Overview
Dog groomers wash, brush and clip dogs’ coats. Some also groom other animals such as long-haired cats and rabbits. Dog groomers put the dogs or other animals on a table to brush and clip them. They have to make sure that the animal cannot escape. Some animals do not like being groomed. The groomer has to keep the animals calm while they work.
Activities
- Washing dogs and other animals
- Drying the animal’s coat with a special machine
- Brushing the coat to remove tangles
- Giving treatments to kill fleas
- Cutting the coat with scissors or electric clippers
- Cleaning the animal’s ears and teeth
- Checking the animal to see if it is healthy
- Giving advice to pet owners about how to keep their animal in good condition
- Doing office tasks like answering the phone and making appointments
Organisations
Many dog groomers are self-employed. Others are employed by dog grooming businesses, boarding kennels and pet stores.
Workplace
Dog groomers usually work indoors. Some are based in a dog grooming salon. Others have a mobile van which is fitted with all the equipment they need.
Working Hours
Some dog groomers work normal office hours. Others have to work on a Saturday and have a day off in the week instead. There are often opportunities to do part-time work.
Salary
Pay when starting is about £16,000 to £17,000 per year.
Qualifications
You do not need to pass set school exams to become a dog groomer. Some employers will expect you to have GCSEs, or equivalent qualifications, especially in Maths and English, others will not. You could also apply for an apprenticeship. If you have an EHCP you may be able to apply under the DfE exemption which allows the apprentice to use Entry Level 3 English and Maths qualifications.
The apprentice would have to be competent enough to successfully achieve all other aspects of the apprenticeship requirements, become occupationally competent and achieve Entry Level 3 in English and Maths before the end of their apprenticeship.