Anyone know anything about pet grooming?

Question

I want to be a dog groomer. What kind of education do I need? What is it like being a groomer? Any disadvantages/advantages to be a groomer? Anything else I should know?

Answer 1

Being a groomer is a wonderful career, but it is also frustrating, heartbreaking, stressful, and physically, most groomers only last about 10 years, because it's very hard on the body.

The education you need depends on where you live and where you want to work. Places like Petsmart will start you as a pet bather, where you will learn the basics of bathing, brushing, trimming nails, and cleaning ears. When you have mastered that, they will send you to grooming school. It's free, but you have to sign a contract to say you'll stay with the store for at least 2 years, or else you have to pay back $4,000+ in education and equipment. If you don't want that, you can go to a regular grooming school, but those can be pricey.

Good Things:
-You get to work with animals
-You get to express your creative side
-It's a fun environment
-It makes really good money
-You can groom just about anywhere in the world
-You end up learning a lot about dog husbandry
-You can work in a shop, in a mobile van, in a doggie daycare or kennel, or in a vet clinic
-You usually get regular clients who know you by name and it's great to see the dogs grow up in front of your eyes

Bad Things:
-Very high stress
-You have to be time-oriented and able to multitask
-You have to accept that some owners just won't like you, or your grooming style
-You'll probably injure a dog at some point in time, and you have to learn to cope with the guilt and get the dog cared for by a vet.
-It's a lot of wear and tear on your body, your back and wrists will never be the same.
-You'll smell terrible every day.
-You'll probably get bitten.
-You'll have to deal with bad dog owners who bring in matted, flea-bitten, filthy dogs, whom you'll have to shave, and when you do, you'll discover horrible open bleeding wounds on their skin, and it will make you cry.
-It's a big investment financially, a full set of grooming equipment can cost $1,000+, not counting grooming school if you choose to pay for your own.
-You have a lot to learn- there are a lot of breeds and a lot of haircuts!

I've been a groomer for 4 years, and while I love my job, there are plenty of days I come home angry or crying, my left wrist is already starting to go bad, and I have to wear a brace sometimes, my back is always in pain... on the other hand, I make good money, I love working with dogs, and even if it makes me cry, I love to make a horribly neglected dog look and feel so much better when I'm finished, I love seeing my regular customers come in to see me, and I wouldn't trade my job for any other.

If you have more questions or want to chat, feel free to email me:
[e-mail]
I can help you get off on the right foot if this is the job you really want.

Answer 2

You definitely need to know about every breed's coat and grooming needs. Poodles get a technical cut for a reason and some dogs are prone to skin allergies, so you need to know which ones need to use mild soap.
I've known boarding places with groomers, the money is in owning the business, not being a groomer. However, that is a great way to start. There are mobile groomers that go in vans and of course permanent grooming shops. Some mobile companies have franchised their name out and for a set price will give you a fully equipped van with the name and classes, to start your own business. Also, there are other mobile units that people are retiring and will give you their whole client list with the van, which is an amazing jump start.
Disadvantages- You are near hot dryers, wet gloves, dirty dogs, and often really bad dogs all day long. Not to mention on your feet or knees the whole time.
Advantages- It is pretty easy to start your own company and to find jobs. It is definitely a trend that is widespread from Petco to Pet Boutiques.

Answer 3

Talk to some local groomers and to some pet stores in your area that provide grooming services. Many people do an internship under a groomer starting out as "bather/brushers". You can often find a groomer who will teach you or a store that will sponsor your training if you try out working in that dept. and decide it is what you want to do.
I think the best way to know what it is about is to work with a groomer or in a salon with groomers.
I think if you do this you will see if it is for you and you will learn advantages and disadvantages.
You need to be good at it to get a shop of your own and you need to have business skills to do that as well.
You would need insurance and overhead for supplies.
If you work for a salon at a Pet Store or salon, you will probably be paid commission to start, or a base pay often without benefits or if with benefits the base is low.
It may be different in different towns/states as far as pay goes. Once you build up a good strong clientele who request you, you can get higher pay and eventually go out on your own if you want to. Most salons that will train you will want you to contract with them for a year or two before going out on your own if they train you.
Breathing hair, handling heavy animals and the dirty work at times are drawbacks. Many groomers get carpal tunnel syndrome and/or back problems after a few years.

Answer 4

I work at petsmart in grooming and i know they have a program where you go to school with them for a few months for free and when you are done they will put you back in the salon as an apprentece for 100 dogs to pay them back(you make an hourly salary) then you are a certified dog groomer with 50% commission.

Answer 5

There are some vocational programs that are 600 hours or 15 weeks. Being a groomer has good points and bad. Not all dogs and cats are cooperative some become vicious when you attempt to groom them. You have to be prepared to deal with those stubborn animals. It is not that easy to establish your own grooming business. I had relatives who tried and barely made their expenses. They found the work somewhat rewarding but at times difficult.

Answer 6

There really isn't much required. Just get a place to hire you. There are no special grooming schools. Buy a book to learn the standard "haircuts" for the different breeds. Grooming can be fun. Sometimes you get a chance to be creative but sometimes you get bit.