The Michigan School of K-9 Cosmetology has been putting their graduates “a cut above the rest” for over 23 years now.

A unique school (and one of the only of it’s kind in Michigan), K-9 Cosmetology was founded in 1986 by Dina Perry, who was known not just locally, but on the international grooming scene as well. “Perry was part of the U.S. Groom Team and I was very fortunate to work under her,” says now-owner Sandy Cook.
Cook worked for Perry for five years before purchasing the school in 1996 and is now the school’s director.

“This is a fun industry to be in,” Cook says. “There are so many people who go to work for the paycheck, but this is an enjoyable, self-motivating profession. “
The school is licensed through and regulated by the State and runs an impressive 97 percent job placement rate. “Not only do businesses contact us from all over, many of our students go on to start their own businesses.” While many come from other areas, some stay in Michigan, others move to other states to set up shop.

Why have a business in mid-Michigan? Cook says it’s because Michigan, “is just a neat place. You can get to Chicago in four hours, there are the lakes, sporting events, Up North and so on. Being centrally located has been attractive to those coming from out of town,” Cook adds.

The school hosts 30-35 students per year and there are three options: a bathing and basics program, a 10-week program for basic grooming and a four-month “pet grooming plus” program, where students receive instruction on medical treatments, how to run a grooming business and how to groom dogs for show.
“We also work with Wag N’ Tails’ mobile grooming unit and our students get to see first-hand how a kennel is run,” Cook says. “It gives our students the opportunity to spend time at a pet resort. Tom (Metevier) has a first-class operation.”

At this time, the school boasts a client base of close to 2,200 dogs and works on an appointment basis. Like many businesses, the tough economy has given them a hit.
“Six week re-books are now going eight to ten weeks between grooming,” says Cook. “We are like the dog version of Douglas J’s School of Cosmetology; we do have a reduced rate right now and we’re running $5 coupons. Everyone is doing the best they can in this economy.”

Dog lovers of all ages and walks of life are welcome to check out the school at anytime. For more information, visit www.k9grooming.com.

I have apartments in the second floor of the school, people all over come here. I place them throughout the country, so not just in Michigan. Businesses contact us for students approaching graduation.
We have a client base of almost 2,200. We charge a lower rate for some breeds that are a little more rare or uncommon.

We work on an appointment basis, and according to the level they’re at. A brand new student won’t do as much as somebody who’s been in the program.

Bathing & basic program, for those who want to be an asst to a groomer. There is a month-long middle program (10 weeks) basic grooming. The full is Pet Grooming Plus is 4 months, they get medical, business classes, show cuts. Most of those go on to open a business right away. It varies from year to year, but I typically have between 30-35 students a year.

In Michigan, there are a few in Michigan, but we are the only one in this area.

My students that have come from out of state come here because Michigan is just a neat place. Chicago in 4 hours, all the lakes, Michigan is inviting. Sporting events in Detroit, Up North, Muskegon & lake Michigan. Being centrally located has been attractive to those coming from out of town/state.

How has the economy effected your business/school?

That has effected the clients that bring their dogs. Six week re-books are now going 8-10 weeks. We are like Douglas J, we have a reduced rate and we’re running $5 coupons. People do the best they can in this economy…

It’s nice to be in this profession. Wherever you go there are dogs. It’s easier to go to work every day. We’re passionate about this job