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How To Become A Dog Groomer | Certification, Job & Salary 2024

how to become dog grooming

How To Become A Dog Groomer: People hire dog groomers to keep their dogs clean and give them extra attention. Because of this, most towns need trained dog groomers. As long as you love dogs and are ready to put in the work to get the right skills and licensing, this could be a great job for you. Read this piece to learn how to become a dog groomer, what dog groomers do and what is salary of the dog groomer is. how to be a successful dog groomer? (How To Become A Pet Groomer)

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Dog groomer job details (what to cover in dog grooming)

The task for an average dog client will probably resemble the following steps:

dog grooming images
source: Pet Care Foundation
  • Determine the owner’s preferred style together.
  • Lay the dog down on a table and give it a basic health check for any skin conditions (more on this in a later stage, below).
  • Trim the dog’s nails, clean its ears and possibly its eyes, and brush its fur.
  • Give the dog a bath, but be ready to deal with any animals who might not love it.
  • After drying, brush the dog’s fur one more.
  • Give the dog a haircut and style, paying close attention to the region around its face, paws, and tail.
  • Continue with the following dog, and so forth, throughout the day. To fulfill the demands of your clients, be prepared to work weekends and evenings.

What does a dog groomer do | Dog groomer’s job

A dog groomer’s job is to make sure that their clients’ dogs look clean and nice. The following is a list of things that dog groomers usually do:

Talk about what the client wants you to do to clean their dog.

Tell the dog’s owner if you see any skin problems.

Cut the nails short and clean the ears.

Cut and shape the fur the way the client wants.

When you bathe the dogs, use different soaps and shampoos based on their skin type.

Brush the dogs’ fur and dry them off.

You can style the fur to get the look you want.

Photo by Hayffield L on Unsplash

How much do dog groomers usually make | Salary of dog groomer

Dog groomers may make different amounts of money based on how experienced they are in the job and how they run their business, like if they own their own grooming salon or do their work on the go. There may be another thing that affects how much a dog groomer gets paid:

Most people in the U.S. make $35,801 a year.

Pay ranges from $14,000 to $87,000 a year.

How to become a dog groomer

A dog groomer doesn’t have to go to school to do their job. In this job, however, someone with at least a high school diploma or the equivalent is recommended. Some things you need to do in order to have a successful job as a dog groomer are:

  1. Do an appropriate educational course

Grooming schools that are allowed by the state teach different parts of grooming dogs. It takes a few weeks to finish these kinds of classes, which can be taken in person or online. The classes teach students in depth and help them feel more confident as they learn how to groom dogs.

  1. Get practical expertise

Some grooming schools offer internship programs where students work with dogs and learn how to groom them, including how to clean, style, and check for skin problems. You could also get real-world training by going to a professional dog groomer and helping them do their job. At the beginning of a career, training on the job is very important because this job needs knowledge more than anything else.

  1. Get your license

It is suggested that you become certified with the National Dog Groomers Association of America if you want to build a strong client base and a successful dog grooming business. There is a written test and a demonstration of actual skills as a dog groomer as part of the certification program. Another group like this that offers licensing in this area is the International Professional Groomers, Inc.

Dog grooming courses & Certifications

  1. AKC S.A.F.E. Grooming Program

The AKC Safety in the Salon course is the central component of the program. This comprehensive, three-part class is taught by Susan Divine Sholar, founder of the International College of Pet Careers, to provide vital information on safety measures and protocols within the grooming facility. Sholar has been grooming dogs and cats for more than forty years, including fifteen years as a grooming instructor. Like many groomers, Susan turned a “hobby” into her life’s work.

2. PDGA (Professional Dog Grooming Academy) online dog grooming academy

PDGA is an online dog grooming academy created by industry professionals with years of experience.  

3. Penn Foster dog grooming classes

In their program, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of the grooming process and even learn about customer service, business concerns, and more.

Questions and Answers about how to become a dog groomer

If you want to know if becoming a dog groomer is the right job for you, here are some questions that people often ask and their answers:

What are the most important traits of a good dog groomer?

Where do people who clean dogs work?

What do you need to begin handling dogs for a living?

What does a dog groomer do if something goes wrong or a mistake happens during the grooming session?

What are the most important skills/qualities of a good dog groomer?

If you want to be a good dog groomer, you should have these traits:

Physical abilities: A dog groomer needs to be strong and able to keep going for long periods of time because they have to stand and lift dogs all day.

Keep a calm attitude: The dogs may act up at different times during the brushing session, so it’s important to stay calm and patient to handle these situations well.

Very interested in their job: Dog groomers really enjoy their job and love being around dogs. This helps them build a long-term job in this field that goes well.

Good relationships with pets: An expert dog groomer gets along well with dogs and forms bonds with them. When the dogs are being groomed, they should feel safe and at ease.

Good understanding of dogs: A dog groomer takes care of different breeds of dogs, each with its own traits and traits. Knowing about these kinds can help you handle dogs better and choose the best styles for them.

Where do people who clean dogs work?

There are different places where dog groomers can set up shop and provide their services, such as

Dog grooming parlor: A dog groomer can open their own grooming shop and work directly with customers to start their own business. Being licensed and having money for start-up costs are important if you want to start your own business.

Groom dogs for pet shops and salons: Some pet stores and specialty salons hire dog groomers to do grooming.

Launch a mobile pet grooming business: A dog groomer can open a mobile grooming business and visit clients’ homes to do their work. They can set up a place in a van or a trailer by putting together all the necessary amenities and materials. Check with state and neighborhood business rules to make sure you’re following the rules.

What do you need to begin dog grooming for a living?

The following are some of the most important tools you will need to begin a dog grooming business:

  • A table for shaving
  • A tub for dogs to bathe in
  • Hair clips and brushes
  • Pair of scissors and hair cutters
  • Cutlery for nails
  • Tumble dryers
  • Pet shampoos and creams
  • Tow straps
  • Shelves for storage
  • Cute bows and ribbons

Author

  • Naveen K

    As a passionate Instructor, content writer and Researcher with 12 years of experience, I take pride in creating engaging and informative content that resonates with readers. Since 2015, I have been helping our readers/students find the right courses and learning platforms for their bright future.

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