Paragon School of Pet Grooming

What Paragon School of Pet Grooming does

Paragon School of Pet Grooming is a privately held, founder-led distance-learning institution founded in 1991 by Melissa Verplank, CMG, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It delivers tiered professional pet-grooming certification programs (Level 1 Groom Tech, Level 2 Pet Groomer, Pro Level Advanced Stylist, Pro Level Breed Standard Stylist) plus an employer-focused Nails and Ears Technician course, priced from $199 to $1,495 per tier with bundle packaging up to $3,725. The technology platform is a web-based learning management system combining video instruction, interactive quizzes, practical assignment tracking, photo-submission grading, and one-on-one mentorship from 10+ Certified Master Groomers.

The company monetizes through one-time tuition payments (with Affirm financing), required textbook bundles ($245), professional grooming toolkits ($445–$1,145), and a bundled subscription to the Groominar Network streaming video library (nearly 1,000 episodes from 50+ experts). Distribution is dual-channel: direct-to-consumer self-enrollment through paragonpetschool.com, plus a B2B employer sponsor portal targeting grooming salons, pet boarding businesses, mobile groomers, and national retail chains such as PetSmart Grooming. Programmatic curriculum rests on Verplank's "Notes from the Grooming Table" textbook and "Theory of 5" methodology, which are industry-standard references used across salons and NDGAA certification pathways. Over 30 years the school claims 10,000+ graduates and a 95% placement rate.

Name

Paragon School of Pet Grooming

Legal name

Paragon School of Pet Grooming

Website

https://paragonpetschool.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Paragon School of Pet Grooming is a Michigan-based online pet-grooming school founded in 1991, delivering tiered certification programs, mentor-guided distance learning, and employer-sponsored training to aspiring groomers and pet-care businesses worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pet Grooming Vocational Education

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Cosmetology and Barber Schools (611511)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Pet Services (Grooming, Training, Daycare) (CRALAIAJ)

Keywords

• Pet grooming education
• Professional dog grooming
• Grooming certification programs
• Distance learning grooming
• Pet care training

Headquarters

HQ city

Jenison

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Professional Groomer Certification Programs: Tiered certification programs (Level 1 Groom Tech, Level 2 Pet Groomer, Pro Level Advanced Stylist, Pro Level Breed Standard Stylist) with tuition fees ranging from $1,299 to $1,495 per level. Bundle packages available at discounted rates. One-time payment or payment plan options through Affirm financing.
2. Textbooks and Reference Materials: Required textbook bundles including Canine Terminology, The New Complete Dog Book, Notes from the Grooming Table, Notes Pocket Pal, Theory of 5, and Groomer's Guide to Pet First Aid. Priced at $245 per bundle.
3. Professional Grooming Toolkits: Starter, Expansion, Complete, and PRO toolkits sold to students for hands-on practice. Toolkits range from $445 to $1,145 depending on level and contents.
4. Groominar Network Membership: Subscription membership to Learn2GroomDogs.com streaming video library with nearly 1,000 tutorials from 50+ grooming experts. Full year membership included with program enrollment; standalone memberships available.
5. Nails and Ears Technician Program: Employer-focused training program for foundational nail and ear care skills, priced at $199 for one-month enrollment.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Paragon School of Pet Grooming delivers online, mentor-guided professional pet grooming certification programs through a tiered pathway (Level 1 Groom Tech, Level 2 Pet Groomer, Pro Level Advanced Stylist, and Pro Level Breed Standard Stylist) targeting individual career-seekers and pet-business employers. The offerings combine web-based video instruction, one-on-one Certified Master Groomer mentorship, hands-on practical assignments, branded textbook bundles, and physical grooming toolkits. The company also operates the Groominar Network streaming video library and provides an employer-focused Nails and Ears Technician Certificate.

Product overview

Paragon School of Pet Grooming offers a multi-tiered certification program architecture consisting of four main credential levels: Level 1 – Groom Tech Certification (foundational, 5 weeks), Level 2 – Pet Groomer Certification (intermediate, 10 weeks), Pro Level – Advanced Stylist Certification (launching August 2026, advanced techniques for Doodles and mixed breeds), and Pro Level – Breed Standard Stylist Certification (advanced AKC breed-specific trims, 8 weeks). Supporting products include the Groominar® Network streaming video library (formerly Learn2GroomDogs.com), the Notes from the Grooming Table digital app, and Theory of 5 methodology. The company also offers Nails and Ears Technician Certificate for employers, bundled pricing packages (Foundation, Advanced, and Continuing Ed Packs), professional grooming toolkits, and mentor-guided online learning with one-on-one feedback. Founded in 1991, the school has trained groomers for over 30 years with a 95% graduate placement rate.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• GroominarNetwork.com: The world's largest library of professional dog and cat grooming videos, featuring content from over 50 grooming experts. Formerly known as Learn2GroomDogs.com.
• Groominar® Network
• Notes from the Grooming Table
• Theory of 5

