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.
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.
Physical
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Imaginative
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Cooperative
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
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
Reasons to choose this job
Based on our career survey data, these are the factors that workers said were most important to them when choosing this job.
Enjoyable
Having a flow of different dogs to meet, clean and make beautiful is a great way to spend your workday. Some dogs may be anxious and need the experience to be calm and caring. Making these dogs feel comfortable so you can achieve the best outcome for them safely can be highly fulfilling.
Flexible hours
A role as a dog groomer can be full-time, part-time or casual. Generally, there is a higher demand for grooming services on the weekend or after-hours. This can present an opportunity to start working as a groomer or groomers assistant outside of your regular work hours.
Makes a difference
Grooming dogs and keeping them clean, hygienic and healthy makes a huge impact in a dog’s life. Dog groomers help pooches maintain their appearance before it gets out of hand, something a dog can’t do itself.
Job satisfaction
Overall job satisfaction
This overall score combines the critical factors in job satisfaction. It includes fulfilment, stress levels, and opportunities for advancement, based on our career survey data.
Stress level
How stressful workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.
Fulfilment
How personally rewarding workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.
Skill level
The skill level required to do this job is based on both our career survey data and official data from the Labour Market Information Portal.
Job market trends for a dog groomer
Career opportunities in dog grooming aren’t going anywhere soon. Figures collected by the Australian Industry and Skills Committee indicate that there are around 4,000 pet grooming businesses in Australia. In addition, positions in the animal welfare sector have more than doubled since the year 2000.
With over 29 million pets in Australian households (and dogs being the majority animal type), it’s not surprising that future predictions for the dog grooming industry are relatively stable and are set to hold a moderate growth pattern.
Median salary
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Projected job growth
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Pathway options
Job pathways are drawn from the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways site.
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
-
Assistant dog groomer
Most common qualification: Certificate II in Animal Studies (ACM20117)
Mid
-
Dog groomer
Most common qualification: Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming (ACM30121)
-
Pet shop manager
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services (ACM40317)
-
Animal shelter supervisor
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services (ACM40317)
-
Animal trainer/behaviourist
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services (ACM40317)
Skills you might already have
Based on our career survey data, the soft skills that workers said were most needed to do their job well.
Dog grooming requires specific soft skills. If you have spent time around animals in your life, even your own dogs, you might have more experience in these skills than you think.
Empathy
A compassionate and caring nature goes a long way in a job as a dog groomer. Many dogs you meet may have fear around the noise of the clippers or nail trimmers and require their groomer to take the time to make them feel at ease.
Confidence around animals
Like any animal, dogs can be unpredictable. Being confident around different dog breeds and knowing the signs of distress or aggravation means you can nip any undesirable situation in the bud.
Attention to detail
Some dogs might need a simple wash and a claw trim. Some require a manicured fur cut that needs concentration and a keen eye. Certain breeds even have traditional hairstyles. When using sharp equipment, a groomer needs to be careful not to nick the skins or clip claws too short.
Patience
Being impatient with a dog while grooming is a recipe for disaster. Dogs can sense agitation, and when they can feel it in the air, they will act the same way. This can make your job extremely difficult. Displaying a calm exterior, waiting until the dog feels at ease and not rushing will make the whole experience much nicer for everyone involved.
Resilience
Every job has its tough days, and dog grooming is no different. Resilient people can manage stress better, bounce back and learn from mistakes. This is especially important if you wish to start your own business as a dog groomer.
Customer service
Dealing with the general public is a huge part of being a dog groomer. Dog groomers use customer service skills throughout the entire grooming service. You may come across anxious or particular dog owners who need a little extra TLC when communicating.
Physical stamina
Dog grooming requires long days on your feet and a certain level of elbow grease. Having the physical ability to perform the service for long periods is essential to the role.
Hard skills
The job-specific skills that workers said were most important, supplemented with data from JobOutlook and online job advertisements.
Many of the skills you need to be a professional dog groomer can be learned through on-the-job training. However, a short course in dog grooming or attending dog grooming school can prepare you to hit the ground running when you start.
Some skills you need as a successful dog groomer are:
Hair brushing and trimming
Grooming skills are a must. Many dogs with varying coat types require tangles to be removed and their coats brushed carefully. Some dogs will need fur trimming and styling, and some will need to be shaved using shears in warm weather.
Hydro-bathing
Dogs are often washed and rinsed thoroughly using a specially designed bathtub with a strong water pump.
Cutting nails
Dogs often need their claws to be cut before they become uncomfortable. This can be a tricky manoeuvre as many dogs are fearful of this process.
Ear cleaning
While some dogs don’t need ear cleaning, some are prone to material being trapped deep within the canal and need assistance expelling it to avoid infection.
Skin condition recognition & parasite treatment
Some dogs experience skin conditions and irritations due to allergies or sensitivities. Dog groomers need to have a basic understanding of these conditions to advise owners on the best treatment. Groomers also often administer treatments for common parasites like worms and ticks.
Animal behaviour recognition and safe handling
In a grooming environment, sound knowledge of a dog’s body language, behaviour patterns, as well as knowing what to do if a dog becomes upset, are essential for the safety of dogs — and yourself.
Basic first aid
If minor nicks or scratches happen during a grooming service (to either the dog or the groomer), the groomer must have procedures for first aid prepared.
Management and administration
As with any business, it is important to understand how a dog grooming business runs and the administrative processes to ensure a smooth operation.
Health and safety
In a dog grooming business, there are health and safety guidelines that companies must comply with to ensure the safety of the dog and the groomer.
There are so many breeds out there and so many different techniques. So I always go to workshops, I’ll always do extended training. Because it’s like any industry — if you do what you always do, you’re never going to get better.
Macarla Muscat, Dog Groomer at Big Paws Little Paws
How to become a dog groomer
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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.
2 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.
2 providers offer this course
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:
Reviews
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.
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.
- All
- Positive
- Negative
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.
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Job cluster: The Carer
What are job clusters?
The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.
The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.
This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.
Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?
What are job clusters?
The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.
The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.
This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.
Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?
Working hands-on with animals and their owners in a nurturing setting such as pet grooming is best suited to the career personality of The Carer.
The Carer has a personality that lends itself to helping all living things and gets fulfilment from seeing others happy. The Carer is suited to a role with direct contact with people or animals, requiring compassion and empathy.
Take the Career Quiz to discover what jobs are a great fit for you.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dog groomer make?
A dog groomer can make between $40k-$57k per year working for a company, depending on experience. If you start your own business, the sky’s the limit!
What makes a good dog groomer?
A good dog groomer loves dogs, is empathetic, patient, thorough and has excellent customer service.
What qualifications do I need to be a dog groomer?
You don’t need a formal qualification to start out in dog grooming, but taking prior study can help you land your first job.
How long does it take to become a dog groomer?
You can start a job as a dog grooming assistant straight away. However, if you wish to learn skills in dog grooming before your job search, courses can take anywhere from four weeks to two years.
Is it worth becoming a dog groomer?
If you care about the wellbeing of other living things and want an active job where every day is different to the last, dog grooming can be an extremely worthwhile job.