Hands-on training from day one at our dedicated training centre in Northwich, Cheshire. Small classes, your own dog model, and the skills to launch your grooming career or your own business.
No sitting in a classroom watching someone else groom. From day one at our Northwich centre, you’re hands-on with a real dog, learning the skills that pay the bills. Students travel from across the UK to train with us.
No written coursework. Every day is practical, working with real dogs in a real salon environment.
No sharing. Every student gets their own dog to work with, so you get the practice you actually need.
Pricing, client management, insurance, equipment. We cover everything you need to set up on your own.
Private study group access and post-course support for as long as you need it. We don’t just wave goodbye.
In-person at our training centre · Wincham Lane, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 6DE
Reserve your spot with a £999 deposit.
Travelling to us? We can recommend local accommodation in Northwich.
EXCELLENTBased on 78 reviews Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Joanna B12 October 2025⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Professional, responsive, and a genuine pleasure to deal with. Communication was excellent throughout — highly recommendTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Michelle M5 July 2025Best grooming academy I recently completed a level 3 diploma at the paw pads dog grooming academy in Cheshire. Al and his team have been fantastic from the start of my journey to me opening my own business. The hands on training was first class, so much support and practical advice. There is ongoing support from the tutors after completion so you never feel alone. I travelled from Scotland to do the course as the price was the most competitive with the best time scale. I have no regrets and would recommend this diploma to anyone looking for a new career.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Sonny g28 May 2025Very friendly and well priced service.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Nicola S16 April 2025Absolutely amazing service from start to finish. I brought my brothers dog Kiki (from Norfolk) in for a full groom. Kiki was in a matted mess and had to have her locks shaved off for her own wellbeing. The care that was given ro Kiki was above and beyond and I will be bringing her back up to Cheshire for her regular grooms in future. Kiki looks like a completely different dog and is back to her happy energetic self causing mayhem. Thank you so much to the groomer who looked after Kiki today. See you soon ❤️ 🐾Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Nicolette G18 March 2025I had a fantastic experience at The Paw Pad Dog Grooming Academy. From the start, Al and the whole team made me feel welcome. Al is super supportive, always happy to answer questions, and even helped me find a place to stay since I was coming from out of town. One of the best parts of the course is that it’s in a real working salon, so I was hands-on grooming dogs from day one. They have a great way of easing you into the process step by step, so everything makes sense and builds your confidence. The instructors are fantastic—there’s always someone available to help, but they also give you space to work on your own, which I really appreciated. I had the opportunity to groom many different dogs with all kinds of coats and personalities, which was great real-world experience. The focus here is on practical pet grooming, so you leave feeling fully prepared to start on your own. On top of that, the whole team is so kind and encouraging—I genuinely loved going to class every day. If you're considering attending from out of town, it's worth mentioning the area was great for a longer stay—plenty of restaurants, shops, and easy weekend trips to nearby cities. Highly recommended!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Nicole M20 December 2024I have just completed the level 3 dog grooming diploma at The Paw Pad, I have had an amazing 1-1 experience with kind, friendly and experienced tutors. I felt comfortable and confident when handling the dogs in the salon knowing that I had full support by the staff. The owner Al was also able to provide amazing tips and tricks from a business perspective which has set me on the right path to becoming an Independent dog groomer. You are all amazing and thank you for all your help! If you are thinking about completing a dog grooming course, I highly recommend The Paw Pad team.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Ged g6 September 2024Been bringing my little Pep here for nearly three years now, Pep can be difficult but the staff are fantastic with him, Big thanks to Debs who drew the short straw today. Really happy and highly recommended. Thank you.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Gillian G13 July 2024After starting the leave 3 grooming course at the end of January this year I was unable to finish the course due to illness. Al the owner very kindly offered me to start from the beginning again which I can now say that I have just finished the course and now looking forward to getting going on my new business adventure. I would like to say how relaxed and welcoming all the staff made not just me but all the students feel. A big shout out to Deb's, sally and Abbie for your your teaching skills. I have learned so much from you guys and now I have the confidence to take the next step forward so a huge thank you. Not forgetting Al for your knowledge on how to run a business . I really appreciated you passing all your knowledge a expertise. I loved the last 3 weeks learning at the paw pad I was a little sad when it came to an end . hopefully I will get to pop in and see you all in the future . GillTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Phil B29 March 2024Great place with great, friendly service, and very affordable too. For those of us who don't mind if they're coats are not 100% perfect. It's more than good enough for us❤️Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Shannon B8 February 2024I recently took the level 2 dog grooming course for a career change and learnt so much in 10 days! The tutors were wonderful and helped every step of the way to gain confidence grooming dogs all sizes and temperaments. If you’re also looking for a career change I highly recommend The Paw Pad!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
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Unit T2, The Old Block Plant, Wincham Lane, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 6DE