Dog groomers require little in the way of formal education. Learn about the education, job duties and training requirements to see if this is the right career for you.

Dog groomers work in a variety of settings including pet stores, kennels, and a pet owner's home. A high school diploma is required for this career, and dog groomers usually learn through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training. Additionally, dog groomers can attend a grooming school, and voluntary certification is available.

Essential Information

Dog groomers maintain the physical appearance of all varieties of canines. They usually begin their careers by completing an apprenticeship program in which they bathe, trim and style dog fur under the supervision of an experienced groomer. Professional dog groomers may further demonstrate field-specific competence by earning certification.

Dog Groomer Salary Information

Dog groomers earn fairly low wages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2018 nonfarm animal caretakers, including dog groomers, earned a mean annual wage of $25,890. Pay varies slightly by location and industry. The highest-paying locations were the District of Columbia and Alaska in 2018. Animal caretakers in the District of Columbia earned an annual mean wage of $35,520, and those in Alaska earned a mean wage of $31,040 in 2018.

Duties of Dog Groomers

Dog groomers usually work in kennels, shelters, pet stores, veterinary facilities, and pet owners' homes. Their main duty is maintaining dogs' physical appearance. The dog grooming process involves brushing and cutting the fur, clipping nails, cleaning ears, bathing, drying and finally styling the fur. Groomers may also be responsible for sanitizing combs and shears, scheduling appointments and reporting issues or assessments to pet owners.