|
Groomers clip, bath, dip, and comb pets. They clip nails, clean ears, and empty anal sacs. They must be knowledgeable about a multitude of grooming products and equipment. Groomers should enjoy working with people as well as animals. They may deal with all kinds of pet owners, from those who are meticulous about their pets’ appearance and comfort to those who are uneducated and neglectful. Groomers can help enlighten pet owners of their responsibilities in caring for their pets’ grooming needs between professional visits and are often the first person to notice an ear problem, tumor, or skin infection that should be seen by a veterinarian.
Groomers play an important role in preserving the human-companion animal bond. Well-groomed pets are more likely to be included in human activities. A pet with severe fur mats, fleas, or long nails may be uncomfortable, unhappy, and irritable. Their scratching, chewing, or licking may injure them and annoy their owners who then exclude them from the house. A groomer who uses humane and safe techniques will make the grooming experience pleasant for the animals and may build a lasting relationship with the pet owner and pet who requires regular professional grooming.
Groomers may own grooming shops or be employed by them. Groomers may also work in veterinary clinics, boarding kennels, pet-supply stores, or animal shelters. The work they do in an animal shelter to improve the appearance and comfort of animals may enhance the animals’ chances of adoption and be especially rewarding.
Most groomers are self employed and their net salaries may range from $24,000-$35,000 annually depending on the time groomers devote to the job and the fees they charge.
Groomers commonly enter their profession by apprenticing under an experienced groomer, attending a trade school, or teaching themselves. Many participate in training programs, read trade journals, and attend seminars throughout their careers. About 50 private schools in the country train dog groomers. Their programs range from six to 16 weeks. A high school diploma or GED is usually required to enroll. If you decide to apprentice with an experienced groomer or attend a trade school, you will want to consider their credentials, reputation, and the job status for graduates of those schools. Curriculums and facilities may vary because vocational licensing is not required by the profession.
Courses in animal psychology, training, care, and diseases are helpful, and courses in small business management are invaluable if you plan to become self-employed. Even graduates of pet grooming schools should consider working for a while as an employee of an established grooming salon or veterinary practice to gain knowledge working for a well-managed operation and experience grooming all sizes, shapes, and breeds of pets.
The job outlook is favorable due to the shortage of skilled pet groomers although the pet population is expected to slow. Each year there is an increase of about 500-750 new pet grooming businesses in the United States. Groomers with a management background who enter the field have a great advantage.
Pet grooming requires physical stamina and strength. Groomers stand many hours and use their arms and hands a lot. They may be exposed to warm and humid bathing areas, noisy blow dryers and barking dogs, pet wastes, and frightened or untrained pets who may bite or scratch.
If a grooming career appeals to you, talk to groomers, volunteer at a grooming facility or at your local animal shelter, attend pet grooming industry shows, and workshops, and subscribe to trade magazines. The National Dog Groomers Association of America is a professional organization that publishes a newsletter and offers education workshops and certification testing.
Learn more about Pet Care:
|
Groomer
