Policies & FAQ’s

CLASSES OFFERED:

FALL- August 29, 2011

SPRING - April 2, 2012

PET GROOMING CRAFT - PET STYLIST:

144 Hours / 12 Weeks
Meets Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00pm to 10:00pm

Barkefellers Grooming Academy is committed to teaching the highest level of quality grooming skills to students wishing to pursue a career as a pet stylist.  Our main objective within our 144 hour pet grooming program is to help students learn all of the essential elements to become a finished groomer and quickly begin a paid career working within a grooming shop or grooming facility environment.

Students will also receive assistance in training for a career such as mobile grooming, working independently through a veterinarian, or opening a grooming shop.  We encourage a graduate to work in a grooming shop that has seasoned groomers at least in the beginning.  This will allow for additional hands-on experience while being paid, yet with a back-up of other seasoned groomers.

TUITION & OTHER COSTS:

An Application Fee of $100 is required upon submission of Application - this reserves your seat in the class.

Tuition for the course is $4000 and the required Pet Stylist Student Tool Kit is $1300.  A minimum down-payment of $400 (in addition to Application Fee) is required to begin course.

Application Fee  $100.00
Tuition           $4,000.00
Tool Kit          $1,300.00
TOTAL DUE  $5,400.00

See Pet Stylist Student Tool Kit listing below.  All prices for programs are as printed herein.  There are no additional costs or supplies necessary for program completion.  Each student is responsible for his/her personal tools and supplies.  Tools and supplies are not to be borrowed from another student or the Academy unless express approval from Instructor has been given.

METHOD OF PAYMENT:

Barkefellers Grooming Academy accepts Cash, Check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:

A Certificate of Completion for each program is presented to the Student who has:

1. Successfully passed all required testing in the pet grooming curriculum
2. Attended all class hours
3. Fulfilled all monetary obligations to the Academy*

* No certificates or endorsements will be issued without payment in full of any money due Barkefellers Grooming Academy unless student is enrolled in extended financing program.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION:

A certificate will be given to each student upon completion of the course.  This is not a certification by the state of Indiana.  It is a certificate of completion from Barkefellers Grooming Academy.  At present, no license is required in the State of Indiana.  Students should check the requirements of the state in which they intend to work, if outside Indiana.

EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

Barkefellers Grooming Academy requires each student to have the tools, equipment and supplies needed to groom pets safely and professionally. To assist our students in learning and to ensure that they have the tools that they need as groomers upon graduation, we have assembled a tool kit for purchase by students. The contents listed below were selected to ensure that students have the best quality tools, equipment and supplies at the best possible price.

Pet Stylist Student Tool Kit- $1300

• High quality, durable smock
• Jacket with Barkefellers Grooming Academy information
• Wahl Switchblade clipper
• Geib Buttercut Blades: 2-#10F, 2-#7F, #5F, #4, #30, #15 AND #5 skip tooth blade
• De-matting rake
• Mat breaker
• Undercoat rake
• Furminator
• Fine/course comb
• Small flea comb
• Poodle comb
• Slicker brush
• Pin brush
• Curry comb
• Ear cleaner
• Ear powder
• Hemostat
• Styptic powder
• Geib Gator straight shears 8-1/2"
• Wolff thinning shears
• Kenchii curved shears
• Nail clippers
• Electric nail grinder
• Clipper blade case
• Cool Care Plus Blade Spray
• Clipper blade rinse
• Notes From The Grooming Table
• Model grooming dog
• Tool carry case

Barkefellers Grooming Academy may make substitutions or additions as necessary.  Alternative equipment may be arranged on a per case basis.

CREDITS:

All grooming schools in the United States of America are private organizations. The procedures of each school vary. Therefore, credits cannot be transferred from school to school.

STUDENT RECORDS:

Student records are permanently retained by the Academy and are available to students upon individual request.  Student records will be provided to potential employers only after written request has been made by the student.  Oral endorsement by staff will be provided to any employer seeking information about the student's capabilities.

