How to become a dog groomer

You have worked at a ‘serious adult’ job for many years but feel like making dramatic changes in your life? There is a bewildering palette of possibilities on the job market for those willing to switch from their sphere to a completely different one. A vivid example of an exciting, positive, and rewarding occupation is a dog groomer. The endless flow of love, affection, and fun are guaranteed regularly! Should you be tired of ‘serious’ duties, we do recommend reading our article with step-by-step instructions on pursuing this dream career in the dog grooming business.

What is a Dog Groomer?

Keeping a dog isn’t only about fun but also about taking responsibility for the dog’s well-being. Some people have more free time, and others are busier, but it shouldn’t doom them to petless life. Nowadays, there is a plethora of services that make the life of dog parents much easier; grooming services are just one example.

Keeping a dog clean is the top priority for all pet owners as it ensures the hygiene of all family members. Since dogs are prone to different types of infections (eye, ear, teeth), grooming can help prevent them. Usually, it includes bathing, nail clipping, and brushing. It may seem easy and obvious; however, you must complete a special certification program or dog grooming training to become a well-paid and demanded dog groomer. But before diving deeper into the education and certification requirements, have a look at a more extended list of a dog groomer’s duties:

• Dealing with pet owners, their requests, inquiries, and complaints.
• Skin check-up. Vast knowledge of dermatology.
• Being aware of various skin care products and using them properly.
• Cleaning ears and eyes, dental care.
• Styling fur, changing appearance.

Advantages & Disadvantages of working in dog grooming

The advantages of the dog groomer’s work are apparent, however, we won’t be lazy to list them out:

• Entrepreneurship or freelance perspectives. For those who dream of having their own business – here you are! If you have a free room, open your pet salon, whether in rented, non-residential premises or at home. Another option is going for a mobile dog grooming – an excellent opportunity to plan your working day and not depend on anything or anybody.
• Flexibility. Should you have any parenting responsibilities, courses, hobbies, or whatever else that requires time, you can have it. Your own dog grooming business will not be an obstacle as you are the one who decides when to work, how many clients to take, and how much to charge for your service.
• Dog time without limits! Don’t even dare to enter the pet grooming sphere if you are not a number one fan of dogs. However, if you really are – you’ll be the happiest person ever, and you’ll never work a minute in your life.
• Endless opportunities to grow. You may have acquired professional certification, but there is always room for development. There are dozens of various breeds with different hair types and specifics. After getting fundamental knowledge, you may learn step-by-step the approaches to some sophisticated breeds (Poodles, Maltese, Cockapoos) and the subtleties of their stylish haircuts.
• Easy Entry. One doesn’t need to get a high school diploma or a university degree in dog grooming. It’s more about your hands-on experience. Therefore, one certificate will be well enough to start your dream career. Moreover, there are plenty options of training courses to choose from, of varying lengths and prices.

The same as any other profession, there are some drawbacks of being a pet groomer. We won’t be hypocritical to list them out as well:

• Physical abilities. Couch potatoes and fans of a sedentary lifestyle can pass by because standing for long hours, bending multiple times, and lifting are indispensable parts of a pet groomer’s daily routine. Furthermore, it would help if you had strong hands and physical dexterity to perform brushing of some breeds. This is more exhausting than it may seem.
• Requires a schedule. It’s wonderful if you like your job so much that you overlook the time. On the other hand, sticking to time limits will not only make our day more organized but also spare your clients from waiting. Why do the same work two times longer?
• Dog personalities. Different dog breeds have different temperaments. What if you face an aggressive dog? You should not apply any kind of violence, whereas being aware of dog psychology is a must. There are nervous dogs, anxious dogs, calm dogs, trained and untrained dogs, reactive dogs, and drama queen dogs, and they are highly likely o be your clients. Knowing how to deal with them peacefully is for your own benefit.
• Working hours. Busy dog owners often pick hours after work or on weekends to manage grooming procedures for their pets. This means your working hours tend to be at the time when other don’t work – evening or weekend. It may make no difference for you; however, if it does, you’ll need to think long and hard about accommodating your and the pet owners’ hours.
• Veterinary knowledge. Grooming isn’t only about making a dog look nice and cute. Some dogs may have skin diseases, inflammation, and various infections. Firstly, it’s not an occupation for squeamish individuals. Secondly, you are required to have the necessary knowledge to provide first aid, help the poor animal get well, and not worsen the situation.

Education and Certification Requirements

If you are willing to become a well-paid and demanded dog groomer or build a prospering dog grooming business, earning certification will help you stand out from the crowd of other groomers and build a solid client base. Usually, such programs include a written exam and a practical performance.

