About the American Academy of Pet Grooming
The American Academy of Pet Grooming (AAOPG) was founded in 2002 by Juliet Jordan, a former New York City school teacher. Located in the heart of Manhattan near the bustling Baruch College campus, the school offers a fully-licensed and comprehensive curriculum for those interested in either beginning a new career or changing the career they already have.
Graduates have come from the stages of Broadway and the back offices of Wall Street. It makes no difference what your career has been, students come to AAOPG for one purpose – they love pets and they are seeking a career that is incredibly rewarding, satisfying, and lucrative.
Some graduates move on to become pet groomers at some of New York City’s most prestigious pet grooming enterprises, while others start their own successful businesses in and around the tri-state area.
With more that five million pets, New York City is the pet capital of the world!
How AAOPG Was Started
After 20 years in insurance and business, Juliet Jordan, founder of AAOPG, decided to follow her dream career – Grooming. Within two short years she was grooming some of the most exclusive dogs in New York City.
Her dreams have come true with hard work and knowledge. You can do the same. Whether you want to be a home groomer, shop groomer, mobile groomer, or run your own business, you can learn the essential skills to start your path to success.
With only 150 hours, you can have a certificate from a licensed institution that will open the doors to your career in Pet Grooming!
Our People
Meet the dedicated, hard working, animal loving people who make the American Academy of Pet Grooming the place to trust for all you pet grooming needs.
Thomas Jordan
Certified Instructor Dog CPR & First Aid
Thomas is the proud owner and “dad” of four dogs and seven cats. He’s also a born leader with 12 years of experience teaching mentally challenged adults at The Program for Developmental Disabilities.
Jamie L. Babbit
School Director, Agent, and Marketing Director
Jamie is the former owner of 4Paws4Claws, NYC, who cared for pets with special needs. She’s certified in pet nutrition and first aid. Because of her passion for animals, she joined AAOPG, focusing on public relations, marketing, and building the brand.
Lloyd Vielot
Certified Teacher and School Agent
I am a Certified Pet Groomer with a BFA from FIT. With a combined 12 years of experience in animal care and grooming, 25 years of experience in fashion, I was destined for this industry. Marrying my eye for fit, form and detail with my love for our furry family members made this career path the purrfect passion project. Transforming matted mutts to fluffy fur babies is a daily rags to riches story. As a grooming instructor, it is a delight to engage, educate and cultivate the skills of so many like minded individuals. Teaching others to care for the ones who bring us so much joy and happiness is a heartwarming experience every single day. As the saying goes, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Eduardo Peraza
Certified Head Instructor, School Director and Agent
Eddie is a certified pet grooming stylist with over 15 years of experience, including being a licensed pet instructor for the State of New York. In addition, he is a regional manager for a pet grooming company based out of Miami, Florida. Eddie is highly knowledgeable, creative, and detail-oriented, which enables him to groom many breeds expertly. In addition, he has a strong passion for working with animals and connects well with them. He enjoys going on long walks with his eight poodles during his downtime.