5 Steps To Become A Dog Groomer
It is the dream of many pet lovers to work with animals for a living, especially if they can do so without dealing with the messiness of veterinary medicine.
Dog grooming is one way that animal lovers can do this.
There are several ways to become a dog groomer, from taking correspondence classes to apprenticing with an experienced groomer.
The five steps below will help you get started on one of these paths.
- Look for grooming courses
- Get your license
- Join a professional grooming studio
- Find job opportunities
- Build a clientele
Dog groomers should be ready to work with all sizes and breeds of dogs
Dog groomers should be comfortable working with all breeds of dogs, but some experience with larger breeds is preferable.
It is much easier for a person to clip and groom smaller dogs than to learn how to restrain a large dog that may not be used to being trimmed or cut.
For this reason, many dog groomers begin their careers by working at a kennel or animal shelter, where they are exposed to a large number of different types of dogs.
A good dog groomer should be proficient with all sizes and breeds of dogs.
Every day, groomers are exposed to a wide array of dogs, from purebred Great Danes to mixed breed mutts.
It is important that groomers know the right way to care for the coats of each individual breed.
In addition, it is essential that they are able to work with dogs of all sizes.
Most dogs will not sit quietly while they are being groomed, and larger dogs can be especially challenging to handle.
The most qualified dog groomers are those who are able to assess a dog’s temperament and adjust their own behavior accordingly.
In these states, certification usually requires completion of a two-year program at a community college or trade school and some experience in the field.
Dog groomers should also be familiar with basic canine first aid.
Dogs can be injured during grooming.
The most common injuries are bites and scratches from overanxious or frightened animals.
Dog groomers may specialize in certain areas such as show dogs, large dogs, small dogs, or breed-specific styling
Dog groomers have a wide range of techniques and services that they can offer customers.
Some also offer additional services such as nail clipping and teeth brushing; others may specialize in services such as coloring, clipping, or styling certain types of coats.
Dog groomers may specialize in certain areas such as show dogs, large dogs, small dogs, or breed-specific styling.
Dog grooming is not only a cosmetic procedure but also one that will keep the dog’s coat healthy and free from infection.
Most dog groomers work for themselves or are employed by pet stores, pet grooming salons, veterinarians, boarding kennels, or animal shelters
Some pet groomers work from their own homes if they have the space to do so.
Groomers typically rent space at a pet salon by the day; some also board pets overnight and sell pet supplies through their business.
In most cases, dog groomers work full-time.
In fact, there are more than 80 million dogs in the U.S., and they all require grooming services at least a few times a year.
Most dog groomers work full time during normal business hours.
Self-employed dog groomers may need to work evenings and weekends to accommodate their clients’ schedules.
Some dog groomers provide mobile services to visit pet owners at their homes.
Many mobile dog groomers use a modified van that contains the necessary equipment to wash and cut dogs’ hair.
Mobile dog grooming is becoming a popular option for owners who do not have easy access to a traditional groomer or a place to take their pets.
Dog grooming schools can provide job placement assistance when their students graduate
You may be surprised to learn that dog grooming schools can provide job placement assistance when their students graduate.
In fact, not only do they help you find a job, but they also help you find a mentor who will assist you in your grooming business.
So if you are looking for a career that is going to give you some financial security, then dog grooming is definitely something to consider.
In addition, students may have the opportunity to complete an internship at a local dog grooming salon before they graduate.
This will provide them with the experience that they need in order to be successful in their career.
Dog Grooming Schools offer students a hands-on education that allows them the freedom to learn at their own pace.
Students are taught how to set up their own salon and how to attract customers.
They are also taught about the laws and regulations governing dog grooming in their area.
In addition, they will learn about the health and safety of dogs, which also includes how to administer first aid if needed.
This knowledge is important because it helps them understand how dogs act when they are around people and other animals.
The average dog groomer’s salary is about $26,000 a year
If you are a dog lover, then you may want to consider a career in dog grooming.
The average dog groomer’s salary varies depending on the geographic location, the groomer’s experience, and the type of grooming services offered.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dog groomers working in animal care and service settings earned an annual mean wage of $26,370 as of 2020.
This translates into annual incomes that range between $17,000 and $42,000 per year. The highest earners are in New York City; the lowest earners are in Mississippi.
Becoming a professional dog groomer requires patience and compassion for animals because they may sometimes be nervous or frightened during the grooming process.
It also helps to have an artistic eye if you want to style dogs’ hair into different shapes or designs.
In many states, dog groomers must be licensed by passing a test administered by the state licensing board before they can legally practice.
You can become a dog groomer by attending school and doing an apprenticeship
Dog grooming schools are available across the country and offer courses that range from four weeks up to six months in length.
These programs are designed to teach you the basics of grooming such as how to hold the clippers, how much pressure is needed when clipping and how often different breeds of dogs need to be groomed.
You can become a dog groomer by attending school and doing an apprenticeship.
There are no formal education requirements to become a professional dog groomer, but you can obtain training through vocational schools, community colleges, and private grooming schools.
The National Dog Groomers Association of America offers voluntary certification that demonstrates formal training and experience.
You need to have patience, love animals, and be a “people person” to be successful in this business.
You should also be able to recognize health problems in dogs and know basic first aid techniques.
Groomers must also know how to operate all the equipment necessary for their job.
