About Careers in Dog Grooming

A career in dog grooming can be rewarding and exhausting. After completing training courses in grooming techniques and safety, a dog groomer can work full-time in a pet grooming salon, for a vet clinic or at a pet spa. The primary duty of a dog groomer is to pamper, clean and style dogs. However, the process includes lifting heavy pets, washing dirty fur and the risk of being bit on a daily basis by frightened pets.

Duties

The duties of a dog groomer include washing, brushing, drying, cutting, and styling the pet's fur in a breed specific style. Many groomers are also responsible for scheduling appointments, maintaining records of services and sanitizing their workstation.

Workplace

Dog groomers have the option to work for a grooming salon or spa within a large pet retail company or in a freestanding business. A groomer may even start her own salon. Groomers may also find part time employment in a vet clinic, taking care of boarded pets and cleaning them before and after surgery.

Pay

Dog groomers often work on a commission basis, like a human hairdresser. Some grooming salons will offer their stylists an hourly rate in addition to their commissioned sales. Groomers that work in a vet clinic are often hourly associates.

Effects

Dog groomers offer a service that benefits many. Elderly pet owners that cannot bathe their own pets, families with busy work and school schedules, and multiple pet families are good customers for dog groomers.

Warnings

Being a dog groomer can be exhausting and dirty. He often works close to the dog bathing area and in a humid environment. Loose fur from previous hair cuts, dog messes from nervous pets, and stinky dogs are all part of the business.