Skill Jobs Forum

Career Definition for a Pet Groomer
A professional pet groomer does much more than just keep our pets looking and smelling nice. A pet groomer can be an important member of a pet's healthcare team by discovering potential problems early, such as ear infections, skin abnormalities or tooth decay. It is common for pet groomers to also be small business owners, owning and managing their own grooming salon; however, there are many opportunities to work as a pet groomer even if you're not interested in running a small business. Large pet-themed specialty stores, veterinarians, animal hospitals, kennels, shelters and up-scale hotels and resorts are just some of the places a skilled pet groomer may find work.

Education Required
There is no specific educational requirement for becoming a pet groomer, although training programs are available through online courses and some vocational schools. However, many people in this field have learned their skills through on-the-job training. Experience, more than formal training, is often considered the most important factor when customers are choosing a pet groomer. Skilled pet groomers know the grooming standards for all breeds of dogs, understand small-animal anatomy and know how to spot changes in a pet's hygiene that might indicate a health concern. Pet groomers who wish to own their salons may benefit from some training in the basics of business management as well.

Skills Needed
In addition to patience and genuine care for animals, a pet groomer must have high standards of cleanliness and professionalism. Excellent customer service skills are required, and pet groomers who own their own salons may also need good management skills if they employ other groomers or assistants. Dogs may be the animal to most commonly visit a pet groomer, but groomers should be prepared to care for cats and other pets as well.

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