Whether you’ve recently qualified as a dog groomer, or you’re thinking about training as a dog groomer in the future, you may be wondering about the professional career options for dog groomers.
With a formal dog grooming qualification in hand, many dog groomers are ready to take the industry by storm. There are lots of exciting career paths available to you as a qualified dog groomer, so you can choose something that really fits with your career goals, interests and strengths.
Take a look at some of the options:
Gain a great job working as a dog groomer
Dog grooming is a growing industry, with more and more dog owners taking advantage of the services provided by grooming salons. There are thousands of dog grooming salons, and increasing numbers are part of other pet-related businesses such as pet shops, garden centres, boarding and breeding kennels. Some are branching into cat grooming, and there are also growing numbers of mobile groomers.
If you are not already doing so, seeking employment as a dog grooming stylist is a great way to gain knowledge of how a fast-paced grooming business operates. You never know – after demonstrating the skills you have gained, you might be considered for future management roles within your workplace. Here is a list of websites you can find local dog grooming vacancies:
Open up your own dog grooming business
Ambitious groomers could open up their own dog grooming business from home, in commercial premises, or out and about by taking it mobile, or work in partnership with an existing business such as a boarding kennels or dog walkers. Building up connections with existing client bases and industry players in this way will help to boost your new venture long term.
Running your own business means you get to be the decision maker and follow your aspirations. By being your own boss you can work flexibly, choose your surroundings and even the people you work with.
Pursue higher study in dog grooming
You may wish to continue studying and work towards higher-level qualifications by undertaking programmes such as the Level 3 Diploma for Professional Dog Stylists and/or the Higher Diploma in Dog Grooming. Further information can be found on the Pet Industry Federation website.
Compete in professional dog grooming competitions
If you have a competitive streak, there are plenty of opportunities in industry to compete in professional dog grooming competitions and become renowned for excellence in your trade. Competing in competitions can also help you boost your skills by learning from others.
Train future dog groomers as a teacher
If you’re keen to use your skills and knowledge in a different way, you could consider helping the next generation of dog groomers to achieve their formal dog grooming qualifications; either by teaching and promoting dog grooming courses at a relevant college, or by taking on an apprentice at your new workplace. Read more about how to become a dog grooming teacher
Apply to study dog grooming today
If you love dogs and are looking for a new career with lots of opportunity, then dog grooming may be just the thing for you! Our City & Guilds accredited dog grooming qualifications will get you started on the right foot and give you the confidence to undertake a range of bathing and grooming techniques.
Awarded by City & Guilds, our Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants qualification is ideal if you are new to the industry and looking to train as a dog groomer. This programme is run at our Huntingdon (Cambridgeshire), Leeds (West Yorkshire), Wigan (Greater Manchester) centres. Working with our qualified groomers in our state-of-the-art dog grooming suites, the emphasis placed upon practical training throughout the course gives learners the knowledge, skills and experience needed to stand out in an increasingly competitive job market and progress within the industry.