STUDENT PLACEMENT:

Students are assisted with placement and furnished with names and addresses of employment possibilities.  Inquiries made to the Academy from potential employers will be kept on file for review by any student requesting such information.  The Academy will assist the student with employment to the best of its ability, but cannot guarantee employment.  A graduation student receives a certiface of endorsement to present to a potential employer as proof of competency in pet grooming.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Barkefellers Grooming Academy is a “working” grooming facility. It is important that students accept responsibility for the area in which they work and leave it in a clean and organized condition. Proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures are not only important to the health and safety of dogs and groomers, these habits exhibit professionalism and make good business sense. We will insist that all students participate in clean-up chores before leaving class each evening.

RULES AND REGULATIONS:

1. Attendance/Class Cuts - After three (3) unexcused absences, the student is counseled by the Instructor and placed on probation.  Should the student reach five unexcused absences, a hearing by the Instructor and Owner will be held.  Both can choose to expel the student with no refund if proof is not furnished by the student which satisfies the excessive absences.  Documentation of absence (doctor's note, auto repair bill, etc.) is required to excuse an absence unless special arrangements have been made with the Academy Administrator.
2. Tardiness - A student arriving after attendance has been taken is considered late and will be marked absent unless the Instructor considers the reason for tardiness is legitimate.
3. Conduct - Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.  Possession of non-prescription drugs, alcoholic beverages and disrespectful behavior is considered unsatisfactory conduct and may be grounds for dismissal.  A student who conducts himself in a manner detrimental to the Academy, staff or other students will be terminated.  Theft of property from the Academy or other students is grounds for immediate dismissal.  Academy reserves the right to request a student to show the content of their carrier or bag as part of a random search for items that have come up missing.
4. Make-Up Work - Students who have been absent for any reason are required to make up any missed classes before proceeding to the next program of study.
5. Probation - Probation periods will last for 30 days from the start of probation.  Further infractions will result in a hearing to determine if the student will be allowed to continue at the Academy.
6. Certification - A student who fails the course may be allowed additional classes, maximum 25 hours at no charge per agreement of Owner and Instructor.  If the student fails to achieve completion the second time, he/she is counseled by the Instructor as to the advisability of continuing and that if he/she decides to continue, a Certificate of Completion may not be awarded.  Beyond additional bonus hours, a student may elect to continue with additional hours at a rate of $25 per credit hour.  This non-refundable fee will not guarantee the student's ability to complete the program.
7. Leave of Absence - A student may be granted a leave of absence for a reasonable amount of time as determined by the Instructor.  A request for a leave of absence must be in writing and the date of expected return must be specified.  The student must re-enter within the specified time or notify the Academy; otherwise the student's contract could be terminated.  Additional review hours may be necessary upon return.
8. Re-Entry - A student who has cancelled or been terminated and desires to re-enter the program of study, must notify the Academy and follow the required admission procedures.  A student that was terminated for any reason must have an interview with the Instructor and Owner and show cause as to why he/she should be reinstated.  The decision of the Instructor and Owner is final.
9. Grievance & Disciplinary Policies - In the event that a student has a grievance with the Academy in regards to any aspect of the program that they are in, the student may work with the Instructor in order to resolve the matter to the satisfaction of both parties.  If a student grievance is unable to be resolved by both parties, then a student may appeal to the Owner of Barkefellers Grooming Academy.
10. Standard of Satisfactory Academic Progress - a) Probationary period: If a student has demonstrated a strong desire to achieve success as a pet stylist, they will not be terminated for failure to acquire skills as evident from the testing or class work.  The student may be granted additional hours, with approval of Instructor and Owner, at no charge, in order to ensure a full grasp of the material taught.  The number of hours will be determined by the Instructor and Owner and no more than 25 credit hours will be extended at no charge.  This will be considered on a per case basis.  b) Conditions for interruption due to unsatisfactory grades or progress: If the student fails, the Instructor will demonstrate the correct procedure and give the student an opportunity to improve on another dog or cat at a later class.  c) Conditions of Re-Entry:  If it is determined that a student with unsatisfactory progress will not improve even with the additional bonus hours, the student may, at the discretion of the Instructor and Owner, be terminated.  If it is determined that a student is unable to improve and will not be able to fulfill the requirements to become a pet stylist, re-entry into the program will not be an option.

