THE AMERICAN ACADEMY
OF PET GROOMING

Today, AAOPG has flourished and trained hundreds in both their Basic Course and Advanced Master Classes. Their mission: To graduate world-class Pet Grooming Professionals and Pet Stylists in New York City’s only recognized Accredited School of Pet Grooming, giving students a cutting edge in a competitive industry.

Located in the heart of Manhattan, the school offers a fully-licensed and comprehensive curriculum for those interested in either beginning a new career or changing their career path. We offer in addition to pet grooming, pet CPR and FIRST AID classes with Thomas Jordan, a certified and licensed PET CPR & First Aid Instructor. Students come from all walks of life and have one purpose—they love pets and seek an enriching, satisfying, and lucrative career. 

Some graduates become pet groomers at some of New York City’s most prestigious pet grooming enterprises, while others start their successful businesses in and around the tri-state area. 

With more than five million pets, New York City is the pet capital of the world! 

For more information on the American Academy of Pet Grooming, visit aaopg.com 

THOMAS JORDAN 
Co-owner / Certified Pet CPR Instructor.
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
Public Relations / Marketing Manager &
School Agent
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.

COLIN MEHIGAN
School Director/Instructor
A graduate of the American Academy of Pet Grooming, Colin has been working for the past 15 years as a professional in the pet industry. As the academy’s school director, he is a certified instructor who enjoys sharing his knowledge of the pet industry with the pet groomers of the future. He is the proud owner of two poodles, Bonnie and Clyde.

LLOYD VIELOT
Groomer / Instructor
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
Stylist/Instructor 
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. 

LANCE WATSON
Instructor
Lance has been with AAOPG since 2006. At that time, he was a student and remembered the only male in the class, which was a challenge. Today, he is licensed in pet grooming, and he says it has been a rewarding experience being selected to instruct some 400 students.