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Dawn125 · 03-18-2006, 12:01 PM

OK, I'm a groomer. First of all I suggest you try to get a part time job as a brusher/bather to see if you really want to be a groomer before you even consider going to grooming school. The big box type grooming facilities like PetSmart and Petco will hire anyone who is willing with no experience. Smaller private grooming salons will often do the same since it is hard to keep employees for long in the business.

Grooming relatively clean little indoor dogs is the glamorous part of grooming. Unfortunately filthy, smelly outdoor dogs are a huge part of dog grooming. Rarely a day goes buy that I don't have to clean up poop or pee. Not to mention eye boogers, anal glands, yucky oozy warts, dirty infected ears, drool, hair in my eyes-mouth-nose, hair splinters (the little hairs can actually worm their way into your skin), fleas, ticks.....So, yeah, Grooming is a dirty job. It's also physically exhausting. Big, hairy dogs that don't particularly want to be groomed can kill your back. Oh, did I mention that some dogs bite? Sorry, I don't mean to scare you away but just wanted to share the reality of dog grooming.

On the positive side, taking a grubby, matted little mess and making him feel better and look fabulous can be really rewarding. Watching mom or dad greet their dog and rave about how beautiful he is after grooming really warms your heart. I swear the dogs know they're beautiful when they go home. If you are a person who loves dogs, is not grossed out too easily, doesn't mind working hard, is artistic and creative this might be a great career for you.

Basically to be a professional dog groomer you can either go to a grooming school or apprentice under a professional groomer. Grooming school can cost around $5000-$8000 and takes 3-6 months (or more depending on the program). There are online grooming schools that are cheaper but I wouldn't expect to come out with enough knowledge or experience to work as a groomer without additional training. If you work as a bather/brusher at PetSmart or Petco and they feel that you are doing well they will send you to grooming school (for free) and they pay your salary and benefits while you are in school. A great deal for some but from what I understand the training is minimal and from what I see coming out of their grooming salons the dogs are almost always shaved so I guess they do just teach basic cuts.

There is no licensing requirement for dog groomers in most states. I don't know how easy it is to find a job in different areas. In my area I had no problem getting a job but I'm sure it varies place to place.

Anyway, I love my job and wouldn't consider doing anything else. Good luck.

03-18-2006, 12:01 PM	#4
Dawn125 YT Addict Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Central California Posts: 445	OK, I'm a groomer. First of all I suggest you try to get a part time job as a brusher/bather to see if you really want to be a groomer before you even consider going to grooming school. The big box type grooming facilities like PetSmart and Petco will hire anyone who is willing with no experience. Smaller private grooming salons will often do the same since it is hard to keep employees for long in the business. Grooming relatively clean little indoor dogs is the glamorous part of grooming. Unfortunately filthy, smelly outdoor dogs are a huge part of dog grooming. Rarely a day goes buy that I don't have to clean up poop or pee. Not to mention eye boogers, anal glands, yucky oozy warts, dirty infected ears, drool, hair in my eyes-mouth-nose, hair splinters (the little hairs can actually worm their way into your skin), fleas, ticks.....So, yeah, Grooming is a dirty job. It's also physically exhausting. Big, hairy dogs that don't particularly want to be groomed can kill your back. Oh, did I mention that some dogs bite? Sorry, I don't mean to scare you away but just wanted to share the reality of dog grooming. On the positive side, taking a grubby, matted little mess and making him feel better and look fabulous can be really rewarding. Watching mom or dad greet their dog and rave about how beautiful he is after grooming really warms your heart. I swear the dogs know they're beautiful when they go home. If you are a person who loves dogs, is not grossed out too easily, doesn't mind working hard, is artistic and creative this might be a great career for you. Basically to be a professional dog groomer you can either go to a grooming school or apprentice under a professional groomer. Grooming school can cost around $5000-$8000 and takes 3-6 months (or more depending on the program). There are online grooming schools that are cheaper but I wouldn't expect to come out with enough knowledge or experience to work as a groomer without additional training. If you work as a bather/brusher at PetSmart or Petco and they feel that you are doing well they will send you to grooming school (for free) and they pay your salary and benefits while you are in school. A great deal for some but from what I understand the training is minimal and from what I see coming out of their grooming salons the dogs are almost always shaved so I guess they do just teach basic cuts. There is no licensing requirement for dog groomers in most states. I don't know how easy it is to find a job in different areas. In my area I had no problem getting a job but I'm sure it varies place to place. Anyway, I love my job and wouldn't consider doing anything else. Good luck. __________________ Dawn (Brandy & Titan's mom)