Perhaps the desire to become a groomer arises at a very young age – and that’s fine! But as with any serious profession, there are clear boundaries dictated not only by logic but also by law. It’s not just about age, but about the level of responsibility, workload and even physical strength that is required when working with animals.
According to the current Ukrainian legislation, children under 14 years old have no right to walk a dog on their own without the accompaniment of an adult. This is not a fiction, but a legal fact – according to the Law of Ukraine “On Protection of Animals from Cruel Treatment” and the norms of the Civil Code. If a child cannot take the animal outside by himself, can he take responsibility for its grooming when it comes to sophisticated equipment, scissors, a hair dryer with 2400 watts power or even a machine with a blade?
The grooming profession is not a “pet a doggie” profession, but a job that often involves working with animals that are nervous, may bite or lash out. Without life experience and independent skills, a child under 14 is not physically and psychologically ready for such responsibility.
Under 14 is just an introduction to the profession
If you’re under 14, you unfortunately can’t receive full training at a professional grooming academy. But that doesn’t mean the doors to the profession are closed! We can offer an introduction format – for example, a short master class “Introduction to the profession of a groomer”, where the child together with parents can see how the work is done in the salon, listen to the teacher, hold a safe tool (comb or fluffer), pet a dog that is already lying down calmly after grooming.
But it is important to remember: at this age we do not allow to work with animals without supervision, we do not allow to use electrical equipment and even more so – to perform dangerous procedures. This is our responsibility to our parents, to the law and to our clients.
From 14 to 16 years old – individualized training format
If you have already turned 14 – this is the first official stepping stone to your dream. But it’s important to know: in group courses we still can’t accept you. The reason is simple – group training is intensive, where each student has to work independently with animals, machines, blades, scissors, hair dryers. In this format, it is physically impossible for the instructor to provide full control over every action of the child.
That is why from 14 to 16 years old we work only individually – one-on-one with the teacher. This is primarily a concern for your safety. According to the labor laws of Ukraine, even for temporary work children can be officially accepted only from 15 years old and with the permission of parents. And in training with animals, which can react unpredictably, – we must be even more careful.
From the age of 16 – full training in a group or individually
Finally, from the age of 16, all doors open! At this age, you can already have both group and individual training. We give you full access to a professional program, practice on real clients, certification and preparation to launch your own career.
You work with all kinds of tools, learn different types of haircuts for different breeds, master coat, skin, and claw care – and gradually become a real groomer. Students of this age are already quite conscious, calmly react to new challenges, and the teacher can give more autonomy. It is at this age that many find their first regular clients, participate in competitions, and some even open their own studio with family support.
In our grooming academy, girls and guys from the age of 16, who after completing grooming courses immediately started working in a chain of salons. They already have experience working with animals, they know basic anatomy, have done volunteer work in shelters – this makes it easy to get involved in the profession.
Conclusion
We appreciate the interest in our cause even from the very young, but we always act honestly, legally and with safety in mind. If you are too young, we will support your first steps with a master class or an introductory visit. If you are 14 – we will start individually. And from 16 – we will build your professional path together. Talent has no age, but it takes time, preparation and the right start to take off. We are here to help make it sure.
