FAQ
How long will it take me to complete each level?
How long will it take to complete the courses? Ah, the question everyone asks! If only we could gaze into a crystal ball….
Course completion time depends on your learning style!
This is a very difficult question to answer, because it depends on several different factors including:
- How much time you can spend daily on activities and study.
- Your own personal learning level.
- The goals that you set for yourself.
These courses are very thorough, so it will take you a while to complete each class. But remember: there is no time limit! You may work at your own pace!
What are my financial aid options?
We accept Visa/MasterCard/Discover through PayPal (you do not have to have a PayPal account, however, to pay though this service). Or, if you prefer, you may call us directly at 1-888-432-HOWL and we can process your credit card manually over the telephone. You can begin learning for just $675!
If a loan is the only option, we recommend that students speak with their own bank about their loan programs for education. Some banks have low-interest programs for this type of funding, and prefer to work with existing customers.
There are some other options out there for funding; if your job has recently been eliminated, you may qualify for funding through the Workforce Investment Act. (Out-of-state residents need to contact their local Job Service office for more information on the Workforce Investment Act.)
We are also approved educational providers through the Montana. Wyoming, North Dakota, and Idaho Vocational Rehabilitation programs. We are always open to other state Vocational Rehabilitation approval if needed: please contact your appropriate Voc Rehab contact for more details.
How do the monthly coaching sessions benefit me?
Fun, interactive phone conferences!
The journey to becoming a dog groomer is exciting and thrilling, but can seem overwhelming at times. So many breeds and so much information! This is why Shannon has added a coaching program to the student experience!
Once a month, enrolled students will be able to listen to an instructional coaching call. These calls are also recorded, in case you aren’t available on the call dates.
Students will listen to presentations on the phone regarding current grooming trends, customer service issues, dogs in the news, basically all things dog-related!
Do I have get my hands-on grooming experience on campus at school?
Not necessarily! Our online grooming program has been carefully written to provide students with solid, foundational knowledge. It is designed to be all-inclusive: students who graduate from all three levels have been presented with the most comprehensive, up-to-date grooming information available. Therefore, our graduates are highly-sought after because of the quality of our online program.
Most students prefer to get their actual hands-on training at their future work location, be it their own salon, or working for someone else. Doesn’t it make sense to get paid while gathering hands-on experience? We think so!
We do offer an intense, two-week hands-on grooming course on campus here in Montana, and also on campus in Queensland, NSW, Australia. The cost for the two-week program is $2995.
We take a very limited amount of students for our hands-on program each year to ensure that our on-campus graduates receive a top-quality experience. This program is not for everyone. It is very fast-paced! But fun, too!
NOTE: To be considered for enrollment in the hands-on classes, all applicants must complete the first three class levels, and apply for consideration.
We place a great emphasis on QUALITY of education here, instead of QUANTITY of students enrolled. We take pride in producing top-notch graduates that go on to successful careers in the pet industry. Visit with one of our career counselors today! Toll-free 1-888-432-HOWL!
What is the Montana campus like?
We believe in technology and what it can do for a student’s career in grooming!
See how our state-of-the-art grooming tables adjust to the groomer’s height, so that it isn’t necessary to bend over? Also, note the restraint bar above each table, which holds the dog in a safe, hands-free position!
We are proud to have a clean and modern educational facility. We have all of the fun, new time-saving equipment in a clean, modern setting! Scissor-lift tables, all of the latest bathing systems (application, re-circulating, etc.), safety restraint equipment, clipper vacuum systems…we expose our students on the very finest up-to-date equipment available!
Grooming is a physical job, and these handy tools make it a more enjoyable, profitable career. Grooming is a technology-based industry; the best tools are necessary for the best job. We have the very newest and best equipment available anywhere, so that our students learn how to do a better job, faster and easier! More dogs in less time means more money!
Because we regularly attend grooming trade shows and educational seminars all over the world, we are informed about and have access to the newest and the best equipment available!
What are my housing options if I attend hands-on training in Montana?
Havre has a variety of places to stay in all different price ranges. Some are even pet friendly!
