NH Department of Education Approved Post-Secondary Career School | RSA 188-G:1-10  ·  Est. 2018 | info@wholepetnh.com | 603-828-9300
Professional groomer at work
DOE-Approved · NH Dept. of Education

Built for
Working Groomers.

Real credentials. Real careers. The only DOE-approved grooming school offering formal certification, mentorship, and a professional community that lasts.

Explore your path
300+
Global Graduatescredentialed across all WPGA programs
58%
Became Business Ownersafter completing their certification
65%
Built Long-Term Careersrooted in the WPGA credential
13%
Expanded to Multiple Locationsleveraging the WPGA standard

Your Path Starts Here

Where are you in your grooming career?

WPGA is built around four distinct career stages. Find yours and we'll show you exactly where to start.

Track 1 · Start Your Career
I'm starting my grooming career
You love dogs, you're serious about doing this right, and you want credentials that prove it. This is where the WPGA standard begins.
LAUNCH Bundle · PCS → MCS
Track 2 · Level Up
I'm leveling up as a working pro
You're already in the field. You want recognition for what you know, advanced credentials, and a peer community that takes the craft seriously.
LEVEL UP Bundle · MGBS · MPAe
Track 3 · Train Your Team
I own a salon and need to train my team
You need groomers who meet a real standard, not a YouTube education. WPGA gives you a structured path and a credential your clients recognize.
OPERATIONS Bundle · MGP
Track 4 · Enterprise
I'm scaling a brand or franchise
You need a credentialing partner who can meet your volume, standardize across locations, and represent a verifiable professional standard.
FRANCHISE READY Bundle · Bulk Cert.

The WPGA Credential System

One standard. Three milestones.

WPGA credentials form a connected system. Each milestone builds on the last and unlocks something real for your career, not just a line on a resume.

Entry Credential
Professional Canine Stylist (PCS)
The foundation credential. Covers technique, safety, coat science, and client communication. Formally recognized by the NH Dept. of Education.
DOE-Recognized WPGA Network Access CE Verified Eligible
Advanced Credential
Master Canine Stylist (MCS)
For PCS holders ready to advance. Covers complex coats, behavioral assessment, mentorship readiness, and advanced business skills. Requires PCS.
MCS Title Mentor Designation Eligible Boardroom Access
Specialist Tracks
MGBS · MPAe · MGP
Depth credentials in Grooming Behavior, Pet Aesthetics, and Modern Grooming Professional. For working pros seeking a specific discipline.
Specialist Title CE Credits CE Directory Listing
Also in the system
CE Verified
Annual continuing education recognition for credentialed WPGA groomers. Shows clients and employers your skills are current, not just a one-time credential.
Groomer's Boardroom
The peer community for MCS holders. Mentorship, business resources, advanced CE, and the network that comes from being at the top of the credential ladder.
Global Campus
All programs are online and self-paced. WPGA graduates are working across the US and internationally - the credential travels with you.
Kim C. - PCS Graduate
Kim C.
Professional Canine Stylist, WPGA

Graduate Story

What happens after you graduate

The support from The Whole Pet Grooming Academy was unparalleled, and I felt guided and encouraged every step of the way. The credential gave me the confidence to open my own salon - and the community gave me the business knowledge to make it work.

58%
of WPGA graduates became business owners
300+
credentialed groomers in the WPGA network
65%
built long-term grooming careers
13%
expanded to multiple locations

Expert-Led Education

Learn from working professionals

Every WPGA educator is an active groomer, competition judge, or industry leader - not a career academic. Your credential comes with their network attached.

Dara Forleo
Dara Forleo
Founder & Lead Educator
MCS MGBS Program Director
Christine Neumyer Smith
Christine Neumyer Smith
Senior Educator
MCS MPAe Competition Judge
Bullet Brown
Bullet Brown
Behavior & Safety Specialist
MGBS IAPEG Co-Founder

The only DOE-approved school
built specifically for groomers.

WPGA credentials are issued through a school licensed by the New Hampshire Department of Education as a post-secondary career institution. Your certification is backed by a state-licensed educational body, not a trade association badge or a course completion certificate.

Accreditation
New Hampshire Dept. of Education
Licensed post-secondary career school under RSA 188-A. Formally reviewed and approved by the state of New Hampshire.
Industry Membership
IAPEG - International Association for Pet Esthetics and Grooming
WPGA is affiliated with the international professional body for pet grooming, co-founded by WPGA educator Bullet Brown.

What Membership Means

Being WPGA-credentialed means being connected.

The credential is the beginning. What comes with it, and after it, is what separates WPGA from a course.

Scholar Lounge
The learning hub for all WPGA students and graduates. Program materials, educator Q&As, recorded sessions, and the full course archive in one place.
Program materials and course recordings
Educator access and live Q&A
Graduate-only resource library
All students and graduates
CE Verified
Annual continuing education recognition for credentialed groomers. Your CE Verified status shows clients and employers that your skills are actively maintained.
Annual CE recognition badge
Public CE Verified directory listing
CE tracking across WPGA-approved events
PCS and MCS credential holders
Groomer's Boardroom
The advanced peer community for MCS holders. Business resources, mentorship, peer networking, and conversations that don't happen on public forums.
Private peer network for MCS graduates
Business resources and pricing guides
Mentorship and advanced CE opportunities
MCS holders and above

Program Packages

Everything you need, bundled for your track.

No guesswork. Each bundle is structured around a specific career goal with a clear outcome promise and an upsell path if you want to go further.

Bundle 1 · Aspiring Groomers
LAUNCH
Start Your Career track
"Everything you need to start a grooming career the right way."
  • Professional Canine Stylist (PCS) Certification
  • Salon Sanitation & Safety
  • First Aid & CPR
  • Alumni community access
Graduate with a DOE-accredited credential and access to a vetted alumni network.
Start Here →
Bundle 2 · Seasoned Pros
LEVEL UP
Level Up track
"Credentials that match the skills you've already built."
  • MCS or Master Pet Aesthetician (MPAe)
  • Master Groomer Behavior Specialist (MGBS)
  • Groomer's Boardroom membership
Advanced certifications that let you charge more and move into leadership. You don't start over - we evaluate what you know.
Level Up →
Bundle 3 · Salon Owners
OPERATIONS
Train Your Team track
"Train your team without stopping production."
  • Modern Grooming Professional (3 tracks)
  • Staff onboarding modules
  • WPGA grades and certifies your staff
  • Employer-of-choice positioning materials
Your team gets certified. You reduce injury risk and turnover. We handle everything.
Train Your Team →
Bundle 4 · Franchise & Retail
FRANCHISE READY
Enterprise track
"A certified, scalable grooming program for multi-location operators."
  • Full Operations Bundle for all locations
  • Bulk certification enrollment
  • Standardized training documentation
  • WPGA as co-branded credentialing partner
Every location runs the same certified program. Liability reduced. Staff accountability visible.
Talk to Us →

Get Certified for the Work You Already Do

Your grooming career deserves a
credential that lasts.

Choose your track, start at your pace. WPGA programs are fully online, self-paced, and designed for working groomers with real schedules.

Start Your Application Explore All Programs