What does a career look like as a qualified dog groomer?

If you are considering a career in dog grooming and wondering what life is like after you qualify, this guide is for you.

Becoming a qualified dog groomer can open the door to a number of opportunities to work closely with dogs every day. Whether you plan to work in a salon or dream of running your own business, there are several paths you can take. 

At D-O-G Grooming Studio Courses, we train students who want to build a career in professional dog grooming, with courses ranging from introductory taster sessions through to industry recognised qualifications such as the City & Guilds Combined Level 2 & 3.

Our courses focus heavily on practical salon experience, helping students to develop their skills and confidence they need to start their careers.

What does a dog groomer do?

Dog grooming is a lot more than simply cutting a dog's hair. In some cases, they act as the first line of medical care helping to spot and identify potential issues that require further investigation.

Every dog that comes into the salon has different needs. The breed, coat type, condition of the coat, temperament and the requirements of the owner will all influence what takes place during the grooming appointment. 

Whilst every groom is different, a typical session can involve:

• Preparing and brushing the coat
• Bathing and drying
• De-matting (if applicable)
• Clipping and scissoring
• Breed-specific styling
• Hand stripping
• Nail trimming
• Checking the dog’s general condition
• Safely handling and moving dogs
• Cleaning and maintaining grooming
• Discussing grooming requirements with the owner

Dog groomers may also notice changes such as lumps, skin problems, ear issues or other medical concerns while working with a dog.

It is important to understand that a groomer is not a vet and cannot diagnose medical conditions, but they can be an important first step in noticing anything unusual so that the owner can take the appropriate next steps.

This combination of practical grooming, animal handling and customer care is what makes professional dog grooming such a varied career.

A typical day...

The old adage that no two days are the same is a bit cliched, but is certainly true for a dog groomer given the nature of the animals you’ll be working with.

Depending on where you work and the type of salon you work in, you may groom several dogs throughout the day, with appointments varying according to the size of the dog, the coat and the grooming service required. 

A typical day might start with preparing the salon and equipment before welcoming your first 
client.

Once the dog arrives, you will usually discuss with the owner about the grooming requirements before assessing the dog’s coat and general condition. You’ll then begin the grooming process, which may include bathing, drying, brushing, clipping, scissoring and styling.

Between appointments is often the less glamorous - but equally important - part of being a dog grooming. You’ll need to clean the salon, disinfect the equipment and prepare a safe and hygienic environment for the next grooming session.

The different career directions

One of the great things about becoming a qualified dog groomer is that there are a number of potential career paths.

You could choose to work for an established grooming salon, gaining further experience while developing your grooming skills. This route will also enable you to focus on the grooming, rather than worrying about running a business.

Alternatively, you may decide that you would like to work for yourself. Some groomers operate from a home salon, while others will establish a commercial premises or provide a mobile grooming service.

Working in an established grooming salon

For many newly qualified dog groomers, working in an established salon is a natural first step. It will give you the opportunity to continue developing your skills while working alongside other experienced groomers. 

You will also gain experience of the business side of grooming, without being over exposed too early.

Tasks such as managing appointments, speaking with customers and handling a busy schedule will stand you in good stead for taking the plunge into self-employment later along the line.

Starting your own dog grooming business

If you have an entrepreneurial side, becoming a qualified dog groomer gives you the opportunity to start your own business. 

Running a business by yourself involves much more than just being good at grooming dogs. You will also need to think about your customer service, appointment scheduling, marketing, pricing, equipment and general business administration. This is why certain business management training is included within some of the professional dog grooming courses on offer.

The City & Guilds Level 3 qualification covers areas such as customer care and business management, while the iPet Level 3 Diploma specifically includes salon management. 

For many groomers, the long term possibility of being able to work for themselves is what draws them towards the industry. 

Build your own specialism

As your skills grow and you become more experienced, you could decide to specialise in a certain aspect of dog grooming. For example, you could choose to specialise in a particular breed or type of coat, as well as narrowing in on specific skills such as creative scissoring or hand stripping.

Dog grooming is not a career where your learning stops when you qualify. Every dog that you groom and every owner that you interact with will improve your skills.

The qualification is there to provide a solid technical foundation; it is up to you where you take it.

Feel free to contact us if you have further questions on this topic or would like to begin the first steps of your career as an aspiring dog groomer by undertaking a course through us.