Become A Pet Groomer

By: James Brooks

          Have you ever considered a career in pet grooming? This is a viable option for people that either love pets or have a desire to have a career in the pet industry. Not only is the pet industry an 83 billion dollar industry, but it is also recession-proof and on track to becoming a 100 billion dollar industry in the years to come. This is more of a reason to consider a career in the pet industry. Here are a few things you need to know before you enter into the career of pet grooming. 

          Groomers work with dogs and cats to maintain their looks. Mostly every state will require that you have a license to perform the job, with both New York and Michigan being the exception to this rule. It's always a good idea to like animals before entering into this kind of career, and it's also to the groomer's advantage to have some knowledge about dogs and cats prior to entering into this field. Pet groomers can obtain certification through the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA), although this is not a requirement. Some of the places that pet groomers can work include salons, mobile grooming services, veterinarian offices, and kennels. Pet grooming also entails trimming nails, bathing the animal, styling their hair, and being knowledgeable about different diseases that animals can have. Additionally, they should know how to properly sterilize all equipment, and keep their work space up to the standards that the law requires. Lastly, here are some of the things that one will learn as they train to become a pet groomer: bathing procedures, hair cutting, styling, combing, brushing, how to recognize animal skin disorders, animal behavior, safety practices, stylizing specific to certain breeds, specifics about parasites and fleas. Finally, all pet groomers must have insurance, as one never knows what can happen on the job.

          Per ZipRecruiter, "As of Dec 31, 2019, the average annual pay for a Mobile Dog Groomer in the United States is $43,295 a year. In San Antonio Texas, the average mobile dog groomer annual salary is $69,925, well about the National average.

          While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $104,500 and as low as $11,000, the majority of Mobile Dog Groomer salaries currently range between $33,000 (25th percentile) to $52,000 (75th percentile) across the United States. The average pay range for a Mobile Dog Groomer varies little (about $19,000), which suggests that regardless of location, there are not many opportunities for increased pay or advancement, even with several years of experience."

         With this being said, the pet industry along with grooming, is here to stay. Groomers are excellent advice givers when it comes to advice for your pet. Because of all the hands on process plus state requirements, groomers have a  very good understanding of what pets require to potentially live longer, healthier and happier when it comes to a daily routine to help keep your pet looking fresh. So, if you are, or are looking into, or have a groomer, know that it can very rewarding emotionally but it doesn't always come easy, as it is a tough job.Get with your local groomer and see what they can do for you and your furry loved one.