REFUND POLICY:

1. Cancellation must be made in person or by certified mail.
2. Grooming equipment purchased by student is non-refundable.  Student is required to make payment in full for any grooming equipment acquired should a balance still remain outstanding.
3. All monies will be refunded if the applicant is not accepted by the Academy or if the student cancels within three (3) business days after signing the enrollment agreement.  The Student Grooming Tool Kit is regarded as a retail purchase.  Once opened, it is no longer considered new equipment and is not eligible for refund within the three (3) business days.  Cancellation after the third business day, but before the first class, will result in a refund of all monies paid, with the exception of the Application Fee and Student Grooming Tool Kit.
4. Cancellation after attendance has begun, but prior to 40% completion of the program, will result in a pro-rated refund of tuition computed on the number of hours completed to the total program hours less a one-time $100 Application Fee and exclusion of any interest paid where applicable.
5. Cancellation after completing 40% of the scheduled program hours will result in no refund.
6. The termination date for refund computation purposes is the last date of actual attendance by the student unless earlier written notice is received.  Student must give written notice of intent to cease the program within one (1) week of last class attended.
7. Refunds will be made within thirty (30) days of termination or receipt of Cancellation Notice.
8. For calculation of potential refunds due, each class hour is equivalent to $25.00.
9. A student can be dismissed, at the discretion of the Instructor or Owner, for insufficient progress, non-payment of costs, or failure to comply with the rules.
10. Should a student on a payment schedule discontinue the grooming program, regardless of reason, the student is responsible for any payments due or past due at the time of the last class attended.  No refund of interest paid for financing provided by Barkefellers Grooming Academy, or its subsidiaries will be given.  A one-time $100 Application Fee will also be applied to any balance owed or due.
11. Should a student not pay any required installment on time as per this agreement, the student will be considered in default.  Barkefellers Grooming Academy may demand the unpaid balance, earned finance charge, plus any attorney fees, collection fees, court fees and interest as allowed by law.

PERSONAL INJURY WAIVER:

By virtue of reading this Information Guide, as well as signing and submitting the application for admission, students attest their awareness that an occasional bite or scratch inflicted by a pet is viewed as a “normal occupational hazard” throughout the grooming trade. Further, that Barkefellers Grooming Academy – should such an injury occur – shall be limited to providing on-premises first aid, or in more serious cases, to provide at no cost to the injured student, competent medical treatment administered by a practicing physician. Neither Barkefellers Grooming Academy and/or the owner(s) thereof – including their heir(s), estate(s), or assign(s) of such, shall be held liable for any animal-related injury beyond the scope of this provision.

All students must furnish written proof of tetanus or “tetanus booster” immunizations received within the prior three (3) year period.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Please be advised that actual enrollment can only be finalized upon or after your visit to Barkefellers Grooming Academy and interview.

The application is intended to verify your interest in pet grooming and your intention to train at Barkefellers Grooming Academy.

WHAT TO DO NOW:

1. Download and review the complete program as outlined in the Student Information Guide.
2. Complete the Application for Admission and return it to Barkefellers Grooming Academy at 8808 S. Madison Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227
3. Students are accepted on a “first come, first served” basis.
4. Include $100 Registration Fee with your Application for Admission. Cash, check or money orders made payable to “Barkefellers Grooming Academy” are acceptable. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover) are accepted at the Academy for Applications submitted in person.
5. Upon receipt of the above items, Barkefellers Grooming Academy will contact prospective students to set up an appointment for their pre-admission interview.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN BARKEFELLERS GROOMING ACADEMY!