Volunteer Dogs Needed

At Holden Paws Dog Grooming, every dog provides an opportunity to learn, grow, and become a better groomer. I am currently completing professional dog grooming training and am looking for volunteer dogs of different breeds, sizes, coat types, ages, and grooming needs to help me complete hands-on training requirements and gain real-world experience.

I have been grooming my own dogs and dogs belonging to family and friends for several years, and I am now expanding that experience through professional training. Volunteer dogs allow me to practice and strengthen specific skills while working toward becoming an experienced professional groomer.

Depending on the training unit I am completing, your dog may receive complimentary or significantly discounted grooming services. Space is limited, restrictions apply, and submitting a request does not guarantee an appointment.

Grooming Services I May Need Volunteer Dogs For

Training needs will change as I progress through my program. Services may include nail trimming, nail grinding, ear cleaning, paw-pad cleaning and shaving, bathing, drying, brushing and combing, de-shedding, sanitary trimming, face and feet trimming, clipper work, scissoring, haircuts, full-service grooming, and breed or coat-specific grooming techniques.

Not every dog will receive every service. Volunteer dogs are selected according to the specific breed, coat type, grooming technique, or training unit I am currently working on.

How Volunteer Grooming Works

For training completed outside of the college grooming studio, I come to your home. I use your tub and water while bringing my own professional grooming tools, equipment, and supplies.

Because these appointments are part of my education and hands-on experience, they may take longer than a traditional professional grooming appointment. I work patiently and prioritize the dog's comfort and safety rather than rushing to finish.

Volunteer Dog Guidelines & Requirements

To participate, dogs should generally meet the following requirements:

• Be reasonably healthy and able to safely participate in grooming.

• Be current on required vaccinations, including rabies when applicable. Proof may be requested.

• Owners must disclose known medical conditions, allergies, medications, injuries, skin problems, disabilities, previous grooming difficulties, bite history, aggression, fear, or anxiety before the appointment.

• Dogs should be reasonably comfortable with handling. Puppies, shy, nervous, or inexperienced dogs may still be considered depending on the training activity.

• Dogs with significant matting, severe behavioral concerns, illness, parasites, contagious conditions, open wounds, or medical concerns may not be appropriate for a student training appointment.

• The dog's owner or authorized caregiver must complete the required Student Grooming Training, Owner Consent & Liability Waiver before services begin.

• Owners must provide accurate information about their dog's health, behavior, and vaccination status.

• Volunteer appointments are based on my current training requirements and availability and must be approved and confirmed in advance.

Safety always comes first. A grooming service may be modified, postponed, or stopped if I determine that continuing would cause excessive stress or create a safety concern for the dog or myself.

Children & Grooming Area Safety

For everyone's safety, all children must remain completely outside of the grooming area while services are being performed. Professional grooming involves sharp tools and potentially hazardous equipment, including scissors, clippers, blades, nail tools, dryers, electrical equipment, cords, and grooming restraints. Sudden movements, distractions, or a child entering the work area could result in injury to the child, dog, or groomer. Children may not assist with, observe from within, or enter the designated grooming area at any time while grooming is in progress.

Puppies, Shy & Nervous Dogs

Not every volunteer dog needs to already be comfortable with grooming. Part of becoming a well-rounded groomer is learning how to patiently work with dogs that need a little extra time.

For puppies, first-time grooming dogs, and dogs that are shy or apprehensive, a Comfort Meet & Greet may be recommended before grooming day. These sessions allow the dog to meet me and gradually become familiar with handling, brushes, combs, nail tools, clippers, scissors, dryers, and other grooming equipment without expecting them to complete an entire groom at once.

Complimentary & Discounted Services

Volunteer grooming is offered specifically to help fulfill my educational and hands-on training needs. Depending on the service and training unit, grooming may be complimentary or offered at a significantly reduced rate.

Availability is limited and may vary throughout my training. Certain breeds, coat types, sizes, ages, or grooming services may be needed at different times.

Restrictions apply. Applying does not guarantee approval, complimentary services, or an appointment.

Why Volunteer Your Dog?

By allowing your dog to participate, you are helping me gain valuable hands-on experience with dogs beyond those belonging to my own family and friends. Each volunteer dog helps me develop confidence and experience with different coats, breeds, personalities, behaviors, and grooming needs.

In return, your dog receives individualized attention and grooming services while helping support a local grooming student.

Different Dogs. Different Coats. More Experience. Better Grooming.

My goal isn't for volunteer grooming to end when my education does. As Holden Paws Dog Grooming grows, I hope to continue using my grooming skills to give back to our community, including helping shelter and rescue dogs and providing limited assistance to qualifying individuals who may otherwise struggle to access grooming services.

Big or small, short or tall, we love them all!