THE TRAINING

At ‘Fur & Away’, graduates are nurtured to be independent, responsible and skilful groomers, so as to meet the industry’s demand for qualified professionals.

Our programs include both Basic and Professional Pet Grooming courses. Knowledge on fundamental aspects such as breed types, coat textures, skin disorders, animal well-being and safety measures will also be covered. The class size is kept small, and together under the guidance of an adept instructor, students acquire the necessary skills and techniques. A Westernized approach of teaching, with greater emphasis on breed standard styling, is adopted in our school. Furthermore, we strongly encourage individual expression and creativity, in order to further enhance one’s skills.

In addition, we also offer an Advanced Pet Grooming course for Professional Pet stylists only. This course will focus more on breed standards, and is for stylists who wish to elevate their skills and expertise at a competitive level. Students will be trained in preparation for contest grooming and overseas certification, such as IPG .

International Professional Groomers, Inc. (IPG), is a non-profit organization that represents the standards and aspirations of Professional Pet Groomers. It provides continuing educational programs and workshops designed to enhance one’s expertise and business acumen. This status is a valuable asset to professionals, not only as a means of standardization, but also as a member of this prestigious organization, one is able to attend seminars and workshops to keep to date with current trends.

Pet grooming is a very specialized trade and is rapidly growing industry in Singapore. By attaining this certification, one will find many opportunities to further develop and learn in this area, and even gaining employment in grooming salons, pet shops, veterinary clinics, animal farms, etc.

About the Trainer:

The instructor, a Certified Professional Pet Stylist, has many years of experience in the grooming industry.

A qualified Professional Pet Stylist, he graduated from the Advance Professional Pet Styling and Instructor course in the United States. He is also a Certified Master Groomer on the ‘All Breeds Professional Pet Grooming”, from the International Professional Groomers, Inc. (IPG, Inc.)

Throughout his training, he was under the guidance of:
· Melissa Verplank (IPG, Inc. certified as Master Groomer and IPG Certifier).
  President and Director of The Paragon School of Pet Grooming, Inc.

· Misty Fowler (IPG, Inc. certified as Master Groomer and IPG Certifier)
  Ranked 6th Professional Pet Stylist on GroomTeam USA

· Marc LaFleur (IPG, Inc. certified as Master Groomer and IPG Certifier)
  1st in 30th All American Grooming Show – Div B

· Teresa Dreese (IPG, Inc. certified as Master Groomer and IPG Certifier)
  4th in Intergroom 2002 - Rising Star Sporting Class
  3rd in Intergroom 2002 – Rising Star Terrier Class
  2nd in 30th All American Grooming Show - Intermediate

· Marc Vander Wal (IPG, Inc. certified as Master Groomer and IPG Certifier)

· Jazmine Yearack (IPG, Inc. certified as Master Groomer)

· Heidi Andree (IPG, Inc. certified as Master Groomer)

In addition, he was awarded 3rd in the Asia Standard Class B, as well as 3rd in the Class A in the SKC (AKC) grooming competition held in 2007 and 2008 respectively. He was also a co-judge at the Pro-team Groomer’s Competition 2008.