGHLY recommend the NJDGA.

Mike Patience

2018-05

Great grooming school! They focus on each individual to ensure all students understand the different processes that go into grooming. Rick and Joan are very attentive to everyone and have a passion for what they do. The shop itself is well maintained and all the dogs leave well treated and looking great! Highly recommend!

Nancy Feusse

2022-05

This is a great grooming school! Every single day is hands-on work with exposure to all kinds of dogs--large/small, young/old, compliant/feisty, well-tended/completely matted. You start off on day one with a clipper in your hands and slowly move on to more and more challenging pups. Joan, Rick, and Kirsten and outstanding teachers--professional, patient, and fun. This place is legit and well worth the price!

Mary Ellen Callahan

2018-05

When I was searching for a dog grooming school, it was down to 3 schools. When I visited the NJ Dog Grooming Academy and I spoke with the owners, Rick and Joan, I knew immediately this was where I was going to get my training. They are so knowledgeable, professional, and passionate about dog grooming. Their patience and support is immeasurable. God knows I have made numerous errors during my training as a groomer. Rick and Joan have always responded in a positive fashion and would help me remedy the situation by showing me how to avoid this in the future. Most importantly, they do this in a calm manner. They never belittle, yell or make their students feel inferior which I hear does happen at other dog grooming schools.They build up their students' confidence always offering verbal praise on a job well done. They treat every dog with great care, love and respect. Ensuring the dog's safety and comfort during the grooming process is the utmost priority at the NJ Dog Grooming Academy. I am teacher during the week and attend class on Saturday. I can't tell you how much I look forward to it! Joan and Rick create such a welcoming and warm environment. AND this school is ALL HANDS ON!! There is no better way to learn dog grooming. You won't learn from watching videos! This husband and wife team are working their magic on every person that walks through their door and making each person a successful dog groomer. I never imagined that I could do this and do this well but when you have great teachers anything is possible! Thank you Rick and Joan!!!

Happytailsbymarianela

2018-05

The best experience that I have, it’s the best school ever, best teachers, they treat you good and teach you to treat the dogs really good, I just graduated today and I’m so happy that I chose this school to learn the Grooming career. They really love what they do! You can feel very comfortable bringing your dog here or to enroll in their grooming classes

Celia Tulloch

2020-05

I took the Bather/Groomer's Asst. course in Winter 2020 and am glad that I did! The owners Rick & Joan, and their competent assistants Michael, and Kristin, were very patient and thorough in their instruction. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I had a lot of dogs to practice my technique on daily. I highly recommend this academy to people who want to learn the correct way to groom dogs.

Ashley Yorke

2018-05

I wish that I could rate this place 10 stars. Rick & Joan go above and beyond when it comes to making sure their students leave with plenty of knowledge, not just in dog grooming but in the working world in general. They were just as eager as their students to see the transformation of student to professional dog groomer. It's hard to find such caring, and genuine people, but I'm glad that I did. I cant recommend them enough!

Stephanie Dengel

2018-05

The NJDGA is a great opportunity!! I've learned so much from this school and use it in my everyday grooming in the "real world". Rick & Joan provide a safe, clean environment to learn in. I highly recommend this school for anyone that is persuing a career in dog grooming.

Yashira Montesino

2019-05

Amazing teachers and great environment! From day one, Rick, Joan, and Lacey are always by your side helping you learn and deal with the animals. They all give great advice and really care about educating you to the best of their abilities

Rieko Shiba

2019-05

I am so glad that I found and enrolled in this school for my future career.The teachers, Rick, Joan and Lacey are not only skillful and knowledgeable but also very passionate and patient with their students.They treat each individual (including our 4 legs friends) with a lot of love and respect.They only take a limited number of students so that each one of us can get full attention and hands-on lessons from them.The facility is very clean, well organized and fully equipped.It is located on the Main Street in a historic cute town, Boonton, NJ. The Lakeland Bus from Port Authority brings you right there ( Boonton Hill street stop) which makes my trips from the city (Manhattan) super easy and comfortable.I recommend this school to anyone who is eager to be a top groomer.

Melissa Sysyn

2018-05

Rick and joan are great teachers! They explain everything thourghly and not only teach how to groom but how to keep you and the pet safe. They take their time to show you step by step everything you need to know. Being out in the grooming field on my own now I'm glad I learned everything I needed to know from these two!

Zabrina

2020-05

I graduated last month. On June 1st. I had a great experience. I learned a lot from Rick, Joan and Lacey. The hands on experience is top notch. I would recommend anyone who is deciding to pursue this endeavor to attend this school. It's worth it.

Tina Khowaylo

2018-05

I highly recommend this establishment to anyone interested in a career in dog grooming. I had the pleasure of learning under Rick and Joan, in a clean, friendly, family like environment and I am now a happy successful professional dog groomer!

Happy tails by marianela

2023-09

Best dog grooming school in NJ with the most amazing people

Kathy Hidden

2020-05

Absolutely beautiful... I do wish they had kept more of the original interior of theodge, but the grounds are amazing..

Robert Bear

2022-05

Excellent dog groomers.