The Whole Pet Grooming Academy empowers groomers to lead, excel, and elevate their careers in pet care.
The Whole Pet Grooming Academy (WPGA) is for professionals who refuse to settle for shortcuts. In an industry often clouded by weekend certificates and unrecognized training, The WPGA stands apart as a state-licensed, Department of Education-approved career school — the only Ivy League–level institution in the field of grooming education.
From this foundation, The Whole Pet Grooming Academy’s (WPGA) mission has always been clear: to raise the standard of pet care education by combining modern training with recognized credentials. Through internationally respected IAPEG certification, the academy’s graduates don’t just leave with skills: they earn credibility, leadership, and a professional identity that commands respect.
This focus on credibility directly serves the professional groomers of the world, the dedicated ones who are ready to be seen as more than “just a groomer.” They value professionalism, recognition, and community and are tired of quick fixes and “certificates that don’t mean anything.” Plus, they also want their work to stand out, their business to thrive, and their team to feel proud of what they do.
Key Differential
To meet these goals, the WPGA offers more than training; it offers transformation.
The academy’s programs provide pet professionals with the foundation to master their craft, the patience to grow into leadership, the tools to advance their careers and succeed, and the continuing education to stay ahead of the industry for years to come. Every graduate carries not only new skills but also the recognition and confidence to be seen as a true professional.
This transformation doesn’t end when classes do. Beyond the classroom, the WPGA is a community — a place where all connect, share their journeys, and celebrate milestones together. Here, no one is left behind; all grow stronger as a collective, raising the standards of pet grooming for clients and the industry’s future.
That is why the WPGA isn’t just another grooming school. It is shaping the future of professional pet care — modern, credible, and community-driven.
Don’t just groom, lead. Transform your career at The Whole Pet Grooming Academy today.
FAQs: The Whole Pet Grooming Academy
What makes WPGA different from other pet grooming schools?
Most grooming schools offer quick certificates. WPGA is a state-licensed, Department of Education–approved pet grooming academy that provides recognized credentials and leadership-focused training.
Can I build a real career after graduating from The Whole Pet Grooming Academy?
Yes. WPGA graduates earn international IAPEG certification, credibility, and career pathways that go beyond basic grooming into leadership, teaching, and entrepreneurship.
How does WPGA training prepare me for the future of the grooming industry?
WPGA combines modern techniques, continuing education, and industry-recognized certification to help groomers stay competitive as standards evolve worldwide.
Is the WPGA only for beginners, or can experienced groomers enroll, too?
Both. Beginners receive structured training, while experienced groomers gain certification, advanced skills, and the recognition needed to stand out as professionals.
Meet Dara Forleo: The Visionary Founder of The Whole Pet Grooming Academy
Dara Forleo is the driving force behind The Whole Pet Grooming Academy (WPGA), the only state-licensed, Department of Education–approved grooming academy of its kind.
She built WPGA to give groomers more than skills — to give them recognition, leadership, and a professional identity that stands out.
With a background in business and a passion for raising standards, Dara blends modern education with industry credibility. Her work empowers groomers to move beyond shortcuts and claim their place as professionals.
Through her vision, WPGA has become more than a school; it is a community shaping the future of pet grooming.
Business Details
Business Category:
Pet Grooming | State-licensed, Department of Education–approved Pet Grooming Academy
Address:
74 Baldwin Hill Rd, Easthampton, United States
Founder: Dara Forleo
Phone: 603-828-9300
Email: [email protected]
Social Channels
Certifications WPGA Offers
- Saloon Sanitation & Safety Practices
- Groom S.M.A.R.T™
- First Aid & CPR: Pet Health Safety in the Grooming Saloon
- Guide to Safely Storing and Dispensing Grooming Liquids
- Communicating With the Animal on Your Table
- The Healthy Groomers: Essential Skills and Practices for Professionals
- Best Pet Industry Practices
- Introduction to Essential Oils
- Modern Behavior and Handling for Groomers
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Canine & Feline Bodies
- Demystifying Snap-on Combs
- Handling Geriatric and Fearful Dogs
- Introduction to Holistic Feline Styling
- Proper Use of the HV Dryer
- SHED Happens
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