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I. INSTITUTIONAL OVERVIEW Institution Name: Serenity Paws Grooming Academy Program Title: Certificate in Integrated Canine Care Program Length: 9 Months Credential Awarded: Certified Integrated Canine Care Specialist (CICCS) Delivery Format: Hybrid (Didactic + Hands-On Clinical Salon Training) Total Clock Hours: 900 Hours 300 Didactic Instruction Hours 525 Supervised Practical Training Hours 75 Professional Development & Business Education Hours

Expanded Scope of Integrated Canine Care Education To develop students into Integrated Canine Care Specialists, Serenity Paws Grooming Academy incorporates additional educational elements that strengthen the student’s ability to observe, support, and communicate about a dog’s overall wellness within the professional grooming environment. While the Academy remains firmly rooted in professional grooming, hygienic wellness, safe handling, and humane care, students also receive foundational instruction in areas that influence the success, safety, and long-term well-being of companion animals, including: •Basic nutritional awareness and the visible effects nutrition may have on coat, skin, weight, energy, and general condition •Weight management awareness in companion animals, including recognition of visible concerns related to under conditioning or obesity •Behavioral observation and interpretation, including how physical discomfort, poor routine, fear, overstimulation, or environmental stress may affect grooming tolerance •Safe handling techniques tailored to age, temperament, physical limitations, and behavioral presentation •Safety observation skills, including identifying environmental, physical, or behavioral risks before, during, and after grooming •Professional feedback to pet owners regarding grooming tolerance, behavior changes, handling sensitivities, and visible wellness concerns •Client guidance on routine care, structure, maintenance, and practical grooming schedules that support long-term comfort and success •Collaboration-minded communication with veterinarians, trainers, behavior professionals, and other pet care providers when referral or additional support is appropriate •This added educational focus does not expand the program into veterinary medicine, diagnosis, treatment, or prescription-based care. Rather, it strengthens the student’s ability to function as a highly observant, safety-conscious grooming professional who understands that coat care, body condition, behavior, handling, and routine maintenance all intersect in the overall wellness of the animal. The goal is to produce graduates who are not only technically capable groomers, but also informed professionals who can recognize concerns early, communicate responsibly, support safer grooming outcomes, and contribute meaningfully to the broader care team surrounding the companion animal.

II. PROGRAM PURPOSE The Serenity Paws Grooming Academy was established to elevate grooming education beyond aesthetic instruction and toward an integrated hygienic wellness model. The purpose of this program is to prepare graduates to: •Deliver safe, humane, hygienic grooming services •Assess and respond appropriately to behavioral and temperament indicators •Identify visible abnormalities and refer to licensed veterinarians when necessary •Implement sanitation and safety protocols in compliance with regulatory agencies •Educate clients on sustainable grooming routines based on lifestyle and budget •Contribute to the broader pet wellness industry as ethical professionals *This program does not train veterinarians nor provide medical diagnostic instruction. Students are trained in observation, documentation, client communication, and referral protocol.

III. PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY Serenity Paws Grooming Academy operates under the following principles: •Grooming is a hygienic necessity, not a cosmetic luxury. •Safety is the highest operational priority. •Structured routine contributes to behavioral stability and reduced risk. •Humane handling protects both animal and groomer/handler. •Observation and documentation are professional responsibilities. •Client education is essential to long-term wellness outcomes. •The Academy prioritizes comfort grooming over vanity-based styling and trains students to make welfare-centered decisions.

IV. PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon successful completion, graduates will be able to: •Demonstrate safe salon operation in accordance with AKC Safety Standards, OSHA principles, and PACFA regulations (or applicable state authority). •Conduct comprehensive snout-to-tail hygienic assessments using the SCENT framework (Skin, Coat, Ears, Nails, Teeth). •Identify normal vs. abnormal physical indicators and communicate appropriate referral recommendations. •Apply behavior-informed handling techniques to reduce stress and prevent injury. •Perform complete hygienic grooms customized to coat type, age, lifestyle, and behavioral presentation. •Maintain sanitation protocols and equipment care standards. •Document client history, observations, and incidents with professional accuracy. •Provide practical grooming recommendations aligned with family budget and maintenance capacity. •Demonstrate knowledge of animal welfare laws and mandatory reporting standards. •Develop a foundational business plan for salon employment or ownership.