Job Description
The Job of a Dog Groomer is to bathe, brush, trim, clip nails, clean ears, dry and style fur and general improve the physical appearance of the dog. They will also give the owners advice on nutrition and caring for their dog. Dog groomers work in a variety of settings including kennels, pet stores or in the pet owners home.
Entry Requirements
You can get into this job through:
College
You could take a course in dog grooming at the local colleges listed below.
Entry Requirements are:
- You need to be aged 19+ to study this course.
- There are no entry requirements for this qualification, however, experience with dogs is essential.
- You will need to have suitable literacy, numeracy and IT skills to enable you to complete your written assignments and online exam.
Apprenticeship
You could get into this job through an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship in animal care.
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
Click here to search for an apprenticeship.
Work
You could start as an assistant with a qualified and experienced dog groomer and learn on the job.
Other routes
You could take a private training course to get some of the skills and knowledge needed in this job. The Pet Industry Federation has accredited some organisations to deliver professional training.
Career Tips
You could get experience by doing voluntary work with dogs in kennels.
The Pet Industry Federation has more about becoming a dog groomer.
Career Path and Progression
With experience and qualifications, you could become self-employed and work from home or become a mobile groomer, visiting owners' homes.
You could also open your own salon or move into training.
Related careers you may be interested in:
- Animal care worker
- Kennel worker
Required Skills
- have a love of dogs and be able to handle them firmly but gently
- patient
- have the ability to calm nervous animals
- to be flexible and open to change
- customer service skills
Salary Range
£13,000 to £20,000
