Career Opportunities

The pet styling industry is in constant need of well trained, qualified professional pet stylists.  For those who enjoy working with animals, tremendous opportunities are now available for a rewarding career as a pet stylist or a shop owner.

Windy City School of Pet Grooming prepares students to be a leading Pet Groomer within this field.  Students are trained to work with kennels, veterinarians, pet shops, grooming shops and breeders.  There are also areas for more personal achievement; perhaps owning your own shop, kennel, mobile grooming van, or a shop in your own home.  We regret to state that there is no licensing or accreditation in this industry as yet, but by attending this school you are taking the first step in putting yourself above other individuals entering this industry.  There is a voluntary certification program that we will train you to prepare for to become a Certified Master Groomer after completing school, if you so choose to continue.

A unique feature of the school is instruction in scissoring.  Training in this technique gives our students a definite edge over the average stylist.  A highly developed skill such as this will give you the opportunity to work in one of the most exciting and creative aspects of pet styling.  There is also contest grooming, seminars, lectures, and many more avenues open to pet groomers beyond the four walls of the school.

History of the School

Windy City School of Pet Grooming was a dream for many years of Judy Kurpiel, Director.  She has been grooming since December 7, 1969 and she has witnessed this industry evolve from backroom secrets to the professional level it is today.  However, she also sees the need to continue to strive to reach the level it should be, and to gain the recognition groomers deserve as professionals.  Certified Master Groomer (CMG), Judy was involved in the development of the certification program and is presently President of the International Professional Groomers, Inc. She is past President of the Illinois State Professional Dog Groomers Association, and has managed many successful seminars and served on numerous committees. She has entered competitions and won extensively, was an alternate member of Groom Team 1988 that groomed in London, England, lectures across the United States on various topics, is a grooming contest judge with the International Judges Association, Certifier of IPG, Inc., Canine Animal Hygienist, and lover of animals.  Judy was also the winner of the prestigious Cardinal Crystal Award in 2000 for her outstanding contributions to the industry.  Now Judy has chosen to share all her knowledge and experiences with you, the student.  She also has many professional friends in the industry who will be called on at times to assist in your education.

School Staff 

Marc VanderWal (CMG) Lead Instructor.

Marc has always wanted to become a professional pet stylist and in 2004 left his manufacturing career to attend the Pet Owners Class at the Paragon School of Pet Grooming in Michigan where he subsequently graduated.  Marc opened his own home based grooming business called "Man's Best Friend" and in 2005 became an Instructor at Paragon School of Pet Grooming.  Marc has competed successfully being awarded the Pet Quest 2005 Level 1 division "Best in Class" and "Best Profile" with his miniature schnauzer.  He  became a Certified Master Groomer in 2006 and in 2007 was awarded  Pet Quest's difficulty award Level 2 "Mix and Other Purebreds" and difficulty award Level 2 "Poodle".  Marc plans on competing in the grooming ring to continue his education and is very excited with his new position as Lead Instructor at the Windy City School of Pet Grooming.  He is licensed with Illinois as an instructor and his focus is on handling and working to be the best in all breeds.  He enjoys Bass Fishing and just relaxing with his two miniature Schnauzers "Lily" and "Rudy". Marc's favorite professional Pet Stylists would be Chris Pawlosky and Jay Skruggs and would like to be on a Groom Team someday.

Accreditation

The Windy City School of Pet Grooming holds a Certificate of Approval to operate from the Illinois State Board of Education, 100 N. First Street, Springfield, IL  62777.  This certificate was issued April 19, 2005.