Accredited by iPET, The Complementary Medical Association and UK Rural Skills

Master Low-Stress Grooming With Our Multi-Award-Winning Diploma!

At The Holistic Grooming Academy, we empower professional groomers with the skills and knowledge to create low-stress, positive grooming experiences for every dog - even those with grooming-related fears!

Our expert-led Holistic Grooming & Behaviour Diploma supports an advanced, science-led approach that not only improves grooming results but also helps reduce the risk of dog bites and build confidence in handling anxious, aggressive, and/or fearful dogs.

The multi-accredited diploma written by iAwards 2025, 'Best Animal Sector Tutor' Stephanie Zikmann, prepares pet groomers for every scenario helping them to build their skills in observation, canine communication and dog-centred care.

Join us as we explore an entirely new breed of grooming that takes into consideration the emotional sentiency of dogs, and be a part of our inclusive and safe space of learning today!

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Thank you Stephanie for creating such a wonderful program, and being so inclusive and interactive with all of your students - the world needs MORE of this ethos (im still on Unit 1 currently as im powering away with research but its proving SO valuable to my doggy clients!!)

Friends & Associates

Hi, I'm Stephanie Zikmann - Founder of The HGA!

I introduced this organisation after recognising very early into my professional grooming career, that the majority of dogs found the process stressful.

After obtaining certifications in Canine Behaviour & Psychology, Safe Handling, Low-Stress Handling and Dog Training - I decided to devise an advanced enhancer course that would help professional groomers adapt grooming processes to consider the emotional needs of dogs in their care.

Whilst running my own clinic in Scotland, I helped to rehabilitate over 2000 dogs through the 'Holistic Grooming Protocol', proving that a more dog-centred approach to grooming tasks really can make a difference!

In 2021, the course quickly became a talking point within the industry and across various pet care sectors, and The Holistic Grooming Academy received various awards for its innovative approach to grooming protocol.

I am proud of where it stands today, having shown the world that grooming is more than just the "styling of dog hair" - it's my mission to raise the bar of our sectors standards, by showing the world the value that Holistic Grooming Academy groomers bring to the table.

Why Join Us?

We are one of the world's leading educational entities for professional groomers looking to enhance their careers!

We have two amazing ways to start learning to suit your budget and your needs:


HGA Accreditation

Multi-Accredited Diploma

13 Specialised Modules

Inclusive Membership Access

Official Certification Status

Business Listing on Global Directory

Access to 1-2-1 Tutor Support

(24 Months to Complete)

HGA Monthly Membership

Live Educational Webinars

Live Q&A's with Experts

Replays on Existing Resources

Exclusive Business Templates

Exclusive Affiliate Discounts

Logo of Membership Status

Online Support Community

(Cancel Anytime!)

Helping you to...

Increase Your Confidence


Advance your understanding of canine behaviour, communication and handling and increase your confidence working with dogs!

Advance Your Skills

Develop your existing skills and learn how to integrate cooperative-based exercises into your grooming processes for low-stress results!

Prevent Burnout


Discover ways to help improve your own wellbeing and avoid ever having to worry about burnout again - the HGA are passionate about self-care.

HGA Membership

The HGA Monthly Membership is a great way to join our community without having to commit to an advance course!

Just £30 Per Month!

Free 14-day Trial

excl. £10 set-up fee

What's Included?

Unlimited Replays on Past Webinars, Lectures, Q&A's, Workshops.

Access to Future Live Community Events via Zoom

High Resolution HGA 'Members' Logo for Advertising

Access to Our Student/Member Facebook Support Group 

Exclusive Discounts to HGA In-Person Events & Affiliate Courses

Access to Infographics and Business Templates

And so much more!

Sign up today and get instant access to everything our membership has to offer, and join other like-minded professional dog groomers today!

Oh, and did we mention that you can cancel anytime!?

Not sure if our membership is the right option for you? Contact us for more information.

MOST POPULAR

The Holistic Grooming & Behaviour Diploma Accreditation

Our Award-Winning Advanced Course has been accredited by iPET, UK Rural Skills & The Complementary Medical Association

What's included:

24 Months Access

13 Specialised Modules

1 Exclusive Bonus Module

One-to-One Tutor Support

Public Speaking Opportunities 

Affiliate Scheme to Earn Money 

Free Access to HGA Membership (saving £30/pcm)

Access to Live Educational Events via Zoom

Exclusive Discounts on Various Products & Affiliate Courses

Free Physical Welcome Pack (UK Students Only - T&Cs Apply)

Free Business Listing on Global Holistic Groomers Directory

1 Year Graduation Status Upon Qualifying 

HGA Student/Graduate Logos for Advertising 

Exclusive Marketing & Publicity Support By Industry Experts

Still unsure? Contact us today for more information anytime!

£1499

SPECIAL PROMO: £699 until April 1st @ midnight!

6 Month Payment Plan - £279 pcm

FREE 14-day Trial

(Terms & Conditions Apply)

For your security, all orders are processed on a secured server and no personal details are saved.

The Holistic Grooming Academy's Values & Ethics

The HGA Student, Member and Graduate Ethical Pledge:

Compassion


We promise to demonstrate a high level of compassion for both humans and other animals. It is important that we seek to understand the individual needs of the animals we work with to ensure that they receive the best standard of care at all times, and that we refrain from unfair judgement when carrying out our duties as Professional Pet Care providers.

