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