Salon & Master Skin & Coat Wellness Pathways
When the skin and coat are not healthy, the pet is not truly comfortable.
The skin is the body’s largest organ. The coat, the skin beneath it, the ears, paws, odor, flakes, irritation, and changes in texture are not simply things to cover up before the finished groom. They can be the dog telling you something. You are not here to diagnose or replace veterinary care. You are here to become the groomer who sees the difference, understands the responsibility, and knows how to support wellness within your professional role, while helping families know when their pet needs more.
See
See when the skin and coat are asking for more than a prettier finish.
Understand
Understand what is happening beneath the coat.
Plan
Plan every bath around the pet in front of you.
Protect
Protect the comfort that shows up in every part of a pet’s life.
More than a weekend certificate
A healthy coat begins with a pet who feels better in their own skin.
These advanced IAPEG pathways are for groomers who want to move beyond making a dog look good and into caring for the whole animal in front of them: supporting healthy skin and coat, selecting products and techniques with intention, recognizing when something is not normal, and making appropriate veterinary referrals.
The education is delivered and enrolled through IAPEG. When you complete an eligible program, WPGA formally assesses your completed work for diploma recognition.
Not sure whether this is your next path? Start with Skin & Coat inside the Modern Groomer’s On-Demand Summit and see what changes when you begin looking beyond the finished groom.
Program details, tuition, schedule, and enrollment are managed by IAPEG.
Pet Esthetician and Master Therapeutic Pet Aesthetician currently enrolling for February 1st, 2027 at 6:00 p.m. ET Orientation.
What You’ll Learn In Our Esthetics Programs
Start with the level that fits your work today. Each program builds on the education before it, taking you from essential skin, coat, product, and bathing knowledge to advanced therapeutic care and professional decision-making.
See
Skin, Coat, and What’s Not Normal
Learn to look beyond the finished coat by recognizing skin and coat structure, coat function, common concerns, and signs that require closer attention.
Understand
Products and the Science Behind Them
Understand how skin, coat, shampoos, conditioners, water, tools, and bathing techniques work together. As you progress, you will study product chemistry and how different formulations affect the animal’s skin and coat.
Plan
Individualized Skin and Coat Care
Use what you observe to select products, develop bathing and drying protocols, and adjust services for the individual pet. Advanced levels add therapeutic techniques, coat care planning, case studies, and nutrition’s role in skin and coat health.
Protect
Safety, Scope, and Responsible Decisions
Apply safe bathing, drying, tool, sanitation, and service practices. Learn what falls within the groomer’s role, when a service should be modified or stopped, and when the pet should be referred to a veterinarian.
See Comparisons of our programs to others.
