What is being a dog groomer like
Mia Horton
Updated on April 03, 2026
There are a lot of things to be said for being a dog groomer – you can set your own hours, work at a variety of places, and gain a lot of very serious dog handling skills. And you can’t really underestimate the job satisfaction that comes from seeing a sweet, clean puppy face at the end of every session.
Is becoming a dog groomer worth it?
It’s great for those who like a rewarding challenge. If you’re passionate about animals and love to take care of them, professional pet grooming is a great business for you. … Professional pet groomers are always needed. So, if you become a professional pet groomer, you won’t have to worry about your job.
Is being a dog groomer stressful?
I deal with aggressive, nervous, anxious dogs that bite and have owners who sometimes bite even harder.
What is it like working as a dog groomer?
Being a dog groomer is interesting, fun, entertaining and it’s wonderful to be able to work with dogs. However, it is also a very physical job that can be very tiring. … It takes a lot of patience to stay calm and get through the groom when you have a very difficult dog.Do dog groomers make good money?
According to an independent study done by payscale.com, the average dog groomer salary in the United States is $29,848. This means that some dog groomers make more, and some make less. On the low end you have your introductory groomers making roughly $17,000.
Is dog grooming hard on your body?
Being a groomer is a very physical job. This role often requires standing all day long, lifting a 70 lb. dog on and off the table (even the electric tables only go so low), using high velocity dryers, or scissoring oodles of poodles – this job takes a toll on your body.
Is being a groomer hard?
It’s harder than human hairstyling and doesn’t pay as well. The average dog haircut cost about $65, which isn’t much considering how much goes into grooming. Groomers make less than hairstylists, and dog haircuts take twice as long. Hairstylists also don’t have to deal with trimming their clients’ butts and feet.
Do dog groomers wear gloves?
Most groomers are able to keep themselves and their animal clients safe by wearing gloves and using muzzles when necessary, but some groomers also protect themselves by turning away animals with a history of aggressive behavior.How long does it take to train as a dog groomer?
Time – 12-18 months In your apprenticeship, you’ll work alongside an experienced and professional groomer. They’ll show you the ropes of the grooming salon and walk you through every step of the grooming process. This can be a great way to learn as someone with years in the trade will have valuable insights.
What do dog groomers wear?Dog Grooming Apparel Essentials: Aprons & Smocks Groomers that walk into work wearing denim jeans and a cotton T-shirt are in for a rough day. Working in wet clothing is a typical grooming hazard. You will want to use water-proof clothing that will keep you flexible, dry, and comfortable.
Article first time published onHow do you become a groomer?
- Pursue a relevant educational course. State-approved grooming schools provide classes on various aspects of dog grooming. …
- Gain practical experience. …
- Get certified.
How much does it cost to groom a dog?
Dog Grooming Price ListAverage CostNail Polish$7
How much do pet groomers earn?
What can a dog groomer expect to earn? Obviously salary will depend on your level of experience, the length of time you’ve been in the business and the number of hours you work, but on average the median hourly rate for a pet groomer ranges from $16.76 to $26.03**.
Should I cut dog whiskers?
We would never advise a dog owner to cut off their pet’s whiskers, unless advised by a vet. Some dog groomers snip off vibrissae for aesthetic purposes, but this is not a good idea. … You should also never pluck a dog’s whiskers as they have a lot of nerve endings at the base, which will make it painful.
Can a groomer hurt a dog?
“Check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged against a grooming facility. … While this might sound like a lot of work just to get your dog a bath, nail trim, or haircut, it’s not unheard of for dogs to get injured during grooming.
Can shaving a dog cause trauma?
Many dog owners believe shaving is good for their pet, especially to cool off in summer, but even one shave could do irreparable damage to a dog’s coat and make it more uncomfortable. … Clippers can also grow very hot when in use, and even brief contact with a dog’s skin can cause a painful burn.
Are dog groomers in demand?
Dog grooming is a skill in high demand because many dog owners find it challenging to adequately clean and groom their dogs. Most dog owners lack the skill, time, or desire to groom dogs themselves, so they hire professionals to do it. … However, not everyone who goes into dog grooming becomes successful.
Can I groom my own dog?
Call or schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Do not try to clip or shave your dog’s hair by yourself without proper training. Grooming professionals have the tools and knowledge to safely groom sensitive areas. In addition, they know the grooming needs of your breed.
How much do dog groomers make an hour UK?
The average dog groomer salary in the United Kingdom is £20,339 per year or £10.43 per hour. Entry level positions start at £18,174 per year while most experienced workers make up to £25,000 per year.
How do groomers keep dogs calm?
Soothing Environment Some groomers use calming aids in their salons. They’ll infuse the space with calming pheromones in the air or essential oils through a diffuser. Perhaps they’ll use certain shampoos with soothing ingredients, like lavender.
How do groomers make dogs smell good?
Dog groomers always use shampoo especially formulated for dogs, including those specifically designed to remove odors from the hair and skin. … If you are concerned about your dog’s odor, ask a groomer to use an odor-killing shampoo. Dog shampoos may also enhance the shine of your dog’s coat.
Can you muzzle a dog while grooming?
Use the muzzle during grooming. Even though your dog will be comfortable with wearing the muzzle, it won’t want to wear it indefinitely. If you’re using a mesh muzzle, put it on only when you think your dog will bite, such as during a nail trim.
What should I wear to a dog grooming interview?
For a dog grooming interview, you should wear something that feels comfortable, without being too casual. For instance, unripped jeans are usually fine! As a general rule, you should aim to be slightly dressier than the employees.
Is groomers lung real?
The human lungs are not capable of “processing” this material, which can lead to a health condition known as groomers lung. This pet groomers lung disease is a chronic condition that can affect your lung function. The tiny, sharp fragments of hair get deep into the lungs, leaving inflammation and scar tissue behind.
Why do dog groomers wear scrubs?
Scrubs. Scrubs aren’t just for medical personnel anymore. Many groomers find that they make an ideal dog grooming outfit. They’re comfortable, easy to wash, and they dry quickly, all of which are desirable characteristics in pet groomer apparel.
How much do you make as a groomer at PetSmart?
How much does a Pet Groomer make at PetSmart in the United States? Average PetSmart Pet Groomer hourly pay in the United States is approximately $14.38, which is 12% below the national average.
How old do you have to be to be a pet groomer at PetSmart?
Facts About Working at PetSmart Minimum Age to Work at PetSmart: 18 years old (How old do you have to be to work at PetSmart?)
How often do you groom a dog?
We recommend brushing at least 1-3 times a week and bathing at least every 1-2 months. Any grooming should mostly be light trims around the face, ears, paws, and sanitary areas every 4-6 weeks. Typically, wire-haired dogs should not be shaved down as their coat may grow back softer and a different color.
How often should a dog be bathed?
While the frequency of bathing may be different for each dog, Wendy Weinand, manager, pet services grooming education for Petco, says that a good rule to follow is to wash your dog every four weeks. “This will help to keep their skin and coat clean and keep their natural oils spread out to help condition,” she says.
How much should I tip my puppy groomer?
Standard tips are 15–20 percent of the total cost. But give more if your groomer went above-and-beyond by accommodating your pup’s nippiness, special health needs, or doing you any kind of favor.
Why do dogs lick you?
Affection: There’s a pretty good chance that your dog is licking you because it loves you. It’s why many people call them “kisses.” Dogs show affection by licking people and sometimes even other dogs. Licking is a natural action for dogs. … Dogs might lick your face if they can get to it.