What Do Dog Groomers Do

Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Dog Groomers clean and groom dogs for a living. They often work for dog grooming businesses, animal boarding houses, or animal shelters. Dog grooming includes more than just cutting dogs’ hair. Dog Groomers often bathe the dogs and shampoo the hair. They may also trim the dog’s nails and brush their teeth, depending on the services provided by the Groomer.

Working as a Dog Groomer is not always easy as many dogs do not respond well to the grooming process. To protect the Groomer and the dog, Dog Groomers often use harnesses to keep the dog in place.

What they do
What is the job like
Where they work
How to become one
Should you become one

Dog Groomers

Dog Groomers wash and cut dog hair, trim nails, and occasionally brush dogs’ teeth. They often give dogs specific hairstyles based on the instructions of the dog owner.

Salary: $30000

Salary Rank: D

Education: No degree required

Suitable Personality:

The Builder

Find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life.Confucius

What they do

Dog Groomers wash and cut dog hair, trim nails, and occasionally brush dogs’ teeth. They often give dogs specific hairstyles based on the instructions of the dog owner.

Shampoo and Brush Dog Hair

Before trimming, Dog Groomers often need to shampoo and brush the hair. Dogs with thick hair may arrive at the dog grooming business with mats and tangles that need to be brushed out before cutting the hair. The Groomer bathes and brushes the dog’s hair before blow-drying it and brushing out any mats.

Cut and Trim the Hair to Achieve a Specific Look

Dog owners often want their dogs to have hairstyles that are common for their breed. For example, the standard poodle cut typically features short hair around the thighs and upper legs with puffs of hair around the feet, tail, top of the head, and ears. Other dogs may simply require an even length across their coats. Dog Groomers become familiar with various hairstyles and may work from photographs to recreate specific looks.

Trim the Dog’s Nails and Paint the Nails

Some Dog Groomers offer to trim and paint dogs’ nails. Trimming a dog’s nails is not an easy task as there is a small blood vessel (the quick) that runs through the nail. If the dog moves at the wrong moment, the Dog Groomer may nick the “quick.”

Unlike Veterinarians, Dog Groomers cannot administer drugs to sedate the dog before trimming their nails. If the dog attempts to bite or resist the trimming, the Dog Groomer may try to secure the dog in a harness or apply a muzzle.

Inspect the Dog for Health Issues

During the grooming process, the Dog Groomer closely handles the dog, making it easy for Groomers to detect signs of health issues. Dog Groomers may be the first to notice rashes, swelling, fleas, ticks, and other issues hidden by the fur.

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What is the job like

Pros

You Get to Work with Dogs All Day

People who love dogs should enjoy this job as you spend most of your day around canines.

You Can Work Almost Anywhere

Dog Groomers are needed in almost every region, giving you many options if you choose to relocate.

You May Start Your Own Business

Many Dog Groomers eventually become their own bosses by launching independent dog grooming businesses.

You Can Set Your Own Hours

Dog Groomers often work flexible schedules. You may not need to work 9 to 5.

Cons

Many Dogs Dislike Grooming

You may occasionally deal with dogs that want to bite or run away.

Dog Owners May Not Always Like the Haircut

It can be frustrating when a dog owner is displeased with the results of your grooming.

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Where they work

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Animal Boarding Houses

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Animal Shelters

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Self-Employment

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Dog Groomers often work for dog grooming businesses, animal boarding houses, and animal shelters. Some Dog Groomers become self-employed and hire additional Dog Groomers to serve customers in their local area.

How to become one

Step 1: Start Grooming Your Dog

High school students who want to become dog groomers should start practicing on their own dogs.

Step 2: Attend a Dog Grooming Workshop

Most Dog Groomers learn how to groom through hands-on training at a workshop, at home, or after getting a job at a dog grooming business.

Step 3: Look for Work at Dog Grooming Businesses

Start looking for jobs where dog grooming services are offered, such as dog grooming businesses and pet stores.

Step 4: Become a Self-Employed Dog Groomer

After gaining experience, you may choose to work for yourself and establish your own dog grooming business.

Should you become one

Best personality for this career

The Builder

People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. You can read more about these career personality types here.

Dog Groomers need to be patient as the grooming process for one dog can take several hours. You must also be able to remain calm and collected under pressure, such as when a dog reacts negatively to the grooming.

Successful Dog Groomers have good communication skills and social skills, allowing them to understand requests for hairstyles from dog owners. You should also enjoy working with dogs and not have any allergies that may interfere with your ability to perform this job.

Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.