iPET Network-approved training academy in St Ives, Cambridgeshire offering dog and cat grooming qualification courses for aspiring animal care professionals.
Introducing FDM Academy – a new way of learning
We are proud to be an approved Training Provider for iPET Network’s Ofqual regulated qualifications.
We offer hands-on grooming courses and pet care qualifications designed to inspire the next generation of professional animal care specialists.
With FDM Academy, you’re building a life long career with the best foundation possible.
Receiving well-delivered training ensures the safety, comfort, and well-being of every animal in your care. With us, you’re blending in-depth theory with practical, hands-on, real-world skills.
We have won awards for our Academy – and Kara is the Animal Star Awards Dog Grooming Tutor of the Year 2026 !
Your Academy Support
Kara Boyd
Kara has been grooming pets for over 14 years. She owns her Award Winning Salon, Fairy Dog Mother, with a team of 15 stylists. Kara was also in series one of BBC’s Pooch Perfect!
Kara’s Qualifications
🎓 iPET Network Level 3 Diploma: Dog Grooming and Salon Management
🎓 iPET Network Level 3 Award: Education and Training
🎓 International Certified Master Groomer (ICMG)
Kara’s outstanding Awards and Achievements
🏆 Crufts Freestyle Champion
🏆 Salon Freestyle Supreme Champion
🏆 Gundog Grand Champion
🏆 Up and Coming Stylist of the Year
🏆 Liz Paul Congeniality Award
🏆 Animal Star Awards for Best Dog Groomers
🏆 Young Business Person of the Year at SME Awards
Kayleigh Newson
Kayleigh has 7 years of experience leading global Early Careers Programmes from Apprenticeships to Graduates. She is passionate about ensuring a positive student experience.
Kayleigh’s Qualifications
🎓 DipHE in Animal Behaviour Science
🎓 National Certificate in Animal Management
🎓 iPET Network Level 3 Award: Education and Training
🎓 iPET Network Level 3 Certificate: Dog Day Care and Boarding
🎓 iPET Network Level 3 Award: Canine First Aid
🎓 iPET Network Level 3: Canine Oral Hygiene
🎓 iPET Network Level 2: Canine Nutrition
🎓 Level 4: Managing Equality and Diversity
What Kayleigh is studying for
🎓 Level 4: Internal Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
🎓 Level 2: Safeguarding and British Values
Our Values and Mission
Our mission is simple, we want to shape the future of pet care learning, through expert-led, values driven education.
We want every student to be empowered with the skills, knowledge, confidence and compassion to deliver outstanding care and fulfilling careers.
Foundation
Laying strong foundations for lifelong careers.
We believe success starts with the right groundwork. Our training equips you with essential skills and real-world experience. You will gain the confidence to thrive in the industry long after you’ve completed.
Dedication
Committed to care and focused on excellence.
Every day, the results you produce reflects the passion and precision we guide you with. Under expert guidance, you will grow through hard work, attention to detail, and love for the animals in your care.
Mastery
Delivering professional results and building future experts.
We don’t stop at good — we strive for greatness. Our goal is to develop you into industry leaders, known for exceptional standards, creativity, and lasting success.
Learning Environment
- You can confidently test and refine your abilities, learning at your own pace
- You’ll be provided with a laptop to support you with your e-Portfolio submissions
- Collaborate and learn from other students on your course, as well as our expert Educators
Our Grooming Rooms
- Purpose built, brand new facilities
- High quality, trusted, grooming equipment
- Exclusive use for students
- Fully equipped with tools for you to use
Personal Touches
- A Graduation Ceremony, on completion of your Qualification, with your loved ones and peers
- We focus on the little things – from your name on a locker to our exclusive Academy merchandise
Continual Development
- 3 coaching sessions included with every course, delivered by our Lead Educator or Academy Lead
- Access to book extra training days at our Academy, before anyone else
- 50% off Seminars booked whilst you’re studying
- 25% off Qualifications whilst you’re studying
- 20% off all future iPET Network Qualifications
Ready to experience your future?
View our Courses
From introductory to experienced, we’ve got a variety of courses for a variety of jobs.
Ask a Question
You can chat with us at any time! Send us an email using the link below.