Do I need to get Licensed

Question
Dear Cindy lou,....Hi my name is Becky....like you I have been grooming dogs for the past 22 years...I live in Il...I recently got divorced and that is my main income....as you know after you have done it for so many years it starts to get harder for you ....I love what I do and I love being with the animals...I need to find something else to do and I was thinking about starting a grooming school....I could still do what I love and it wouldn't be as hard of work for me....what I want to know is...do you have any idea at all if I was to do this ...do I need to have a license to do it?....I think after having my own shops and doing it for 22 years I have the experience needed....but didn't know what would be required ....I would appreciate you input if you would....thank you for your time...hope to hear from you soon.....
                                    BECKY

Answer
Hello Becky, First of all I would check with the state of IL for details about licensing.  Here in Maryland we do have accredited schools that go through the board of education so students can get state funding to attend if they need to.  But my friend runs a small school through his business, he is not state accredited.  But the students come in and learn and leave as groomers able to get a job in a shop.  He charges $3,000 for 3 months.  Payable $1,000 at the beginning of each month.  That way if they quit he has gotten paid for that month.  For advertising purposes being a state accredited school may sound better and get you more students.  But usually here a class size is no larger than 6 at a grooming school.  I believe the actual schools charge 3,500.  This gives you some options, a small school run within a grooming business with one on one groomer/student working on the dog/or a grooming school that clients can bring their dog to knowing students will be learning on them and usually get a discount like cosmotology schools.  Again check within you state for specific rules and regulations.  Good luck, Cindy lou :)