Dog groomer

Dog groomers keep dogs in good condition by clipping and trimming their coats. They also maintain dogs’ appearance and health by clipping nails and treating parasites.

Also known as:

• Canine beautician

Work activities

Dog groomers keep dogs in good condition by shampooing, brushing, clipping, scissoring and drying their coats. They use scissors, stripping knives and electric clippers. They sometimes cut the coat to a particular style, usually according to the breed of dog.

They have to know about the different styles that customers might ask for and be able to adapt styles for popular breeds to cross breeds. For example, they clip poodles closely around the face, feet and tail, while allowing their coats to grow longer around their legs. Afterwards, they shampoo, rinse and dry the dog. The groomer brushes or combs the coat and gives it a final trim with scissors.

Dog groomers need to know how and when to use a wide range of shampoos. They have to recognise basic skin conditions and clues to illness, such as fluid running from a dog’s eye, so they can advise the customer that they need to take the animal to a vet.

Dog groomers also maintain dogs’ appearance and health by offering other services. They clip claws and treat dogs for parasites such as fleas. Some people are mobile groomers, who visit the animals at their owners’ homes. This means travelling around the local area. Dog groomers have to listen to their customers, to find out how they want their dog to be groomed. They need to be polite and friendly with each customer. Some dog groomers book appointments over the telephone.

Personal qualities and skills

To be a dog groomer, you’ll need:

• To be good with your hands for clipping and trimming dogs.
• Attention to detail, and patience.
• To be able to handle dogs gently but firmly.
• The ability to calm and control nervous dogs.
• Communication skills to get on well with owners.

If you’re self-employed, you’ll need the knowledge and skills to run your own business. Some artistic flair is an advantage. This job would usually involve standing up a lot.

Pay and opportunities

Pay rates for dog groomers vary widely, depending on the area they work in and whether they are employed or self-employed. The pay rates given are approximate. Employed dog groomers earn in the range of £13,500, rising to £20,000 with experience. Self-employed dog groomers usually charge an hourly rate.

Full-time dog groomers work a basic 35-40-hour week, which might include Saturdays. Part-time and seasonal work may be available.

Pet shops, boarding kennels and dog grooming salons employ trainees; employers may offer full-time jobs to trained staff. There can be opportunities for dog groomers in towns, cities and rural areas throughout the UK.

Self-employment It is possible for experienced dog groomers to become self-employed. Some work as mobile groomers, visiting owners’ homes.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers, on the Government’s Find a Job service, and on job boards.

Entry routes and training

To start work as a dog groomer, it’s useful to have gained relevant skills through work experience with dogs. However, this isn’t usually essential for entry. Some people enter work as trainees or assistants, learning on-the-job with an experienced groomer. A great way into this career path is via a level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeship in the role of animal care and welfare assistant, or a level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship as an animal care and welfare manager.

If you choose to enter work as a trainee or assistant, you should check that your employer is experienced and qualified, for example, the level 3 diploma in professional dog grooming.

Experienced dog groomers can set up their own businesses. You could go into training, helping new dog groomers to develop their skills. Some dog groomers learn how to groom other types of animal.

Qualifications

If you wish to enter this career through an apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have gained relevant skills through experience of working with dogs, either paid or unpaid.

Distance learning in dog grooming theory is offered by the Animal Care College. This course does not take the place of practical experience and is therefore most suitable for those already working in dog grooming.

Related careers

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• Farm worker
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• Horse groom
• Kennel worker
• Pet shop assistant
• RSPCA inspector
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