Dog groomer job description
Where we source our data
Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That’s why we anonymously surveyed dog groomers about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Tasks and responsibilities for a dog groomer
So, what does a typical day in dog grooming involve?
A dog groomers work can include:
- Provide grooming services, including hair and nail clipping, brushing, bathing, flea treatment and deodorising
- Deal with customers
- Ensure the job area and grooming equipment is clean
- Interact with animals
- Educate clients on pet care
- Keep records and perform admin tasks
How to become a dog groomer
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Volunteer
Contact your local pet grooming salon or vet clinic and enquire about helping out on weekends or after hours with basic grooming. Volunteering can be an excellent opportunity to gain real insight into the role and acquire grooming experience in the workplace.
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Study
Enrol in training programs like a Certificate III in Pet Grooming or a Certificate III in Animal Care Services through TAFE or Registered Training Organisation (RTO). There are flexible learning options available, and many can be self-paced so that you can complete them in your own time.
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Join the Pet Industry Association
The pet industry is a heavily regulated one. Therefore, you must be heard as a member of the industry if you wish to start a dog grooming business. A membership with the Pet Industry Association allows you to network with other business owners, be kept up to date with regulation changes and be able to make comments through a peak industry body.
Pathway options
A dog grooming career could be where you want to stay. Or you could decide to move into other pathways in the animal care industry — the opportunities are plentiful.
Beginning your career in dog grooming could lead to other roles, such as:
Junior
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Assistant dog groomer
Most common qualification: Certificate II in Animal Studies (ACM20117)
Mid
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Dog groomer
Most common qualification: Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming (ACM30121)
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Pet shop manager
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services (ACM40317)
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Animal shelter supervisor
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services (ACM40317)
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Animal trainer/behaviourist
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services (ACM40317)
Explore related qualifications
Dog & Pet Grooming Certificate
Several dog grooming training courses are available through registered organisations, including intensive versions that take less time to complete. A short or online dog grooming course could be an excellent place to start if you would like to get working as soon as possible.
6 providers offer this course
Certificate in Animal Care
A course in animal care prepares you for work in pet shelters, kennels, pet stores, rescue centres or grooming companies. Learn animal safety and wellbeing, animal first aid, infection control and skills in communication. This course also allows you to tailor the course to your by offering electives such as pet grooming.
The average duration of this certificate is six months, and some course providers may offer flexible payment plans.
Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Dog Grooming) (ACM30121)
A nationally recognised qualification in pet grooming will teach you how to properly groom dogs and companion animals. You also learn how to effectively communicate with your team, as well as customer service skills. Learn how to wash and brush dogs, understand breeds and their different requirements, as well as how to ensure the general wellbeing of your animals and much more.
Related subjects
Jobs that have you up-close and personal to our furry friends and helping make their lives a little better are not limited to dog grooming. There are many other roles in animal care that might be right for you.
Some other subjects to explore:
Related articles
If you have your heart set on a job as a dog groomer, you can access all the information you need to get you there.
Learn how to get the best outcomes step-by-step, hear from real people with inspiring stories, discover information on online courses and other interesting industry information.
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Read MoreReviews
How we collect reviews
Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.
Is this your job title?
Share your thoughts and help people decide if this job is right for them.
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Tara
Sep 01 2021Love watching the dogs progress.
What are the best parts of the job?
Working with dogs, I've always been a huge animal person. I love progression on dogs that are somewhat aggressive and seeing how far they come within a time frame gaining trust with me. It's so satisfying.
What's the most challenging part?
Badly aggressive dogs are the most challenging aspect of the job.
Natasha
Sep 07 2021Need to be adaptable and passionate to love the job.
What are the best parts of the job?
Being able to help dogs feel more comfortable and happy is really fulfilling. It's great making relationships with both the dog and the clients, and making the client feel really happy and validated as a pet owner. I also love being able to educate everybody on coat-care and nutrition.
What's the most challenging part?
There are a few different challenges in this job: dealing with the behaviours of different types of dogs, along with understanding and reading their personalities. Dealing with ridiculous dog owners (there are lot out there) is also frustrating. If you don’t cope well under stress or have good time management then the job can be extremely difficult as you can easily run behind in a day dealing with knotty/naughty/silly dogs.
Renee
Sep 09 2021Flexible hours in a job helping dogs live happier lives.
What are the best parts of the job?
There's a long list of things to enjoy about the job: doing something I love, which is helping dogs that are not able to help themselves. Being able to be creative. Being able to run my own business, work my own hours. Preventing animal health issues. Working on my own in the outdoors. Socialising with clients and their pets. And last but not least, having a special bond with your clients' dogs.
What's the most challenging part?
Dealing with aggressive clientele. Being underpaid when a job should cost more. Not understanding what grooming needs the client is asking for. Dogs that come in that are in a horrible way! Having to chase payment down when dogs groom has been completed. Dealing with aggressive/anxious dogs. Dealing with vomit/diarrhoea, gunky eyes, smelly discharge.
