Through the centuries, the pet dog has been an integral part of the family. People board dogs, baby-sit dogs, walk dogs, teach them to obey, and show them at dog shows. People also make a career of enhancing the appearance (and health) of dogs. Many pet owners do not have the time or the know-how to groom their pets. As a result, the pet grooming business has become a viable profession since the 1950’s.

Groomers make the coats of dogs (and cats) clean, glossy, and handsome. Dog groomers clean and condition dogs. They bathe, brush, comb, trim, and shape dogs’ coats, and clip and file their nails.

Groomers cater to the needs of more than 150 breeds of dogs, as well as mixtures whose coats need regular grooming. Usually there are specific services most groomers offer. Besides combing, brushing, thinning, clipping, and shaping the animals’ coats, groomers clip the animals’ nails, and clean the ears. They may dip the animals in a flea-killing solution, conduct shampoo therapy for special skin disorders, or offer hot-oil treatments.

Necessary Skills

Polished grooming techniques and a sharp eye for each dog’s style are key skills for groomers.

Dog groomers must have a sincere and humane appreciation for animals. They must want to make the dogs lives healthier and more pleasant. Groomers must have compassion and patience to handle nervous, aggressive, scared, or fidgeting pets. They must be in control of their own reactions to pet behaviors. Stamina and strength are necessary because dog groomers remain standing for long periods of time.

Dog groomers must possess an artistic eye for finish trimming and must be able to gain and keep the confidence and trust of the owners. Groomers should be neat and appropriately dressed. Since many groomers work with others as a team, they must be cooperative, helpful, and considerate.

Education and Training

To become a dog groomer, individuals should have a high school diploma, or General Education Development (GED) diploma, and a certificate from a dog grooming school. Formal training makes it easier for groomers to advance or take up other careers in animal care. Most individuals learn the pet grooming trade by completing a six-week to ten-week on-the-job training program or by attending one of fifty state-licensed grooming schools. Coursework at a grooming school lasts four weeks for pet bathers and from twelve to twenty-six weeks (or 500 to 800 clock hours) for pet groomers.

Those who choose to teach themselves have many books on grooming to choose from. The most beneficial books diagram the trims, tell what equipment to use, and describe how to bathe and dip the dogs. There are also many videos. Although self-taught groomers may practice on many kinds of dogs, they need the guidance of an expert to learn most techniques and the many safety measures.

DISCLAIMER: CareersForPeople.com provides this list of dog grooming schools as an informational resource to our visitors. We strive to keep this information as accurate as possible, but hold no responsibilities for inaccuracies or changes made by the schools listed. We strongly encourage you to fully investigate any pet grooming school prior to paying any fees or registering for classes.

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UNITED STATES

CA | Dog Lovers Central

CA | Hacienda La Puente Adult Education Grooming School

CA | O.C. Academy Of Pet Styling

CT | Connecticut School of Dog Grooming

FL | Academy of Animal Arts

FL | Bay Area Pet Grooming Academy

FL | Florida Institute of Animal Arts

GA | International Academy of Pet Design

IL | Academy of Dog Grooming Arts

IL | Sensational Stylings Academy of Professional Pet Grooming

KY | Nash Academy

MA | The Dapper Dawg School of Professional Dog Grooming

MI | Michigan School of Canine Cosmetology

MO | Missouri School of Dog Grooming

NJ | Nash Academy

NY | American Academy of Pet Grooming

NY | New York School of Dog Grooming

OH | Diamond Cut Dog Grooming School

PA | Just For Paws Academy of Pet Styling

PA | Pennsylvania Academy of Pet Grooming

SC | South Carolina School of Dog Grooming

TX | Golden Paws School of Dog Styling

TX | Texas Allbreed Grooming School

VA | Canine Clippers School of Pet Grooming

WA | Mission Ridge Academy of Pet Styling

WI | Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy

International Schools of Dog Grooming

Certifications and Licenses

Some states are considering licensing requirements. New Jersey, for instance, already requires those who dip dogs to have a license. Successful groomers wanting to start a dog grooming business, may also have to get a business permit or license from the city or town where they plan to open shop.

Dog Groomer Association Certification Programs:

National Certified Master Groomer (NCMG)

Certified Master Groomer (CMG)

Companion Animal Hygienist Certification (CAHC)

Voluntary Facilities Accreditation (VFA)

Dollars and Cents

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, groomers earn wages similar to other nonfarm animal caretakers. In 2006, earnings for these workers ranged from $17,440 a year to $30,890 a year. The average salary range for groomers depends on experience and skill. Beginning groomers generally average earnings between $16,000 and $22,000 a year. After several years of experience, groomers’ average yearly salaries range from $18,000 to $28,000. Highly experienced groomers average earnings from $22,000 to $32,000 a year or more.

When groomers work for a commission, they may earn 50 to 60 percent of what they bring in. The more work groomers do on commission, the more money they earn.

Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much groomers currently earn in your city.

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of pet grooming and other nonfarm animal caretaking services is expected to grow by 19 percent through the year 2016. Each year many groomers leave the field to return to school, take on family responsibilities, transfer to another occupation, or retire. There is a good future for a career in dog grooming.

Employers

Many dog groomers are self-employed. Others work in pet shops, kennels, at dog shows, or in pet departments in large stores. They may work for a veterinarian in an office or hospital. Some groomers work on a contract basis for people who train dogs for television, photo shoots, movies, circuses, or animal shows.

Moving Up

Successful groomers may start a dog grooming business. Those working at grooming shops may become managers. Some teach grooming techniques in dog grooming schools. With more specialty training, groomers may become veterinary assistants, or train field dogs or dogs used in the entertainment industry. Others may become dog obedience trainers. Some may become instructors of therapy dogs and guide dogs. Groomers may also become handlers at dog shows, or dog photographers.

For More Information

Dog groomers may belong to any of a number of associations which support their profession. These groups offer their members professional and educational services, including publications, meetings, workshops, conferences, and other informational and networking opportunities.

Pet Care Services Association (formerly known as American Boarding Kennels Association)

American Mobile Groomers Association (AMGA)

International Professional Groomers (IPG)

National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGA)

World Wide Pet Industry Association (WWPIA)

Recommended Resources