The Ultimate Guide to a Career in Dog Grooming

Dog groomers carry out basic health checks and look out for signs of infection, as well as perform services such as nail clipping, ear cleaning and basic bathing, drying and styling. They also give dog owners advice on coat care, grooming and diet.

This means dog groomers play an important role in preventing disease by picking up on signs of any health issues before they become an emergency. Regular grooming also eliminates discomfort for dogs in many ways, helping prevent problems such as: matting, overgrown nails, double coating, grass seeds, dental disease and fleas, ticks and mites.

Dog grooming is a growing industry, with more and more dog owners taking advantage of the services provided by grooming salons. As a qualified dog groomer you could work in a dog grooming salon, with opportunities to progress to a senior stylist or salon manager. You may also wish to set up your own business, perhaps in combination with an existing business such as a veterinary practice or kennels. Another opportunity would be to train others to achieve their dog grooming qualifications in education roles.

Many people like the idea from working from home and fitting your job around your lifestyle; and as a dog groomer, you could do just that! Many dog groomers choose to start their own dog grooming businesses, either working from a salon, from home or as a mobile dog groomer.

Dog grooming is the perfect career for those who want to have daily contact, and build up long lasting relationships, with both dogs and their owners. There is also plenty of opportunity to network with, and learn from, other dog groomers in the industry at dog grooming salons, seminars and competitions.

Dog groomers can pursue continuing professional development in a range of topics including canine behaviour or animal first aid, allowing them to continuously improve their skills and keep up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry.

It goes without saying that working as a dog groomer is a great choice for those who are caring, giving and motivated to do the best for their canine friends.

Some cuts can take a long time to complete and require extremely careful scissor work, so you will need to remain focused and pay attention to detail. There are specific breed standard requirements which you will be required to work to, particularly if you are preparing dogs prior to a show, however some owners will prefer their dogs groomed to more of a pet style; this is all part of the variety of the job.

Customer service skills are important for those hoping to become successful dog groomers. Whilst you spend a lot time working directly with dogs, you also have to be able to communicate clearly with each owner to understand their dog’s requirements, and build up a rapport to encourage repeat business.

Dog groomers need to be confident handling and grooming dogs of differing temperaments - not all dogs will always cooperate when placed upon the grooming table. Groomers must be patient, caring and consistent throughout the entire process.

To stay ahead of your competitors and win new clients, you'll need to keep your knowledge and skills up to date. This means always making an effort to continue learning and following the latest dog grooming trends.

Dog groomers familiarise themselves with your dog’s coat and body, which means they can pick up on when something looks or smells out of the ordinary. They carry out basic health checks and look out for signs of infection.

With consistent grooming, you are better educated on any potential problems you may want to bring up to your veterinary surgeon. It could also help lower veterinary bills, as regular grooming can prevent disease and catch many health issues before they become an emergency.

Grooming eliminates discomfort in many ways, and reduces the risk of eye, ear, skin, teeth and nail infections, ensuring your pet is free from pain and disease. For example, by taking your dog to the grooming salon on a regular basis, you can help prevent problems such as:  

• Matting 
• Overgrown nails 
• Double coating 
• Grass seeds 
• Fleas, ticks and mites 
• Dental disease 

Dog grooming is a chance for your furry friend to spend some one-on-one time with others, and builds up your dog’s trust as grooming becomes a positive experience and dog groomer’s can ease them through situations that may be uncomfortable for them, such as cleaning their ears.

As your pet becomes more comfortable and used to being handled (especially around the face, feet and tail), visits to the vets may become easier too.

Just as brushing your hair feels satisfying and helps to prevent matting and tangles, grooming has a similar effect for your furry friend. A dog that looks and smells nice is more likely to be free from discomfort and feel great.

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:

• The College of Animal Welfare Jobs Board
• Indeed
• Reed
• Facebook groups such as the English Groomers Group
• Local newspapers
• Contacting local dog grooming salons

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.

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.

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.

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