You already love dogs. You’ve bathed them, brushed them, and maybe even trimmed a tail or two. Somewhere along the way, you started wondering, could I actually do this for a living?
Whether you learn on the job, train with a mentor, or take a formal course, there’s a path for how to become a dog groomer that fits you. We’ll give you an honest look at what groomers do, what salons look for, and how people get started in the field. Turning a love of dogs into a confident, professional grooming career is easier than you think.
The Quick Cut
TL;DR kind of day? Here’s a checklist of the steps we’ll cover to get started as a groomer, plus some helpful links:
Compare your qualifications to common grooming job requirements
Consider which of the types of grooming workplaces is right for you
Choose one of the four major training paths for dog groomers
Find state dog groomer regulations and grooming trade schools near you
Build your beginning groomer toolkit
Practice your grooming with purpose and supervision
Create a grooming certification plan that fits your goals
Protect your practice and training with pet groomer insurance
Plan for the future with next steps to start a dog grooming business
How Do I Become a Dog Groomer (& What Does It Take?)
If you picture grooming as just some artful snips and a cute bow tie, you’re missing the heart of it. The best groomers have the technical skills to make pets look and feel great, but also the empathy and eye for safety to recognize and comfort a nervous pup.
Here’s a day-in-the-life snapshot of dog groomer tasks:
- Bathing and drying
- Brushing
- Trimming and shaping fur, including around sensitive areas
- Clipping nails
- Routine hygiene: cleaning ears, brushing teeth, and gland expression
- Health and safety checks: skin conditions, hot spots, ear and nail bed infections, cysts, dental conditions, and other warning signs
- Cleaning and organizing work stations and equipment
- Tracking appointments and keeping records
- Coordinating with customers and teammates
8 Qualities Every Grooming Job Asks For: Who Makes a Good Groomer?
Grooming employers, from corporate chains to small-town salons, are looking for a specific kind of person. We analyzed 25 entry-level groomer job postings from across the country to see what groomer qualities employers value most.
While each type of business has its own priorities, some traits show up again and again:
Hiring Trends in Different Grooming Workplaces
Every job description uses slightly different words, but they all describe the same kind of professional: calm, caring, dependable, and always learning. If you already see yourself in that list, you’re well on your way to becoming a great groomer.
Curious which types of grooming environments might fit you best? Here are the trends in what each type of grooming employer looks for in a groomer in training:
Corporate Grooming Chains
Big pet stores that offer grooming, like PetSmart and Petco, are some of the most common places groomers get their start. These employers emphasize safety, teamwork, and customer service. Training is usually provided, so attitude matters more than prior experience.
Independent Salons
Local salons usually focus on reliability, calm handling, and precision. Salon owners often look for people who take pride in their work and are eager to grow with the salon.
Veterinary Grooming
Since they often share space with medical staff, these roles focus on observation, hygiene, and careful handling. You’re a caregiver first and a stylist second.
Pet Resorts and Mobile Dog Groomers
These roles highlight stamina, time management, and self-direction. You often work on your own or need to keep up with a steady schedule of dogs. People who are organized, proactive, and professional thrive in these roles.
Most successful groomers start with a certain temperament, but you can also build these skillsets over time. What matters most is being willing to learn and care for animals the right way. If that sounds like you, the next step is figuring out how to start.
How to Become a Groomer for Dogs: 4 Paths into Pet Grooming
There’s no single right avenue for how to become a dog groomer. The best path for you depends on your comfort level, commitment, budget, and learning style. Here’s a summary of each and what it offers:
Four Ways to Become a Dog Groomer
Swipe →
| Training Path | What You’ll Learn | Best For |
|---|---|---|
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Bathing, brushing, drying, and salon procedures while assisting pro groomers |
Hands-on learners who want to earn while they work |
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Personalized coaching, client communication, safety practices, and breed basics |
Learners who want one-on-one guidance and real-world experience |
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Structured lessons in anatomy, breed standards, tools, and safety; can lead to professional certification |
Students who prefer formal education and credentials or aspire to higher-paid grooming jobs |
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Dog handling, reading body language, basic care, and teamwork in a kennel, daycare, or vet clinic |
Animal lovers exploring careers in pet care or building animal handling confidence |
How to Choose the Right Training Path for You
Let’s get practical. Here’s a little info about each route to decide how to become a pet groomer at the starting point that fits you.
On-The-Job Groomer Training
This is one of the most common ways to start because you can work (and earn) as you learn. Many salons and pet store chains hire bathers who prove themselves by bathing a set number of dogs to standard before graduating to a training program or assistant role.
