Do you think your dog has what it takes to be a doggie model? Then this could be your chance.
With pet grooming on the rise and groomers in high demand, there’s a need for dogs to train with.
Since GOTAFE opened its animal sciences department in Werribee 18 months ago, offering pet grooming, vet nursing, animal care and equine courses, its certificate III in pet grooming has proved particularly popular, especially since the course recently became nationally accredited.
GOTAFE business support officer Karen Davies said its first graduating class boasted a 97 per cent employment success rate.
Among the graduates was ‘grooming student of the year’ Danielle Jones, who now works at Pet Stock in Ballarat.
Ms Davies said the 12-month course allowed students to complete theory work online and come in to the Research Close campus once a fortnight for hands-on training in washing, clipping, client care, first aid and nutrition.
“It replicates a professional grooming salon as much as we can,” Ms Davies said.
“Almost everyone has a dog, almost everyone works, and I think this course has appealed to young people starting off.
“But it has also been appealing to people who have raised their children and now want to do something they really love.”
Animal sciences trainer Sherryn Smith added: “There have always been pet groomers, but they’ve never had the ability to have a nationally recognised qualification.”
Ms Davies said the department was always on the lookout for dog models the students could work on.
To register your dog as a doggie model, call 9217 5205.
