I read an article today on the DFW Star-Telegram website saying that more and more people are setting off on pet grooming careers. "Pet grooming?!" I thought? Yup. Pet grooming. You know, doggy-do's and kitty-coifs.
And I was surprised at the earning potential of being a pet groomer:
Beginning groomers can make $22,000 to $26,000 annually, and an established groomer/business owner can make $60,000 to $70,000 per year...
If you're an animal lover and the idea of a pet grooming career tickles your fancy, these links should give you a better perspective.
PetGroomer.com grooming info
Just about anything you'd ever want to know
Hi.
My name is Lisa and I want to know all that it takes to be a pet groomer....
what are the working Conditions, Trianig, Education, and other Occupations,Job Outlook,Earning,Related Occupations...and other stuff like that. Please help me. I REALLY want to be a pet groomer. Please write write me back ASAP.
thank you
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Starmen | September 21, 2004 at 05:56 AM
Your info really helped me. I am thinking of starting my own business.
Posted by: Chelsey | August 04, 2005 at 06:30 AM
I want to know all that it takes to be a pet groomer....
what are the working Conditions, Trianig, Education, and other Occupations,Job Outlook,Earning,Related Occupations...and other stuff like that. Please help me. I REALLY want to be a pet groomer. Please write me back ASAP
Posted by: Chelsey | August 04, 2005 at 07:14 AM
A grooming school or professional association training is the only thing required to become a pet groomer, however a professional pet groomer will have to go through intensive hands on grooming training before they are able to receive their pet grooming license.
Posted by: Gene Stagg | November 30, 2006 at 05:21 PM
I want to know what it takes to become a pet groomer. Like what classes in college do I need to get a pet grooming license etc. Also what type of degree should I work towards to do such.
Posted by: BranDee Williams | April 14, 2007 at 07:21 PM
Hello everyone!!!
I am doing a career exploration for my agriculture class and we need to choose two careers in which to study.I would really like to be an animal groomer,and there are some things that I need to know.If anyone could help me,that would be totally appreciated!! =]
First off i need to know skills and abilities for being a groomer,the working conditions and physical demands.Or,if you have any other comments about grooming that you could tell me i would appreciate it!!
thank you very much,and everyone have a great day!
-sam
Posted by: sam | August 21, 2007 at 05:43 PM
I want to know all that it takes to be a pet groomer....
what are the working Conditions, Trianig, Education, and other Occupations,Job Outlook,Earning,Related Occupations...and other stuff like that. Please help me. I REALLY want to be a pet groomer. Please write me back ASAP
Posted by: Hollie Smith | January 30, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Hi.
My name is Shannonand I want to know all that it takes to be a pet groomer....
what are the working Conditions, Trianig, Education, and other Occupations,Job Outlook,Earning,Related Occupations...and other stuff like that. Please help me. I REALLY want to be a pet groomer. Please write write me back ASAP
thank you
Shannon Snyder
Posted by: shannon snyder | September 09, 2008 at 09:20 AM
I had a dog grooming business at my home for five years. There are no certifications or licenses needed to groom pets. Because of this there are some really bad groomers as well as good ones out there. I went through a 600 hour professional grooming school. Much of this was hands on experience in their grooming salon. Then I started a grooming business in a utility room of my house. I also did some work helping other groomers in the area.
I would not recommend getting your training only from books and videos. However, some determined people may be able to do this if they find friends' pets to practice on.
Getting a job as a bather and apprenticing with a good groomer would be a good way to break into the business. However, some groomers charge quite a bit of money to teach someone.
When you start out you are very slow. Making money depends on your speed as well as your skill. Ultimately, you make more money working for yourself. However, it takes time to build up your clientele.
Many people do not understand that dogs with long fur need to be thoroughly combed out. A large percentage of owners do not do routine combing at home and it can take hours to comb out their pets at the shop. This causes distress to the animals and sadness for groomers who must put them through the process. A dog can look fine on the outside (from superficial brushing) but be very matted underneath. An unscrupulous groomer may just bathe them and style them and send them home, but with every bath they get more and more matted. Out of compassion, a groomer may tell the owner that the dog must be shaved down (clipped short) because of severe matting.
This can be a good profession for some people, but you need to learn the realities of what is involved. Pet hair gets everywhere and is very itchy. Many pets come in with fleas and you have to use a lot of pesticides to avoid them spreading. You have to clip every dog's nails and many fight this. The animals move around when you are using scissors or clippers around their eyes etc. It is often hard, stressful work.
It was nice being my own boss and making my own schedule. Some of my clients were wonderful and showered me with praise and tips. I am very good at communicating with and getting trust and respect from dogs. This helped me a lot. Some people don't have this quality and become completely frustrated. Others (unfortunately) resort to yelling at and hitting the dogs. Much patience is required.
Posted by: Lorrie W. | March 12, 2009 at 07:20 AM