HARRISBURG, Pa. – HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College, has announced a new partnership with Pet Bath & Beyond in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, to support the continued growth of its Professional Dog Grooming Program, which was first announced in August 2026.
"We are excited to continue growing our Professional Dog Grooming course with a new partnership with Pet Bath & Beyond in Camp Hill," said Holly Simmons, director of community education at HACC. “Partnerships like this allow us to expand our program without the need to build a dedicated dog grooming facility, while providing students with valuable hands-on training in a professional setting.”
The hybrid Professional Dog Grooming Program prepares students for the American Kennel Club (AKC) Professional Groomer Credential Exam and combines distance education with practical experience in a working grooming environment.
Through a partnership with Groom Curriculum, students begin with 60 hours of distance education before completing hands-on training at a local dog grooming facility. The program is designed to provide students with comprehensive training in grooming equipment, sanitation procedures, breed-specific grooming techniques, common pet salon styles and safe, humane animal handling practices.
“We’re really excited to partner with HACC and help bring more hands-on education into the grooming industry,” said Hannah Gardner, owner of Pet Bath & Beyond. “Pet Bath & Beyond has been part of this community for over 20 years, and we’re proud to open our doors, share our experience and help build the next generation of [dog] groomers.”
Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to pursue careers in pet salons, mobile grooming businesses, veterinary settings or self-employment opportunities within the growing pet care industry.
Additional information and registration details are available at hacc.edu/DogGrooming.
About HACC
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is the first and largest of Pennsylvania’s 15 community colleges. HACC offers approximately 100 career and transfer associate degree, certificate and diploma programs to approximately 12,000 students. Also, the College serves students at its Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York campuses; through distance education; and via workforce development and continuing education training. For more information on how HACC is uniquely YOURS, visit hacc.edu. Also, follow us on X (@HACC_info), follow us on Instagram (@HACC_edu), like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/HACC64) and use #HACCNews.
