how to become a dog groomer

It's no surprise that people spend money on the well-being of their pets. After all, they're like a member of the family!

Owners treat their four-legged friends to things like doggie day spas, grooming salons, and even aromatherapy in certain cases!

While people may be willing to spend that kind of money from time to time on making their pet 'look their best,' there are still plenty of people who are just looking for someone to provide the old-fashioned, time-tested, grooming services that keep pets looking good without requiring a second mortgage to pay for.

Indeed, the pet industry is booming and in 2012, Americans spent $4.16 billion on pet services. That number has only gone up since!

Becoming a dog groomer is a great way to combine your love for animals with a meaningful career that helps dogs look and feel their best.

In general, dog groomers work in pet stores, pet shelters, and kennels. Their main duty is maintaining dogs' physical appearance. Usually, this involves giving the dog a bath, brushing and trimming its fur, clipping toenails, cleaning ears, and styling the dog's fur if the owner desires.

Groomers may also be responsible for sanitizing combs and shears, scheduling appointments and reporting issues or assessments to pet owners.

Watch the Video: Explore a Dog Grooming Career

Job Growth for Dog Groomers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on animal care and service workers, employment of animal care and service workers is projected to grow 22 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Becoming a Dog Groomer

There are no strict formal education requirements for becoming a dog groomer; however, employers usually prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent.

Most groomers acquire training through apprenticeship programs, which typically last 6-10 weeks. Apprentices learn grooming skills, such as bathing, drying, haircutting, nail clipping and dog handling, through hands-on training under the supervision of experienced groomers.

Professional Certification

Dog groomers can demonstrate additional proficiency by earning a certification.

Both the National Dog Groomers Association of America and the National Groomer Association of Canada, among others, offer professional dog grooming certifications.

The National Dog Groomers Association of America offers the National Certified Master Groomer designation. This certification entails attending an accredited workshop, proving practical skills through demonstration and passing a set of written exams.

The International Professional Groomers, Inc. offers a more rigorous certification program, involving four written exams and five demonstrations.

Candidates who pass with 70% or higher are rewarded with the International Model of Pet Grooming Distinction, and those who pass with 86% or higher are deemed International Certified Master Groomers.

Enroll in Stratford Career Institute's Canine Specialist Course

If you enjoy working with, or even just being around dogs, then a job as a dog groomer may be the right for you.

Whether you are looking to groom your own dog or help others, then you should consider a career as a professional dog groomer.

The course from Stratford Career Institute will be useful in achieving your goals and expanding your knowledge.

Enroll Today and Prepare Yourself for a Career in Dog Grooming!

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Interested in becoming a dog groomer?

Whether you are looking to groom your own dog or help others with theirs, then perhaps you should consider a dog groomer career! The course from Stratford Career Institute will be useful in achieving your goals and expanding upon your knowledge.

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