How to make money by learning to be a Pet Groomer

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By angel0305
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Article Rating: (6 Ratings)

Poodle/ Chuahua mix, Star, in Lion Cut.

Do you love animals? Do you love doing something that gives you a sense of accomplishment? Join me, and learn the steps you need to take to become a successful Pet Groomer!

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

minimal/moderate investment
love for animals
commitment
diligence

Step 1

The first step of this exciting journey is finding the right Pet Grooming school for you. Whether you are able to attend a physical school or choose a correspondence school depends largely on what your responsibilities in life are at the present time.

For me, correspondence was best and I chose Penn Foster's Pet Grooming program. This school awards you a certificate and you graduate with most of the equipment you need to start grooming. The way the school works is they send you shipments, including books and tools. When you complete one shipment, you are sent another. On this goes until you are ready to graduate! Also, they accept monthly payments so there is no real financial strain. With this choice you will be grooming in 1-2 years. http://www.penn-foster.com/diploma/petgrooming.html

If you are able to physically attend a Pet Grooming school and you have a little more money to invest in your education, here is a directory of Pet Grooming schools worldwide
http://www.petgroomer.com/pet_grooming_schools.htm
Step 2

Practice, practice, practice! Do you have a long haired dog? How about your family, friends, neighbors?

As you learn each step and grooming technique, physically try them out on many dogs. After you groom everyone's dog you know, go to your local animal shelter and volunteer to groom some of their dogs. Just be sure they have a rabies shot first!

Also, you can volunteer grooming services for the local Humane Society.

Lastly, you can put an ad in the paper or put flyers up offering free grooming services while you learn. The plus about this option is that you will probably gain some future customers!
Step 3

Once you get your Pet Groomer Certificate, decide if you want to work for yourself or someone else.

If you decide to work for someone else create a resume and send it to Grooming Shops, Pet Shops, and Veterinarians. From my experience, it really won't be long before you get a job offer since not that many people are currently skilled in Pet Grooming.

If you choose to work for yourself, decide if you want to groom from home or at your client's home. Contact your local City Office and inquire about licensing. Make yourself a checklist and make sure you have all of the supplies you need to get your business started. Then make some business cards, flyers, and put an ad in the paper if you like. Soon, you WILL be grooming!

Later on you can choose if you would like to be a mobile groomer, conducting your business from a mobile grooming van, or open your own brick and mortor grooming shop.