Former Army Dog Handler Turns Groomer A former army dog handler has joined the hundreds of people changing their lives and careers by doing an FE course in dog grooming.
J
essy Brown, from Northern Ireland was medically discharged from the army due to an illness, and is now putting her love of dogs to good use by studying for the iPET Level Three qualification in Dog Grooming and Salon Management at the Bone Idol Training Academy in Brighton. She said: “I’ve always worked with animals, before I was in the Army I used to work at animal shelters and things like that, I’ve always been around dogs, and love going into work and being with the dogs all day. That’s why I think I’ve chosen grooming as my next career option, it’s a natural transition, and I won’t miss the canine company I’ve enjoyed so much. “Before I started the course in my head I thought it was going to be loads
Jessy Brown embraces her new training.
and loads of classroom work, and then a little bit of grooming here and there. But it has been so hands on and it’s amazing. You are literally grooming dogs all day every day! You do have theory lessons, but they really make it as interesting. It has been brilliant.” The large-scale influx in the purchase of puppies and new dogs seen during the pandemic has led to never beforeseen demand for dog grooming in the UK. Grooming salons around the UK are struggling to keep up, and Ofqual regulated awarding organisation iPET Network, which offers dog grooming qualifications, is appealing for would-be groomers to sign up and become part of the growth industry. Nationally since the start of the 38 | Total Grooming Magazine
pandemic 3.2million households brought home a pet of some kind. From 2020 to 2021 there was a boost in dog numbers from 9million to 12million, and with 17 of the 20 most popular dog breeds needing regular grooming or treatments this has led to a big surge in demand. And with many people considering a complete change of career and outlook following the COVID 19 pandemic, working with animals in a flexible way is an attractive option. People like Francessca Thomas, who is branching out after her career as cabin crew for an airline was thrown into turbulence by the pandemic. She said: “I picked the course at Bone Idol because my work situation was uncertain, and it was the most
