Animal Groomer

Although the majority of animal grooming involves the care of dogs, the industry has grown and become much more diverse. It now also includes grooming services for other animals, such as cats and rabbits.

Dog groomers look after the condition of dogs' coats by shampooing, clipping, trimming and grooming them. This job involves working with a variety of different breeds and sizes.

A dog groomer's tasks usually include:

• discussing with a dog's owner what type of grooming is needed
• checking a dog's skin for ticks, fleas, sore or inflamed areas and any lumps
• checking a dog's eyes, ears, mouth, nose, feet and nails
• shampooing and drying
• brushing or combing to get rid of tangles
• trimming a dog into the right shape for its breed
• styling with scissors.

Dog groomers usually work a standard full-time week, Monday to Saturday, with a day off during the week. Self-employed groomers often work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of their clients. Grooming dogs can take up to two hours for each animal. Dog and other animal groomers mainly work indoors, in a private home, shop, veterinary practice or grooming room.

Salaries may range from around £11,000 a year to around £20,000 or more for very experienced groomers, supervisors or managers.

A dog and animal groomer should:

• be knowledgeable about the care of animals
• be calm and patient, especially when grooming nervous animals
• be confident in handling any size of animal
• have good hand-to-eye co-ordination and attention to detail
• have a genuine interest in animals.

There are job opportunities for animal groomers in pet shops, specialist grooming businesses, show dog kennels and some veterinary practices throughout the UK. Many dog groomers are self-employed and run their own business.

There are no set qualifications, although some employers prefer applicants with GCSEs grades (A*-C). It is also possible to enter this career through an apprenticeship programme. Real enthusiasm and interest in working with animals, especially dogs, are very important. There are some trainee positions with qualified dog groomers, but competition is fierce.

Trainees working with experienced dog groomers receive on-the-job training. Relevant qualifications can be found on the Pet Care Trust website, such as the NPTC certificate courses in dog grooming.

Many experienced dog groomers start up their own dog grooming businesses. Some move into lecturing or training in dog grooming.

Further details