Dog groomers clean and care for dogs in a sanitary manner.
Learn how to become a dog groomer and different paths to a grooming career.
Who Is a Dog Groomer?
A dog groomer is a professional who is responsible for the
hygiene and cleaning of pet dogs. Dog grooming services include nail clipping,
ear cleaning, and fur cutting and styling. Many pet groomers own their own
businesses, and some provide mobile services, traveling to the owner's home for
the grooming session. Others work in the pet grooming services department of
large retail pet stores.
How to Become a Dog Groomer
Acquiring professional grooming skills takes a significant
amount of time and effort. Consider the following options for a career as a
professional groomer:
1. Finish a certification program. Although there is no
standard formal education requirement for dog grooming, many certification
programs do. Learning about the tools of the trade and how to groom various dog
breeds is an important part of the training process. Many online dog grooming
courses provide a dog grooming certification, allowing groomers to gain
credibility before approaching potential clients.
2. Get hands-on experience. It is critical to practice your
grooming techniques in a realistic setting. Volunteer at a local animal shelter
or provide free grooming services to friends and family. Transparency about
your situation is essential: inform pet owners that you are still learning but are
committed to following best practices.
3. Network in order to build a clientele. After receiving
your certification and gaining experience, reach out to potential clients. To
maximize word-of-mouth marketing, start with friends, acquaintances, and local connections.
Using your volunteer experience can also be a great way to network when
starting a new business.
3 Types of Dog Grooming Training
Depending on your resources, how quickly you want to get to
work, and what is available in your area, there are several ways to train as a
dog groomer. Consider the following options:
1. Apprenticeship: Some dog groomers begin by learning the
trade from a more experienced pet groomer. This can be a great way to gain
on-the-job training and real-world know-how.
2. Assistantship: Assisting a working dog groomer is similar
to an apprenticeship but less formal and extensive. You may get less hands-on
experience than you would in a full apprenticeship, but if you are attentive
and hardworking, you will still gain valuable skills.
3. Certification: In-person and online dog grooming classes
are available at dog grooming schools. Upon completion of the program, aspiring
groomers receive a certificate, and some schools include tools such as shears,
combs, clippers, and blow dryers in the tuition cost. Certification programs
typically last six months.
4 Skills a Dog Groomer Should Have
Being a professional dog groomer necessitates a unique set
of characteristics and skills, including knowledge of the following:
1. Animal welfare: A successful grooming session requires
the right approach, from hand placement to tone of voice. Animal welfare
training can help groomers prepare to treat dogs in a variety of mental and
physical states.
2. Basic hygiene: An aspiring dog groomer must understand
basic canine hygiene and pet care. The first step in proper grooming is usually
cleaning the dog from head to tail. Groomers must be able to recognize skin
conditions, problems with a dog's coat, and signs that the dog requires
veterinary care.
3. Grooming styles: The owner ultimately decides how the
groomer will groom their dog, but groomers must be aware of the various
grooming options and keep up with the latest trends. The American Kennel Club
(AKC) is a great place to learn about different grooming styles. Groomers must
be familiar with the behavioral tendencies and breed-specific grooming
requirements of various breeds.
4. Pet safety: Many training programs include pet CPR and
first aid as important skills for dog groomers to learn. When it comes to
caring for an animal's well-being, it's important to always be prepared.
3 Dog Grooming Jobs
Dog groomers can work in pet stores or independently run
their own dog grooming business. Consider the following positions in pet
grooming:
1. In-house groomer: Some dog groomers work for larger
companies like retail pet stores. Although in-house groomers typically earn
less than independent operators, these positions provide some security and are
a good way to gain experience.
2. Independent groomer: Being your own boss is an appealing
aspect of dog grooming for many people; however, be aware that startup costs
can be high. As with any small business, it usually takes some time before the
company begins to make a profit.
3. Mobile groomer: Many dog grooming salons are mobile, with
groomers traveling to the pet owner's home to perform grooming procedures.
Although running a mobile dog grooming service provides flexibility to
groomers, it can present logistical challenges, additional upkeep costs, and
overhead for the vehicle and gas.