You can find bather jobs posted on job sites like Indeed and LinkedIn. Bather jobs typically involve bathing and brushing dogs, assisting with drying, keeping the salon clean, and observing pro groomers in action.
Time commitment
Bathers report working five months to a year before moving into a corporate training academy. It usually takes from one to one and a half years to go from bather to professional groomer.
Cost
Typically, it doesn’t — it pays. Bathers at a corporate groomer like PetSmart make $15/hour on average, according to Ziprecruiter.
Typical career path
Bather → Training Program → Junior Stylist → Professional Pet Stylist
Good to know
Large retailers like PetSmart and Petco often provide free training and grooming tools for employees who move into grooming roles. However, both typically require a contract commitment to work for them for a set time (up to two years) after completing your training.
Grooming Apprenticeship or Mentorship
If you learn best with one-on-one guidance, consider apprenticing under an experienced groomer. You’ll get personalized feedback and real-time coaching as you help with daily grooming tasks. Assistant groomer job postings with “willing to train” in the description are likely this kind of opportunity.
Apprenticeships can be formal (through a program and advertised online) or informal (arranged directly with a salon owner). Leverage your personal network to see if you already know any dog groomers who might help you get your foot in the door.
Time commitment
Varies depending on your mentor or salon.
Cost
Varies. Some apprenticeships are paid, others are unpaid internships.
Typical career path
Assistant or bather → apprentice groomer → junior stylist → groomer
Good to know
Ask about pay structure, training goals, and a timeline. Work with your mentor to set expectations and a training plan up front to keep everyone on the same page.
Grooming Trade School
Professional grooming schools teach technical and creative skills, from breed-specific cuts to skin and coat care. Search grooming trade schools near you or look for online grooming certifications like Paragon online certificate courses or the American Kennel Club (AKC) S.A.F.E. Grooming program.
Keep in mind that these programs offer foundational safety, health, and breed standards, but you’ll still need hands-on training to become a full-fledged grooming professional. Groomers may go to trade school as a first step into the field or pursue certification later to boost their credibility or qualify for higher-paying jobs.
Time commitment
From a few weeks to a year, depending on whether you’re taking an accelerated program and whether it’s online or in-person.
Cost
Grooming schools cost anywhere from $500 to $17,000, depending on the school, certifications included, and depth of training. (Look for an accredited grooming school that balances the value of hands-on experience and credentials with cost.)
Typical career path
Trade school → junior stylist → stylist in-training (while pursuing a certificate) → professional groomer
Good to know
If you already work for a grooming business, your employer may sponsor your training to pick up advanced credentials, like a specific certificate or course. This is an excellent way to reduce your out-of-pocket costs and guarantee hands-on practice.
Pet Care Experience First
Still deciding whether grooming is right for you? Working in a kennel, vet clinic, animal shelter, or dog daycare can be a great entry point to try out different kinds of pet care. Groomers value this background for entry-level bather and grooming assistant jobs because you’re already comfortable with various breeds and temperaments.
Time commitment
Completely flexible. There are lots of part-time, full-time, and volunteer options, which let you ease in while you decide your next step.
Cost
Typically paid hourly. Entry-level pet care usually pays around minimum wage, so it’s not glamorous, but it will get you started.
Typical career path
Pet care staff → bather or salon assistant → trainee groomer → groomer. Facilities that offer a variety of pet care services often cross-train excellent employees into their grooming program once your pet handling skills are solid.
Good to know
Vet clinic and vet tech backgrounds are highly desirable in the grooming field. A strong grasp of safety, sanitation, and documentation practices, plus experience in recognizing health risks and interpreting pet body language, can give you a significant edge.
Building Your Grooming Tool Kit: Equipment & Practice
Now that you know the first steps into how to become a dog groomer, it’s time to think about the tools you need and how you’ll check that all-important “prior experience preferred” box before you land the job.
Essential Tools for Beginning Groomers
You don’t need every tool in the catalog to start practicing. A few essentials help you learn safely and effectively:
- Professional clippers with a #10 blade*
- Grooming shears (straight and thinning)
- Slicker and pin brushes
- Metal comb
- Nail clippers or a grinder
- High-velocity dryer or stand dryer
- Pet toothbrushes and dog-safe toothpaste
- Adjustable grooming loop
- Grooming table with adjustable arm
- Pet shampoo, conditioner, disinfectant, and cleaning supplies
- Personal protective equipment (PPE), like a mask and apron
*The higher the number, the shorter the fur and closer to the skin. Build your skills slowly and safely.
Most employers supply these tools or allow you to use the shop’s equipment. If you’re building your own kit, invest gradually but choose quality. Well-made tools last years longer than budget sets.