Training Programs, Schools & Classes

The field offers many learning opportunities, but how to pick one? When choosing a grooming school or program, we do recommend doing a bit of research and paying attention to the following factors:

• Number of programs
• Cost and financial aid
• Admissions rate
• Retention rate
• Graduation rate
• Percentage of students enrolled in online classes
• Students’ feedback

Furthermore, a program is supposed to comprise a course on animal anatomy, psychology, and behavior. Typically, it’s a several-hundred-hour course of theory and then practical experience. You should not enroll in a course that doesn’t provide at all or provides few hands-on training sessions. Some schools even include a small business course on how to run a grooming salon or provide mobile grooming services. You may also find schools that offer evening or weekend classes for their students’ convenience.

Certificates and Licenses Required for Dog Grooming Professionals

What’s the difference between certificates and licenses? Let’s figure it out.

A license is a permit for a facility to provide grooming services. If you’re planning to work for a company, you don’t need a permit because it’s up to a salon to get it. However, you may need it if you run our salon. Depending on the state, this is usually a Pet Grooming Facility License or any other regional certification. Contact your local government to request a license application if you need it. And keep in mind – getting a license doesn’t give you knowledge of grooming.

Certification, in its turn, does. It is a document that proves that you’ve completed a course and acquired all the essential knowledge to be able to provide grooming services at a high level. Getting certified with the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) is your golden ticket as it recognizes a graduate as a National Certified Master Groomer. You may also consider taking up a dog grooming course with the International Professional Groomers, Inc., the New York School of Dog Grooming, the American Academy of Pet Grooming, or the Nash Academy.

Additional Requirements for Dog Groomers

Earning an associate’s degree in animal science with a grooming concentration will open many doors for those seeking greater job opportunities. Credits may transfer to a bachelor’s degree as well. Usually, it’s a 2-year program that covers animal behavior, reproduction processes, and animal management concepts. Besides those, students learn about:

• Nutrition and anatomy
• Animal microbiology
• Training and caring
• Breeding strategies
• Animal training approaches

Skills & Knowledge Required to Become a Dog Groomer

Now let’s have a closer look at the skills a dog groomer cannot get by without. These include technical skills, interpersonal skills, and animal handling. They are obtained at grooming courses or dog grooming schools. They are the core element in becoming a professional dog groomer.

Technical Skills and Grooming Techniques

A wide range of dog breeds requires a dog groomer to know different hair types and techniques applicable to them. Furthermore, there is professional equipment a dog groomer has to be able to use properly so that they don’t hurt an animal or make it look ugly.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Even though the client itself is a pet, the owner is the one who pays. As in any other sphere of service, establishing a rapport with the client is already half of the success. If you are a self-employed groomer or run your salon, be prepared to deal with different types of clientele and look for personal approaches while interacting with them. You will have to learn to take everything in your stride and stay cool in every situation.

Animal Handling Knowledge and Understanding

Animals also need a personal approach – they are also individuals and have temperaments. Being violent and despotic with pets that have behavior issues has finally gone into oblivion. The more you know about animal psychology, the easier your and their life on the grooming table will be.

Career Paths in Dog Grooming Business

As we’ve already mentioned, an experienced groomer has a palette of possibilities to find employment. Let’s check what exactly a dog groomer can expect working in this business.

Job Opportunities

The easiest way and the most suitable for those who are at the start of their career path is to apply for a job in a pet salon. Running their own salon will be an excellent option for dog groomers who have learned the profession inside out and are ready to set into a free sail. One can even travel and provide mobile grooming services in a customized van. It’s a surefire way to independence and flexibility.

Salary and Benefits

Expertise, reputation, and business pattern (working for a salon, running a self-owned salon, or providing mobile grooming services) will define the salary a dog groomer may receive. Furthermore, it also depends on your location, however, a common salary throughout the USA stands at around $36,000 per year, with a minimum of $14,000 and a maximum of $87,000 per year.

Career Advancement Opportunities

• A stylist – a similar role to a groomer but more focused on aesthetic post-groom styling. By the way, it’s a chance to participate in various competitions and dog shows.
• A rescue groomer – some animals face hardships of existing with humans and end up in an animal shelter. A rescue groomer turns neglected pets into fresh and clean cutie pies so they can be noticed and adopted by loving people. What can be more rewarding?
• A professional handler – a career path that keeps you on your toes all the time. They cover a range of duties during dog shows and preparation for them. Professional handlers are responsible not only for grooming but for training as well, like teaching dogs special show tricks. To be competitive in this field, knowledge of dog psychology and the latest grooming trends are a must.

Conclusion

So, we hope that after reading our step-by-step guide about dog grooming, you’ve got a clear understanding of this business. It’s up to you to make the final choice; however, we do recommend thinking long and hard before entering this profession. It’s not only about having fun with doggos, it’s definitely more – proper care, deep knowledge and constant learning, endless patience and sympathy. If you feel like having all this in your life – just go for it!