Michelson Found Animals Announces the End of an Era for Pet Care Career Program

By Michelson Found Animals

Michelson Found Animals announces a new chapter in its mission to create lasting impact on the lives of both people and pets in the Los Angeles area and beyond. After a successful 3.5-year run, the organization will be sunsetting the Michelson Institute for Pet Professions (MIPP) program, while still supporting pet care professionals through other means, including grants and other programming focused on access to care.

The program was able to show meaningful progress, graduating more than 150 students and providing them with the skills and confidence to launch successful careers in the dog grooming industry. These individuals, who received subsidized schooling from MFA, were chosen through partnerships with more than 30 community-based organizations, including the LGBT Center, Downtown Women’s Center, Five Keys Charter School, ARC and more, facing an array of challenges, from financial hardship, former incarceration, recovery and more. The goal of MIPP was to expand access to viable pet care careers and provide educational opportunities to those who may not otherwise have the financial means and resources to pursue them, while simultaneously bringing these services to high-need communities. The program’s positive impact is evident in stories like MIPP graduate Lauren, who transformed her passion for working with pets into a thriving grooming business thanks to the training and support provided by MIPP and schooling partner West Coast Grooming Academy (WCGA).

**Lauren with a happy client during her training at West Coast Grooming Academy**

Read Lauren’s inspiring story here: https://www.foundanimals.org/from-student-to-entrepreneur-lauren-turns-passion-into-pawsome-success/

Another student, Angel, who was one of the first graduates from the program in 2021, has been a role model and mentor to MIPP students since the beginning. Angel hit the ground running after graduation and landed a full-time job within one week of his certification at Moon Doggy’s in Santa Monica. He has since grown his career in the grooming space, moving on to mobile grooming, and has been working full-time at Jungle Pet Spa for the last two years.

**Angel showing off his skills with one of his favorite clients**

“I’m formerly incarcerated, and when I got out, I didn’t want to go back to my old lifestyle of working different jobs and being stuck. I told myself that I was gonna do something I love so much that I would never work a day in my life. I chose to be with dogs. I want to thank all my teachers & classmates for giving me this opportunity to learn from them and become a successful dog groomer.” said Angel Gonzalez, MIPP graduate.

Continuing MIPP’s legacy, WCGA has further extended the goal of building up the skills and confidence of individuals in pet care careers through new partnerships with community organizations and government assistance programs, which will continue to provide pathways in the pet grooming industry.

“As this chapter of MIPP closes, we support WCGA in its progression of the mission to create more equitable access to pet care careers,” said Heather Thomas, MIPP’s Former Program Manager. “I have been blown away by the success, drive, and determination of our students and what they have accomplished with skills training and job placement support. As we facilitate the transition of the program, I am excited to see its impact on career opportunities in the pet care space in the future.”

Michelson Found Animals extends its deepest gratitude to all of the partners who have contributed to the success of MIPP, including WCGA, Wallis Annenberg PetSpace, community partners, dedicated staff members, and inspirational students. The unwavering belief in our mission has been instrumental.

A special thank you goes to Heather Thomas for her incredible leadership and dedication. While Heather transitions to a new role at Michelson Found Animals, we have no doubt she will continue making a significant impact for people and pets.

As this chapter of MIPP concludes, Michelson Found Animals remains committed to exploring further initiatives that empower individuals and improve the lives of pets and their people. Stay tuned for exciting announcements about new ways we’re working to create a positive impact in our community.

Thank you again for your continued support.