Choice


We promise to ensure that the animals we work with are given plenty of opportunities to adjust to grooming processes, and to provide agency where required. It is imperative that we respect an animals right to consent, and appropriately implement the use of cooperative based methods to help an animal feel safe. Intimidation and unreasonable force is strictly prohibited.

Care


We promise to make the welfare of animals our main priority in pursuit of grooming tasks. It is crucial that all animals receive a bespoke care plan that reflects their individual needs. When faced with 'welfare' cases requiring urgent assistance, we will provide our services as low-stress as possible to prevent prolonged suffering. Humanity before vanity, always.

Creativity


We promise to ensure our chosen methods and approach is one that reflects the needs of the animals in our care. As such, we understand that there is no methodological process to our roles and therefore, our workspace must be adaptable to accommodate to various needs. Creativity, open-mindedness and the ability to think outside the box is crucial for our roles.

Commitment


We promise to remain committed in learning and advancing our knowledge and skillsets, covering a broad range of topics that will help to enhance the service of care all animals receive. We will actively invest in reputable CPD to ensure that our services remain updated and backed by modern science. We will keep track of our learning through a CPD log.

Consideration


We promise to take into consideration the needs of others and remain inclusive and supportive of both our peers and the general public. We will be honest, open and approachable. It's important to ensure that we accept and embrace others without discrimination. Bullying, intimidation and humiliation tacts are strictly not tolerated.

Helping 800+ dog groomers achieve low-stress grooming results!


Our Blog

Welcome To The Academy!

Welcome To The Academy!

An introduction to The Holistic Grooming Academy! ...more

HGA News

February 05, 20256 min read

Welcome To The Academy!

An introduction to The Holistic Grooming Academy! ...more

HGA News

February 05, 20256 min read

Welcome To The Academy!


FAQ

What is the structure of the courses?

The Holistic Grooming and Behaviour Diploma is an advanced, online course. It consists of 13 modules covering a range of topics designed to help the professional dog groomer achieve low-stress grooming results. 

What qualification do I get at the end of the course?

The Holistic Grooming & Behaviour Diploma is a multi-accredited, CPD Course approved by iPET, UK Rural Skills and The Complementary Medical Association. Upon completion, students receive certification status with the HGA, which includes 320 CPD points. 

What do I need to have at home to complete the courses?

Students will need access to the internet, a word processing software (word processor, pages, google documents etc.), an e-mail account, and a recording device such as mobile phone. The student should feel confident working online, operating computers, writing/typing essays, referencing, researching and expressing personal opinion though our tutors are there to help support learners as per their individual learning style. 

Will the course become a qualification at any point?

We hope so. The Holistic Grooming Academy is working hard behind the scenes to repurpose our Diploma into a practical qualification for all training centres to embrace. There will however be strict prerequisites for training centres wishing to add the forthcoming qualification version of the diploma to their repertoire of courses. More on this coming soon!

Is the Accredited Holistic Diploma Recognised and Respected in the pet professional sector?

Our organisation is supported by various leading experts and organisations including, Dogs Trust; British Isles Grooming Association; Pet Professional Network; The Dog Welfare Alliance, Do No Harm Dog Training Community, Welfare for Animals; Dr Marc Bekoff; Dr Isla Fishburn; Linda Michaels; Freya Locke; Ruby Leslie; Helen Motteram; Andrew Hale and many more.

I still have questions, where can I get help?

If you are still looking to find out more information about The Holistic Grooming Academy, please contact the team directly via e-mail to '[email protected]'. Alternatively, you can contact us via our Social Media Platforms anytime and a member of staff will get back to you within 3-working days.

What do I need to do to pass the Accredited Holistic Grooming Diploma?

The Holistic Grooming & Behaviour Diploma is made up of thirteen specialised modules and one bonus module. Each module has a series of practical tasks and multiple choice questions to complete before the student can move on to the next module. Tasks involve a range of recorded demonstrations and theory-based research.

Once all modules have been completed, the student is required to take part in a more advanced 'final grading assessment' - to obtain graduation status, the student must successfully demonstrate all learning outcomes within a 24-month period and submit their study hour log. 

Can I save money by opting out of the student pack?

No - the student pack is included in the price of the course as a thank you for investing in the Holistic Grooming Academy - all UK students receive their course books via post upon enrolling on the course. International students receive free digital copies of the textbooks where postage is more expensive than the worth of the books, and/or postage is restricted. 

What if I dislike the course and want a refund?

Both our diploma and our membership have an instant 14-day cool off period as per our Terms and Conditions Policy.

If you request a refund during this time, we will process your request minus any charges (please read our T&Cs for more information on possible charges).

Please e-mail us: [email protected] so that we can arrange payment with you directly. 

Why do I need to be training or a professional and/or qualified groomer?

Since this is an enhancer/CPD course for professional groomers it is important that students have obtained official grooming training either in a training centre or as part of an apprenticeship/shadowing program. We do not require a prospective student to be officially "qualified", The Holistic Grooming Academy will also consider accepting professional groomers with relevant work experience grooming dogs and/or running their own grooming business.

Prospective students must be able to provide evidence of training and/or experience and have Professional references to support upon request. We also require students to have relevant insurances in place, alongside an up-to-date Pet First Aid Qualification. Note: we may accept an application on the basis that the student obtains all of the above before completing the diploma.

If you have any concerns, please contact us: [email protected]

Are all courses only in English?

Yes - prospective students should be fluent in English to get the most out of this course. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.