Dog Groomer
What is the work like?
Dog groomers keep dogs’ coats in good condition. They also advise owners on their dog's coat care, grooming and diet.
As a dog groomer your work would include:
- checking for any sore areas or lumps on the dog's skin, and for fleas or parasites
- shaping the dog's coat with electric clippers or a stripping knife
- shampooing and drying the dog's coat
- giving a final trim with scissors.
You may sometimes also clip the dog's claws and clean its teeth and ears.
You would often follow standards for how different breeds should look – for example, poodles are usually clipped to a particular shape. This is important when dogs are being prepared for showing.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You have a choice of three ways to train as a dog groomer:
- finding work with a qualified, experienced groomer and training on the job
- doing an apprenticeship
- attending a course at a college or private training centre.
All of these involve gaining practical experience under supervision.
You would not usually need any particular qualifications to begin training, but you would normally need experience with dogs. You could begin with a basic course in animal care, such as BTEC National Certificate/Diploma or NVQ Level 1 in Animal Care, and gain some voluntary experience, for example in kennels. You can find out about voluntary opportunities in your area from Volunteering England.
On private dog grooming courses you would usually start with three months in the training centre, followed by a few months' work experience. You would then go back to the training centre to prepare for exams.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
When you are employed by a salon, you will learn practical skills on the job from a qualified and experienced groomer. You might be able to work towards NVQs in Animal Care (Dog Grooming) at levels 2 and 3.
You can also complete the following qualifications:
- City & Guilds/NPTC Intermediate Certificate in Dog Grooming
- City & Guilds/NPTC Advanced Certificate in Dog Grooming
- British Dog Groomers Association Higher Diploma in Dog Grooming.
Visit the British Dog Groomers Association website for full details of the qualifications, assessment centres and examination dates. The British Dog Groomers Association is part of the Pet Care Trust.
To help you gain the background knowledge you will need for the Certificate in Dog Grooming or the NVQ in Animal Care (Dog Grooming), you can study the distance learning Grooming Theory course offered by the Animal Care College.
Where can I go for more information?
Stoneleigh Park
Nr Coventry
Warwickshire
CV8 2LG
Tel: 0845 707 8007
High Street
Ascot
Berkshire
SL5 7JG
Bedford Business Centre
170 Mile Road
Bedford
MK42 9TW
Tel: 08700 624400
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Dog groomers can earn from around £11,000 to £14,000 or more a year.
Self-employed dog groomers may charge between £25 and £70, depending on the breed of dog.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
In a dog grooming salon you would probably work a 35-hour week, Monday to Saturday (with one day off during the week). If you are self-employed, you would arrange your own working hours.
You could work in a shop, in your own home or in the dog owner’s home.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to handle dogs firmly but gently
- the ability to calm and control nervous dogs
- patience and attention to detail
- good communication and customer care skills
- business skills (if self-employed).
What opportunities are there?
Opportunities for dog groomers are increasing. You could find work in one of around 3,000 grooming salons or in grooming facilities attached to some pet shops, garden centres and kennels.
With experience and qualifications you could open your own salon or become a mobile groomer, visiting owners' homes. As a qualified and experienced groomer you could also move into training.
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