If you love dogs and want to work with them, becoming a dog groomer may seem like the perfect career choice. But can you make a living as a dog groomer? The answer is yes, but it depends on several factors.
According to The Academy of Pet Careers, the average salary for dog groomers in the US is around $29,000 per year, but specialized groomers for specific breeds or show dogs can earn much more. Salon owners and independent groomers can also earn more depending on how many clients they serve. However, your pay can vary throughout your career, and owning your own business comes with more responsibility and greater risk.
Being a dog groomer requires more than just a love for dogs. As a groomer, you need to show empathy and understanding for your clients as well as their pets. You should be able to work on your feet for most of the day, handle both large and small dogs, and keep your composure during stressful situations, such as with a reactive dog. If you have the necessary skills and are willing to put in the work, you can make a living as a dog groomer.
Table of Contents
- How Much Can You Make As A Dog Groomer?
- What Are The Requirements To Become A Dog Groomer?
- Challenges of Being a Dog Groomer
- Pros And Cons Of Being A Dog Groomer
- FAQ
How Much Can You Make As A Dog Groomer?
Factors That Affect Income
As a dog groomer, your income can vary depending on several factors. Your location, experience, and the type of services you offer can all affect your earning potential. According to The Academy of Pet Careers, specialized groomers for specific breeds or show dogs can earn much more than the average salary for dog groomers in the US, which is around $29,000 per year. Salon owners and independent groomers can also earn more depending on how many clients they serve.
Average Salaries
The average salary for a pet groomer is $23.33 per hour in the United States, according to Indeed. However, the salary can range from $12.92 to $42.11 per hour, depending on the factors mentioned above.
In New Zealand, the professional dog groomer’s salary is approximately $41,599 NZD per year, while pet groomers in Australia can expect to earn an average annual salary of approximately $39,867 AUD, as reported by QC Pet Studies.
When starting your own dog grooming business, it’s important to have a solid business plan and a flair for the work. Proper education and safety certification are also necessary to start building a solid clientele.
Successful grooming salons for dogs report earning up to 75k to even 100k in profits per year. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this level of success may take time and effort to achieve.
What Are The Requirements To Become A Dog Groomer?
Education and Training
To become a dog groomer, you don’t need a formal education or degree. However, having some formal training can help you gain the necessary knowledge and experience to do the job well. Several schools across the country offer hands-on dog groomer programs and certifications. These programs usually last from 2 to 5 months and teach you the basics of dog grooming, including bathing, trimming hair, and styling hair as per request. You can also find online courses that offer similar training.
Certifications and Licenses
While there are no specific certifications or licenses required to become a dog groomer, obtaining them can help you stand out in the industry. The National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) offers certification programs that test your knowledge and skills in dog grooming. You can also obtain a business license if you plan to open your grooming salon. Additionally, some states may require a pet grooming license, so be sure to check with your state’s regulations. Sources:
Challenges of Being a Dog Groomer
Physical Demands
Being a dog groomer requires a lot of physical activity. You will be on your feet for most of the day, bending and stretching to groom the dogs. This can be tiring and can cause fatigue, muscle soreness, and even injuries. According to Veterinary Schools, repetitive injuries and arthritis are common in dog groomers.
Working With Difficult Dogs
Not all dogs are easy to groom. Some dogs may be anxious, aggressive, or simply uncooperative. Grooming these dogs can be challenging and stressful. You need to have the skills and patience to handle difficult dogs and keep them calm during the grooming process. According to QC Pet Studies, dealing with difficult dogs is one of the biggest challenges of being a dog groomer.
Time Management
Dog grooming can be a time-consuming job. You need to manage your time effectively to ensure that you can groom all the dogs promptly. This can be difficult, especially if you have a lot of dogs to groom or if you are working alone. You need to be organized and efficient to make the most of your time.
Smelly and Dirty Work
Dog grooming can be smelly and dirty work. You will be dealing with dogs that may have fleas, ticks, or other parasites, and you may need to clean up urine or feces. This can be unpleasant, and you need to be prepared to handle these situations.
Low Pay
Dog grooming is not a high-paying job. Most groomers are paid on commission and take home a percentage of the price of each groom they perform. This means that your income can vary depending on the number of dogs you groom and the prices you charge. It can be challenging to make a living as a dog groomer, especially if you are just starting.
Pros And Cons Of Being A Dog Groomer
Pros
Being a dog groomer can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice. Here are some advantages of being a dog groomer:
- You get to work with dogs and help them look and feel their best.
- You can be your boss by setting up your salon or mobile grooming business.
- You can develop a loyal customer base and build long-term relationships with pet owners.
