Do you love dogs? Do you dream of spending all your time working with dogs in a career like grooming or training or maybe it’s volunteering with an animal rescue, helping them live their best lives and showering them with affection?
Lots of people have a deep passion for dogs but never think about starting an animal career, even though there are lots of options available.
Maybe it never occurred to you that your passion could be a career possibility; maybe you didn’t think it would be profitable; or maybe you didn’t know how to get started.
Passion is a powerful factor in career happiness, and your love for dogs could be a nudge in the right direction. You’ve probably heard the old chestnut, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” There’s more than a grain of truth in that.
Passion can be a fuel that energizes you, keeps you wanting to learn and do, and helps you keep going on days that aren’t your best.
Dog Groomers Who Followed Their Hearts
Dog groomers come from all walks of life and with a wide array of life experiences. Some start their grooming careers early on; others, like Jeanette Nolte, turn to grooming later, realizing that their hobby could actually be the path to independence as a business owner.
Nolte had years of animal-related experience before she got serious and enrolled in Animal Behavior College (ABC). Our online pet grooming program gave her the knowledge she needed to become a certified groomer, and the business component of the course helped her fulfill her goal of starting her own business. She has been able to quit her former job and groom full time.
“My dream job was to work with dogs,” Nolte said, “but I was thinking it was more of a hobby and not a career. The sky is the limit in working with animals, especially in this day and age. You don’t have to have a 9-5 job; you can make a successful career out of it (grooming) and do what you love.”
Wanda Dorn actually fell in love with grooming as a teen when she helped a friend groom poodles, but she didn’t pursue it as a career. Instead, she became an electrician. Not until after retirement did she fulfill her passion for grooming. She turned to us to earn her certification.( You’re never too old to learn new tricks!)
For some dog lovers, the excitement comes from transforming dogs and the never-ending educational possibilities that spark creativity. Alexis Drummonds was a self-taught groomer who decided to get serious and enroll in ABC.
“I love the way grooming can transform a dog in the midst of 2-3 hours. The reaction of the pet parent is one of the best things about my job. Hearing the words, ‘You look like a completely different dog!’ never gets old.”
Drummonds keeps the health and well-being of her furry clients first and foremost, firmly refusing to do any sort of cut or trim that would harm a dog.
Groomer Jay Scruggs got his introduction to grooming when, in the midst of his not-so-hot college years, his parents suggested a local grooming school and his passion was immediately sparked.
Scruggs describes grooming as an ideal career for creative animal lovers who want a career that’s not in the veterinary field. He particularly loves grooming standard poodles because their coats provide an outlet for creativity.
He welcomes people into the profession, saying there’s always room for good quality groomers. “Nowadays people spend more money on their pets,” he said. “There’s more demand for groomers.”
Follow Your Passion for Pets
At the risk of sounding like Marie Kondo, it’s important to your happiness to find a career that sparks joy. If you want to groom dogs, groom dogs!
Animal Behavior College exists to help people with a passion for animals launch their careers. We’re here for you whenever you’re ready to get started!