Super 8 Motel (406) 265-1411
Townhouse Inn (406) 265-6711
Best Western Great Northern Inn (888) 530-4100
AmericInn (406) 395-5000
Another housing option is the Park Hotel. It is a downtown “hotel” from the 1960’s, which has a great location, just 10 blocks from the school in the middle of downtown. Some units have a small fridge and microwave, and price includes utilities, telephone, and cable TV. If you can tolerate the “shag” carpet and “retro décor” rooms are available for $200 per week! Contact Kurt at 406.265.8625 for reservations.
We also have two RV parks in the area for those who have travel trailers. The Havre RV Park is a full service RV park, conveniently located right downtown, (406) 265-8861. The Evergreen Campground is five miles out of town in a beautiful, relaxing setting. Details about this family owned campground are available by calling (406) 265-8228.
How about school policies, refunds and cancellations?
CANCELLATION & WITHDRAWAL POLICIES
CANCELLATION/WITHDRAWAL WITHIN 24 HOURS: If cancellation occurs within 24 hours of tuition payment, an $85.00 Tuition Processing/Termination Fee will be retained by the school and all other funds paid will be refunded after school receives official written notification (see below).
OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION: Three different forms of notification are necessary in order to be eligible for partial refund:
1. Notice of cancellation must be received via email to the school within 24 hours of payment receipt.
(Hours will be calculated using PayPal receipt of payment time stamp and email timestamp on school copy.)
2. A verbal notice of cancellation in the form of a voicemail message or verbal cancellation made to phone staff must be made within 24 hours payment.
3. In order to receive the remaining partial refund, a written cancellation letter from the student must be mailed via certified mail to the school also within that 24 hour period. In cases where an email was not received, postmark on letter may determine date of cancellation.
CANCELLATION/WITHDRAWAL AFTER 24 HOURS: A student may voluntarily withdraw at any time from any of the Online Learning Programs. In such cases, official notification is required (see below).
OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION: Three different forms of notification are necessary in order to be eligible for partial refund:
1. Notice of cancellation must be received via email to the school within 12 days of payment receipt.
(Hours will be calculated using PayPal receipt of payment time stamp and email timestamp on school copy.)
2. A verbal notice of cancellation in the form of a voicemail message or verbal cancellation made to phone staff must be made within 24 hours payment.
3. In order to receive the remaining partial refund, a written cancellation letter from the student must be mailed via certified mail to the school also within that 24 hour period. In cases where an email was not received, postmark on letter may determine date of cancellation.
A refund of partial tuition will only be made to students who cancel enrollment in writing via certified letter.
Tuition refund amount will be calculated according to the following:
Online Learning Program: The school will retain an $85.00 Application Fee and a $195.00 Tuition Processing/Termination fee plus:
A. 25% of the course tuition cost if withdrawal occurs between 2-7 days after payment is received.
B. 85% of the total tuition if termination or withdrawal occurs between 8-12 days after payment is received.
C. No refunds will be made after 12 days for any reason. No tuition, not partial nor full, will be refunded to the student after that. No exceptions
TERMINATION POLICY
Enrolled students who are terminated due to an infraction of school policies will not receive any refund, not partial nor full.
GENERAL SCHOOL POLICIES: A student’s course will be immediately terminated, with no refunds, as a result of any of, but not limited to, the following:
1. Allowing others to access the school site with enrolled student’s credentials: i.e. sharing passwords, enrollment keys, etc.
2. Malicious or slanderous behavior toward school, staff, program, etc. either online or offline.
4. Lack of online participation of more than 8 consecutive weeks without communication with the school. (Reinstatement will be considered for any special cases.)
5. Disregarding school policies.
6. Failure to maintain satisfactory progress.
7. All types of dishonesty, including knowingly furnishing false information to the institution documents of any kind with intent to defraud.
8. Theft or damage to the school premises, school property, or damage to the property of a member of the school community.
9. Failure to comply with directions of institutional officials acting in the performance of their duties.
PLEASE NOTE: Policies and Rules are subject to change without further notice.
