Overview
A pet groomer or pet stylist professionally grooms dogs, cats, and other pets. A horse groom specializes in grooming, tacking, and bathing horses.

What responsibilities will I have?
- Greet clients and pets and take instructions for grooming them per the client’s wishes in a professional manner
- Bathe and clean pets prior to grooming
- Groom pets by brushing and scissoring fur, filing or clipping nails, cleaning ears and teeth, or coloring fur or hair to the preference of client
- Administer grooming all while ensuring safety and compassion for animal
- Recognize skin or coat issues as well as parasites, injury, or disease symptoms in order to report to pet owners
- Sweep or vacuum grooming area after each pet has been groomed
- Clean tub and grooming equipment after each grooming
- Instruct owners and clients on proper washing care for their pets
- Schedule, book, and verify appointments
- Maintain records
- Keep inventory of grooming products such as shampoo and soap
- Be willing to work flexible hours including weekends
What education and training is required?
A high school diploma is required to become a pet groomer along with a certain level of experience, typically as an apprentice or trainee. There are also pet grooming programs available. Breed-standard clipping knowledge is preferred.
To pursue a career as a Pet Groomer:
The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, animal science, anatomy, and biology.
Typical Employers:
Pet groomers work for pet salons, pet stores, veterinarians, kennels, or are self-employed. Horse grooms work for stables or may be self-employed.
Future Job Market/Outlook
The future outlook for a pet groomer will be good over the next five years.
Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations
- National Dog Groomers Association
- Professional Cat Groomers Association of America
- International Professional Groomers, Inc.
- Intellectual Groomers Association
- State pet groomer associations