General Information

History and Objective:

The Academy of Animal Arts, Inc. was established in January, 1999, by Teri L. Bialek, to fill an important need to the pet grooming industry, by providing proper training for those individuals who intend to pursue a pet grooming career. The training we provide is based on twenty plus years of successful internal training of staff Groomers in our Facilities, many of whom have gone on to won salons and enjoy a rewarding and exciting career.

Ownership and Governing Body:

The Academy of Animal Arts, Inc. is exclusively owned and governed by Ms. Teri L. Bialek, who also acts as director, President, Secretary and Treasurer. The school was incorporated under the laws of the State of Florida in January, 1999, and is located at 13890 Walsingham Road, Largo, Fl.

Description of Facility:

The School is conveniently located on the west coast of Florida in Pinellas County, approximately twenty miles west of Tampa, in the City of Largo, east of the intersection of Indian Rocks Road and Walsingham Road. The school is spacious, clean and fully air-conditioned. The facility consists of approximately 2,500 square feet, including a lobby and retail area, which supports receiving and admissions. There are three spacious blow dry and grooming rooms that includes twenty-four grooming stations, a separate bathing area consisting of four bath tubs, a stone and gravel dog run the length of the building, and a separate kennel. In the rear of the building there is a complete kitchen. The school provides a large number of hydraulic tables to accommodate students and pets. There is also an indoor area for breaks. In addition to our indoor grooming area, we have added an outdoor grooming area, fenced, shaded and beautifully landscaped.

Policy Statement:

The Academy of Animal Arts, Inc. does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, sex or religion. The school may not be appropriate for some persons who are handicapped, physically or otherwise, due to the physical demands of this typed of work, however provisions will be made where possible.

Student Records and Transcripts:

The School shall maintain the student records in permanent safe keeping, and the records are available to the student upon written request.

Class Starting and Ending Dates:

Classes are open-ended. Depending upon availability, students may begin on a designated Tuesday.

Student Services:

The School maintains a list of names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of Grooming Salons, Veterinary Hospitals, Pet Shops, Kennels and Dog-Show Handlers seeking professional groomers that have completed our programs. We also offer placement at our Salon depending upon availability.

Housing:

The School does not offer housing at this time. We have always been successful in finding housing for our students, call the Director for information and assistance.

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday through Friday...11:00AM to 5:00PM
        On special event days hours may vary

Students may also visit our video library from 9am to 11am, Tuesday through Thursday

School Holidays:

New Years Day, Good Friday, Spring Break, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, First Day of Hanukkah, Christmas Day, Other Closing dates and In-Service days are at the discretion of the Director. Dog Show Calendar is available upon request.