Dog Grooming Career Overview
November 04, 2023
(Images from Deposit Photos)
If you're a dog lover looking for a career path that aligns with your hobby, then dog grooming might just be the perfect profession for you. As a pup groomer, your job will involve improving and maintaining dogs' appearance at veterinary clinics, pet supply stores, or pet groomers. And if you're aggressive enough, you could open up your own grooming salon or run your own mobile grooming service that travels to clients' homes.
If you already have some experience working with pets, transitioning into a pet grooming career will be a lot easier for you. All you'll need is some technical training and an amazing pet groomer resume, and you're good to go.
That said, here is a comprehensive dog grooming career overview to get a clear picture of what you'll be doing on the job:
What Does Your Job As a Dog Groomer Entail?
Dog groomers do a wide range of grooming tasks, but your main duties will involve bathing, trimming, and nail clipping. You might also be required to offer additional services, such as:
- Maintaining pet hair and skin health
- Brushing teeth
- Checking for skin conditions and parasites
- Advising pet owners on coat care and other grooming requirements
Is Dog Grooming a Good Career?
Yes, it is a good career. If you love being around animals, you'll definitely enjoy working as a dog groomer. The job is quite fulfilling since you get to work with a variety of breeds, helping them look and feel great. And as a rapidly growing industry, there are many opportunities for advancement. This also means that salaries are becoming more competitive, with the possibility of earning even more from tips for exceptional service.
Where Will You Work as a Dog Groomer?
You have a range of options for where you can work as a dog groomer. You can either work at a dog grooming salon, dog daycare, pet store, or veterinary clinic. However, since mobile clinics are a growing trend, you can always expect dog owners to call you for an appointment at their homes.
Are There Any Requirements for Becoming a Dog Groomer?
To become a dog groomer, you should be at least 16 years of age and have knowledge of dogs. While you are not required to have any academic qualifications to start your training, most animal care and service worker positions require you to have a high school diploma at the very least.
It would also be great to get a certification for dog trainers from a state-approved institution to help you establish your credentials and enhance your skills.
What Skills Do You Need to Become a Dog Groomer?
A good number of skills are essential for you to become an efficient dog groomer. They include:
- Attention to detail
- Patience and ability to handle poorly behaved dogs
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work under stressful conditions
Dog Groomer Salary Range
According to Glassdoor, the estimated pay for a dog groomer in the U.S. is around $52,869 per year. However, the pay can vary greatly depending on work experience, job type, and location.
Make Strides Towards Your Dog Grooming Dream
If you love canines and want to be involved in their care, then dog grooming is the perfect career path for you. It's fun, entertaining, and an extremely fulfilling profession. While you're not required to have any formal qualifications to become a dog groomer, getting certified shows your dedication and demonstrates your aptitude for the job. Once you've equipped yourself with the right set of skills, landing a dog grooming job should be easy.