Products and services

• Level 1 – Groom Tech Certification
• Level 2 – Pet Groomer Certification
• Pro Level – Advanced Stylist Certification
• Pro Level – Breed Standard Stylist Certification
• Nails and Ears Technician Certificate
• Groominar® Network (Learn2GroomDogs.com)
• Professional Grooming Toolkits
• Required Textbooks Bundle
• Foundation Pack (Level 1 + 2 Bundle)
• Advanced Pack (Level 1 + 2 + Pro Level Advanced)
• Continuing Ed Pack (Pro Breed + Advanced)
• Mentor-Guided Online Learning

Quantifiable outcome

• 95% of graduates find employment in the pet grooming industry
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Bark & BoneminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 January 2025Joint webinar partnership on hiring practices for grooming salon owners and managers. Bark & Bone (Indianapolis, IN) co-hosted with MoeGo and Paragon to address hiring challenges in the grooming industry.
• Wag'N TailscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2024Multi-year partnership where Wag'N Tails, the leader in mobile pet grooming solutions, recommends Paragon's training programs for mobile groomers. Paragon recommends Wag'N Tails mobile equipment to its students and community. The partnership focuses on elevating the profession of grooming through shared educational content and business guidance.
• MoeGocoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 16 April 2024Joint webinar partnership focused on grooming business KPIs and performance metrics. MoeGo provides pet grooming business management software and partnered with Paragon President Joe Zuccarello for educational content on measuring, managing, and maximizing grooming business performance.
• Project K9 HerominorOthersParagon Cares initiative supporting retired Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs. Project K9 Hero provides medical costs, prescription food, rehabilitation, rehoming, and end-of-duty services for retired service dogs through their 177-acre facility.
• Pup Relief TourminorOthersNon-profit initiative founded by Brian Taylor ('Dogfather of Harlem') bringing accessible pet grooming services to underprivileged communities. Paragon supports their global mission including training initiatives in Africa and Nigeria.
• LC's FoundationminorOthersPartnership through Paragon Cares supporting pet well-being through education, professional grooming, and specialized training in local communities. Paragon provided one year of full access to the Learn2Groom platform through this partnership.
• The Dog GurusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with The Dog Gurus at their annual Breakthrough Workshop, an intensive three-day pet business growth conference. Paragon President Joe Zuccarello led sessions on business and personal fulfillment strategies.
• World Pet Association (WPA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership with the global pet industry's first trade organization (70+ years). WPA presents the GROOM'D trade show where Paragon participates with educational workshops and exhibition space.
• National Dog Grooming Association of America (NDGAA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCertification partnership where Paragon serves as a workshop and certification partner for NDGAA's National Certified Master Groomer program, supporting grooming industry standardization since 1969.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Penn Foster: Penn Foster is one of the largest accredited online career schools in the U.S. and offers an online Pet Grooming Certificate program. It is a direct peer to Paragon in online, self-paced pet grooming certification with similar target customers and pricing model.
• Animal Behavior College: Animal Behavior College offers online dog grooming and training programs with mentor-supported instruction, directly competing with Paragon for the same aspiring groomer and pet business employer segments.
• Nash Academy: Nash Academy is an established pet grooming school offering both in-person and online programs, including Master Groomer and breed-specific tracks. It is a direct peer in pet grooming certification with overlapping curriculum architecture and pricing.
• Merryfield School of Pet Grooming: Merryfield is an accredited pet grooming school with hands-on and distance-learning options serving aspiring professional groomers. It is a direct peer in pet grooming certification, particularly competing for Florida and U.S. online students.

Regional players

• The Grooming School (UK): The Grooming School is a UK-based pet grooming training provider offering accredited courses. It is a regional peer serving the UK and European market with comparable trade-school certification offerings to Paragon.

Emerging players

• QC Pet Studies (Quality Canine Education): QC Pet Studies is an online pet grooming school offering self-paced, mentor-supported certification programs. It is an emerging player that mirrors Paragon's online distance-learning model at similar price points.
• Baxter & Bella: Baxter & Bella is an online dog training platform with a subscription-based curriculum. It is an emerging player in online pet professional education, adjacent to Paragon in targeting aspiring pet professionals with digital courses.

Broad incumbents

• Petco Grooming: Petco operates a large-scale grooming services business with internal training academies across the U.S. It is a broad incumbent with overlapping grooming services and in-house training programs, though not a direct online certification competitor.
• PetSmart Grooming: PetSmart runs one of the largest grooming operations in North America and is an existing B2B customer of Paragon. It is a broad incumbent in the grooming services market with its own training infrastructure, anchoring industry demand for Paragon's programs.

Others

• Wag'N Tails: Wag'N Tails is a leading mobile pet grooming equipment manufacturer and a strategic partner of Paragon. It is an ecosystem enabler — supplying mobile groomers with equipment — and therefore adjacent rather than directly competitive with Paragon's certification business.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/paragonpet

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Paragon School of Pet Grooming