Dog Groomer

Dog groomers maintain the condition of dogs' coats by regular trimming, clipping and grooming. They also give advice to dog owners on diet, grooming and the general care of dogs' coats.

The Work

You could be:

• washing, drying, shampooing, cutting and brushing the coats of both long-haired and short-haired dogs


• using special grooming methods, depending on the breed of dog


• cutting the coat into a particular style


• using scissors, electric clippers and razors to cut and trim coats


• clipping nails, cleaning teeth and ears


• treating dogs for fleas and other parasites


• preparing dogs for shows, making sure coats are clean and in good condition


• giving owners advice on dog behaviour, diet or grooming.

Conditions

• You would usually work in a salon, in a pet shop or in kennels.


• Some groomers offer a mobile service and visit owners in their home.


• The working week is normally from Monday to Saturday. If you have to work on a Saturday, you would normally have a day off during the week.


• You may work longer hours if you run your own business.


• The working conditions may be warm and humid.


• You would normally wear protective and waterproof clothing.


• You would be active and on your feet for most of the day.


• Some dogs can be nervous and there may be a risk of being bitten.


• There may be less work in winter when many owners let their dogs’ coats grow.

Getting In

• Entry to this job can be competitive.


• A good general education is useful and some employers may ask for a group of Standard grades.


• You may be able to get in through a Modern Apprenticeship.


• You can take a fee-paying course at a private grooming training centre. Details are available from the British Dog Groomers Association which is part of the Pet Care Trust.


• Previous work experience with animals, such as work in kennels, can be helpful.


• You need to be fit, as you would be on your feet most of the day.


• You should have a steady hand - dogs may be nervous or unruly.


• You must not be allergic to dogs or to the chemicals used.

What Does It Take?

You need to be:

• able to handle dogs of all sizes and enjoy working with them


• able to calm down nervous animals


• good with your hands


• careful and responsible


• artistic and creative


• able to get on well with dog owners of all ages and from all backgrounds.

Training

• Training would be on-the-job, under the supervision of an experienced groomer.


• If you are a on a Modern Apprenticeship, you would normally train for relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) such as Animal Care.


• You can take a fee-paying course through a private college. Details are available from the British Dog Groomers Association (Pet Care Trust).


• The British Dog Groomers Association has developed a Higher Diploma in Dog Grooming. Details are available on the Pet Care Trust website.


• You could take a City and Guilds Certificate in dog grooming.

Getting On

• With experience you could apply to become a trainer on dog grooming courses.


• You could set up and run your own dog grooming business.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.