Benefits of Becoming a Dog Groomer

So you’re thinking about becoming a dog groomer. It’s a great profession in so many ways!

• You get to work with dogs (and sometimes cats) all day, making them look and feel their best.
• Dog groomers get to indulge their creative sides.
• Dog grooming offers paths to owning your own business, either in your home, a storefront or by offering mobile grooming.
• It’s a great side gig, and the hours can be flexible to fit your schedule.
• The average yearly salary for a dog groomer in the U.S. is over $47,000.

Before you commit to any profession, though, it’s a smart idea to learn as much as you can. The following is a helpful guide to anyone wanting to take up pet grooming as a profession and possible business opportunity.

Dog Grooming Licensing

If you’re like most people, you will be surprised at how little current regulatory control there is for dog groomers and businesses that employ dog groomers. Currently, no national regulations exist whatsoever, and only a couple of states have licensing requirements.

Connecticut requires all pet grooming facilities and anyone who works in one to be licensed through the state’s Department of Agriculture. Colorado does not license individuals to be dog groomers but grooming facilities are licensed through the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act.

Other states that have considered or are considering licensing groomers and grooming facilities are Massachusetts, Texas, New Jersey and New York. Of the four, New Jersey came closest to passing legislation, dubbed “Bijou’s Law” after a dog by that name died after being groomed. However, the 2018 bill was still under review years later.

For a profession so closely associated with animal health and well being, this lack of oversight seems unexpected. It definitely puts the burden of due diligence on pet owners to make sure the dog groomer they use has been certified and by a reputable pet grooming school at that!

Today’s pet owners are generally pretty savvy when it comes to providing the best for their fur babies, and it’s to your advantage to enroll in a dog grooming program and get certified.

Earning Your Dog Grooming Certification

Don’t let the idea of dog grooming school intimidate you. Unlike a college degree, which takes years and a major outlay of funds, dog grooming certification can be completed in about a year. Tuition, especially at online schools, is affordable.

Be careful with your choice of schools, however! Steer clear of any that offer only online learning; a hands-on component is necessary to ensure you have a chance to practice your skills, master techniques and learn to do a full groom on your own. Schools such as Animal Behavior College provide local real-world experience with a mentor groomer as part of their course requirements.

Look for schools approved by organizations such as the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) or the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Such recognition gives you confidence that your chosen school can fully prepare you to be a professional dog groomer.

Getting Experience Under Your Belt

Even certified groomers can use a little help in the beginning. While you are getting your feet under you as a groomer, you may want to reach out to local grooming schools or salons to see if they would welcome your help as an apprentice or let you mentor with someone.

Working with a mentor can help you gain confidence in your abilities when you’re fresh out of grooming school. It’s also helpful if you are looking to expand your skill set in a particular area or with a specific dog breed.

If it’s a good fit, a mentorship or apprenticeship could eventually turn into a job opportunity.

Starting Your Own Dog Grooming Business

Starting your own business is an exciting journey, and dog grooming is an ideal profession for self-employment. You can start small, with a mobile business or a room in your home equipped for grooming, build a clientele and then see where you grow!

As you would expect, you can’t just hang up a sign or go on social media and announce you’re ready for business. There are a few hoops to jump through to make sure your business is legal.

Even though your state, city or municipality may not require you to be licensed as a groomer, you will be expected to register your business with the state where you live, obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, acquire a business license, obtain professional liability insurance, and follow applicable local zoning restrictions.

You’ll have to decide on a business structure–sole proprietorship, limited liability corporation (LLC) or partnership. A sole proprietorship is just what it sounds like: you are the owner and operator of the whole business. An LLC can be set up in a variety of ways but basically limits your personal liability and provides certain tax benefits. A partnership exists when there are two or more people owning a business together.

An attorney or CPA can help guide you and get set up to make sure you’re crossing all your “t’s” and dotting all your “i’s.”

You should seriously consider joining at least one pet groomers association. Organizations such as the National Dog Groomers Association of America and American Professional Pet Groomers Association offer networking, educational opportunities, certifications and other professional support.

Continuing Education

If you want to offer more services as a groomer there are several options for continuing your education. Short term courses teach such topics as diet and nutrition and pet massage There are also breed specific certifications for different breed groups: non-sporting, sporting, long-legged terriers and short-legged terriers. Finally, with the increasing popularity of luxury spa treatments for pets, it pays to stay up-to-date on high-end grooming options.

While none of these are required, continuing education makes you a more well-rounded groomer and helps you offer the best for your four-legged clients. It doesn’t hurt your bottom line either!

Take the First Step

If you’ve decided that dog grooming is for you, your first step should be a call to Animal Behavior College. We love helping people launch animal careers, and we’ve been doing it for nearly three decades. To speak to an admissions counselor, call 800-795-3294.