- You can work flexible hours and have the freedom to schedule appointments around your personal life.
Cons
While there are many advantages to being a dog groomer, there are also some challenges to consider:
- Being a dog groomer is physically demanding and can be hard on your body.
- Dealing with aggressive or difficult dogs can be a challenge and requires patience and skill.
- The job can be repetitive and may lead to injuries or arthritis.
- Some clients may not respect your time and maybe no-shows or arrive late to appointments.
According to QC Pet Studies, being a dog groomer is a physically challenging career that requires standing for long periods and performing repetitive tasks. However, the same source notes that physical exercise can be a benefit of the job.
Another source, Ablison, notes that dealing with difficult dogs can be a major challenge for dog groomers. However, the same source also notes that handling these dogs safely is an essential skill for any dog groomer to have.
Overall, being a dog groomer can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice for those who love working with dogs and are willing to put in the hard work and dedication required to succeed.
FAQ
How Do I Become A Dog Groomer?
To become a dog groomer, you need to acquire qualifications that authorize you to do the job correctly and safely.
1. Attend a course
Search your local area for accredited courses in dog grooming
2. Gain experience
Volunteer with an established dog grooming company or a dog shelter and assist an experienced dog groomer to learn practical skills
3. Get certified
After your course has finished you will receive the relevant paperwork that authorizes you to groom dogs
4. Set up a business or apply for a dog grooming job
Dog groomers either work independently for themselves or work within established companies.
How Long Does It Take To Become a Dog Groomer?
A state-approved dog grooming courses take around 12 – 18 weeks to complete.
Alternatively, you can complete an apprenticeship offered by an established company. Apprenticeship positions are more hands-on, and usually only take around 6 – 10 weeks to complete.
Is It Worth Becoming a Dog Groomer?
If you love dogs then yes! It is worth becoming a dog groomer and dedicating your time to the care of dogs of all sizes and breeds.
Becoming a dog groomer is not suited to everyone. Some dogs do not like to be groomed, so you will have to demonstrate patience and great care in handling dogs that may be frightened of the grooming harness or do not like to take baths.
However, you get a chance to develop relationships with regular customers and work with all dog breeds across the board.
Being a dog groomer is a challenging but rewarding job.
Is Dog Grooming Hard?
Dog groom is not easy, especially when it comes to larger breeds that won’t sit still for their monthly nail trim, or come across a particularly long-haired mucky pup.
However, being a dog groomer is fun and interesting. You will learn a lot about different breeds, and their temperaments and will begin to understand and know what to expect from different types of dogs.
It can be tiring as it is a physically demanding job that requires you to be on your feet for most of the day. This can be challenging when you need to stay calm and collected for the more difficult dogs.
What Qualifications Do I Need To Be A Dog Groomer?
There is no one way to become a dog groomer. Technically, anyone can become a dog groomer, especially if they set up their own business, but it may be harder to get customers to trust you if you do not have evidence that you have formal training and experience.
Contacting your local dog authority, and speaking to existing dog groomers in your area is the best way to find out what you need to make your dream of becoming a dog groomer happen.
There are many animal handling and welfare certificates out there, and you can customize the services you offer depending on the courses you have taken.
Do Dog Groomers Make Good Money?
The average yearly wage of a dog groomer in the US is around $29,000 per year. Some dog groomers, especially those who specialize in a particular grooming method, can make more than this.
Other groomers who make less than this are typically new to the job and are just starting. As an independent dog groomer, you can set your rates accordingly, but if you get a job as a dog groomer for a vet or a company, expect to receive a middling wage.
Do Dog Groomers Get Tips?
Whether or not dog groomers get tips depends on the customer, but delivering quality services always increases your chances of getting great tips in return.
When dog groomers do get tips, they average around 10-15% of the service charged. This is the same across most industries and good dog groomers do get tipped regularly, especially if they establish a good rapport with their customer base.
However, it is never wise to rely solely on tips. Calculate your likely earning based only on services charged, and do not include the tips, that way when the tips do come, they are a bonus.
What Is The Best Thing About Being a Dog Groomer?
Different dog groomers will give you different answers, but the most common reason that dog groomers love their jobs is that they get to connect and make friends with hundreds of different dogs throughout their careers.
Those who truly love dogs are excellent for dog grooming. Dog grooming also encourages pet health, and it’s a great feeling to know that you helped a pet feel happier and more comfortable within its fur.
Dog groomers get to meet a lot of people too! This is a great opportunity to give advice and guidance to pet owners as to how to keep their pets clean and happy until their next grooming appointment.
My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.