Pet groomers care for animals of all ages, shapes and sizes. Commonly working with dogs and cats, they’re responsible for washing, clipping, grooming and styling their fur, as well as trimming their claws and cleaning other problem areas, helping them live comfortably and look fabulous.
If you’re great with both human and animal customers and have a steady hand and lots of patience, this career could be ideal for you.
What Skills do I Need as a Pet Groomer?
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Excellent customer service skills
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Strong attention to detail
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Love of animals
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Reasonable level of fitness
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Patience and resilience
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Good hand-eye coordination
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Confidence and reliability
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Hygiene and safety-minded
What Does the Job Involve?
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Bathing, shampooing, and drying pets
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Brushing, clipping, and styling fur
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Trimming nails and cleaning ears
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Checking for signs of health problems
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Discussing grooming options with pet owners
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Providing product recommendations and advice
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Maintaining a clean and safe workspace
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Keeping records of each pet’s grooming history
What Kind of Lifestyle Can I Expect?
Most pet groomers work standard business hours, but you might start early or stay late to accommodate owners who need to bring their pets in before or after work. It’s also common for pet groomers to work on weekends.
Pet groomers typically earn an average salary throughout their careers.
You can work in a variety of environments, including in veterinary clinics, specialist pet salons, from your own home, or through a mobile grooming service. There are also plenty of opportunities for part-time work for those who require more flexibility.
How to Become a Pet Groomer
Becoming a pet groomer requires training for both success and animal safety.
Most aspiring pet groomers start with a grooming or animal care course at a vocational training provider – you may even have the opportunity to complete your course as part of an apprenticeship. You’ll learn animal handling, breed-specific cuts, tool usage, and business basics.
You’ll also need to develop your skills gradually, often starting with basic services like baths and nail trims before progressing to full grooming services. Building confidence with different breeds and temperaments takes time and practice.
Career progression can lead to owning your own salon, specialising in show grooming, expanding into pet daycare or photography, or even specialising in more unique animals.
What Can I do Right Now to Work Towards this Career?
If you’re in high school and considering a career in pet grooming, here are some practical steps you can take today:
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Volunteer at local animal shelters or rescue organisations to gain experience handling different animals and observing their behaviour.
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Consider finding a part-time job or work experience at a grooming salon, veterinary clinic, pet store, or even dog walking or pet sitting to start building relationships with owners.
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Talk to professional groomers about their experiences – most are happy to share insights about the industry and what the job really involves day-to-day.
Where Can I Find More Information?
Similar Careers to Pet Groomer
Find out more about alternative careers on our Job Spotlights page.
Source: Study Work Grow
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