Love working with dogs? Our Dog Grooming courses offer expert training in grooming, handling, and customer service – perfect for those aspiring to work in professional dog salons, mobile grooming, or as freelance pet stylists.
Our Animal and Land‑Based Unit includes a commercial dog grooming area, providing hands-on experience with real clients and live canine subjects. You’ll get to practice cutting-edge techniques in a realistic, industry-grade environment.
Courses include practical modules on:
Our qualified instructors ensure you graduate with ethical standards, confidence, and professionalism essential for success in the growing pet care industry.
At South Devon College, our Animal and Land-Based Unit offers an immersive, hands-on learning environment where you’ll work with over 150 species – including meerkats, skunks, porcupines, pigs, rabbits, lizards, and insects – using industry-standard facilities that mirror real working environments, including a commercial dog grooming area.
Animal welfare is central to everything we do. Our experienced teaching team delivers ethical, high-quality training that prepares you to work confidently and compassionately in the animal care and management sector. Through strong partnerships with local employers, including Paignton Zoo, you’ll also benefit from work placements and vocational trips that expand your skills and expose you to real career pathways.
As part of your studies, you’ll explore key topics such as animal handling, biology, husbandry, and conservation. Sustainability is also a key focus within the Animal Unit. Students take part in projects that support biodiversity and environmental responsibility, such as designing and building bird boxes, bat boxes, hedgehog homes, and barn owl boxes using recycled materials. These projects not only reduce waste but also help to create space for nature around our campus.
Our courses range from Level 1 through to a top-up BSc (Hons) in Applied Animal Science at University Centre South Devon, giving you a clear progression route into careers such as veterinary nursing, wildlife rehabilitation, and animal rescue.
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Creations Dog Grooming is a professional dog grooming service based at South Devon College’s Paignton campus. If you’re looking for a friendly and affordable service, you’re in the right place!
With the support from South Devon College students, Creations Dog Grooming offers haircuts, bathing, drying and nail cutting at a reduced rate.
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At South Devon College, our priority is to help you achieve your goals and begin a successful career in your chosen sector, no matter what your age. We have a dedicated team of professional, qualified staff, who attend to your individual needs and provide you with the best possible experience.
Funded incentives are available for employers to recruit apprentices through South Devon College, whether you want to upskill existing staff or bring in new talent - now is the right time to invest in apprenticeships.
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A space designed for you. At the heart of the new offer is the Sixth Form Hub, a dedicated student space, with laptops provided to support your learning.
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Flexible, employer-led training designed to help you gain in-demand skills and secure better job opportunities.
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At South Devon College Sixth Form, you have the freedom to choose your study options, selecting from both A Levels and applied subjects.
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“I’ve been a veterinary nurse for 17 years and have managed 2 surgeries, working in Paignton and Bristol as well as in Cape Town, South Africa. I love watching learners grow in confidence, and there’s no greater pleasure than seeing a student develop into an experienced professional with an exciting future ahead of them.”
