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Becoming a Dog Groomer
I just love dogs!" is one of the most common remarks a grooming salon will hear when they are seeking new employees. However, if a person is pursuing a career in pet grooming, there is more to consider than just a "love of dogs."
Pet grooming can be a financially rewarding and challenging career that let's you display your artistic talents. Dogs inhabit just about all populated areas in the world - from large cities to rural villages - so there is always a little four-legged friend needing a haircut. For this reason alone, a good dog groomer will never be unemployed. In fact, there is a shortage of talented groomers all across North America. It is not uncommon for a professional groomer to earn from $40,000 to $60,000 a year.
Things to Think About:
• A post secondary degree is not required for most grooming salons, but good communication and public relations skill are a must. At the end of every leash is an owner with high expectations of their groomer. You will require excellent training in all areas of the grooming profession and customer service to meet these demands.
• You will need training in clipping, scissoring, proper bathing and blow-drying techniques, as well as knowledge of dog behavior and proper handling procedures. There are numerous good quality grooming schools available across North America and you can obtain information on these schools on the Internet or simply speak to a local pet professional in your area.
• Some salons are willing to train the right individual. If you choose this direction, do some homework on the salon regarding their reputation and quality of grooming. You don't want to invest a lot of time and money, only to find out later that you received below average training and therefore, below average skills.
• Once you find a school or salon that you feel is going to be the best for you, consider this:
• Grooming is a very physically demanding job. You are constantly bending, lifting, standing, and moving all day long.
• Dogs come in a variety of sizes and shapes and they demand a lot of attention and above all, patience.
• Not all dogs are well behaved and the possibility of being bitten is always a threat.
• You will encounter dogs with fleas, ticks, lice, warts, and wounds, as well as many other maladies.
• Severely matted dogs are an every day occurrence in the life of a groomer.
• You have to be willing to deal with a variety of physical and behavioral problems, as well as a demanding time schedule.
• Unfortunately you cannot take your work home with you or leave it for the next day - you must complete all your work on any given day, even if it means you have to stay late.
• Groomers require a great deal of patience, a strong body and a willingness to look for ways to upgrade their skills.
• In addition to your technical skills, you'll need to take courses in accounting, business management, and public relations to become a successful groomer.
If you choose to take the plunge and open your own salon, the cost of doing so will vary depending on location, size, equipment, etc. Many salons are run successfully with one person. Some have many full-time employees. In addition there are many home-based salons that are equally as successful and lucrative.
Speak to a variety of established pet professionals to help you to decide if this is the right career for you. Ask to spend a full day (or more!) observing the operation of a busy salon. Pay attention to the physical and mental requirements a groomer needs to handle the day-to-day rigors of grooming. If you can come away feeling positive and motivated that this is the path you'd like to take, then maybe you will be the one that makes a difference in the life of "mans best friend"
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