If you want to buy everything all at once, a complete student or beginner kit typically costs $600 to $1,000, depending on brand and whether you buy new or used. Individual tools may cost anywhere from around $20 to a few hundred dollars.
How to Practice Like a Pro
No matter how you train, repetition builds speed and confidence. Start by grooming friends’ or family’s pets under supervision, shadowing a pro, or volunteering at a shelter. Many groomers start with five or six easier breeds and build from there. Do your research and talk with pros regularly — you don’t want to be the groomer who shaved a husky.
Practice with purpose. Try to work on improving one small skill with each short session, like brushing efficiently or reading a dog’s body language. Over time, you’ll move from focusing on single steps to managing full grooms smoothly from start to finish.
Pro tip: Keep a grooming log. Track the breeds, coat types, tools used, and timing for each session. Before long, you’ll see progress and areas to focus your training. You’ll also have an organized record to show grooming employers (who often appreciate record-keeping skills). Happy with how a cut turned out? Take a picture and start your portfolio.
How to Be a Groomer Who Levels Up: A Certification Guide
We’ve already mentioned becoming a certified dog groomer. Still, it’s worth spending some time on why and when you might consider certification.
You don’t have to get certified to become a dog groomer, but it can set you apart, help you qualify for better grooming jobs, or provide the credibility to start your own grooming salon. Formal credentials show that you’ve mastered safe handling, proper sanitation, and professional grooming standards, which can build trust with clients.
Popular Pet Grooming Certifications
Swipe →
| Program | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
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American Kennel Club (AKC) S.A.F.E. Groomer Certification Safety, handling, and salon standards |
$149.99 for the groomer course $249.99 for S.A.F.E. salon certification |
Beginners or employees in grooming salons who want a trusted industry credential |
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National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) Multi-phase workshops and exams on breed-specific grooms, safety, and techniques |
About $150 per workshop and $150 per testing phase One-off courses or working toward a Professional Grooming Credential (PGC) or a National Certified Master Groomer (NCMG) |
Groomers seeking to build or specialize their skills with a respected credential |
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International Professional Groomers (IPG) Global certification track with a Certified Professional Groomer (CPG) package |
$425 for the CPG Safety Certification package |
Groomers seeking to build their skills with a respected credential |
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Pet First Aid & CPR Emergency handling and CPR (available from providers like The Red Cross and RECOVER Initiative) |
$35+ |
Any pet care pro (many grooming schools include it) |
Pro tip: Grooming certifications often progress in phases to match different career goals, from salon practices to prepping pets for dog show judging. Few groomers need a prestigious NCMG certificate, but many are S.A.F.E. certified, and it’s not uncommon for a serious groomer or salon owner to have their PGC.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Certified Dog Groomer?
You can complete a basic certification in a few days. More extensive groomer training, testing, and workshops can take months or even years to complete.
Many groomers pursue certification after six months to a year of hands-on experience, when they’re ready to demonstrate technical skill and safety knowledge. If you’re interested in getting certified now, pet CPR or first aid is the perfect beginner certificate to show jobs or mentors you put animal safety first.
Why It’s Worth It
Most entry-level jobs don’t require certification, and it might not be something you look for right away. But certification should be on your radar to support your future in pet grooming. Here’s what certification gives you:
- Proof of your skill
- Credibility with clients
- Access to better salons and jobs
- Justification for charging more
- Updated info on regulations, safety, and styling standards
Pro Tip: Look into an employer’s or mentor’s certification sponsorship process as you consider where to apply. It may help you pick an employer who’s excited about supporting your career growth later.
Insurance Basics for Dog Groomers: Protecting Yourself & Pets
Preparation helps keep pups (and the occasional cat) on your grooming table safe and happy, but grooming comes with risks. Clippers can nick, dogs can bite, dryers can overheat, and common pet grooming claims happen even in the most careful and compassionate salons.
Insurance might sound like something to worry about later in your career, but it’s not just for business owners. Before you work with any pet, it’s smart to know how you’re covered. Here’s a quick breakdown of what pet grooming insurance is and how it protects your finances and your reputation:
What is dog groomer insurance?
Dog groomer insurance is a type of business insurance that protects you by paying for costs like legal fees, vet bills, and claims. Your insurance can cover common accidents like these:
- A pet in your care gets injured, sick, or lost (a dog jumps off your table and hurts their leg, or you accidentally cut a dog during grooming)
- An injury happens later because of your care (you clipped a dog’s nail too far, and it gets infected, or a dog has an allergic reaction to your shampoo)
- A client’s property gets damaged (a client’s dog carrier gets dented, or you break a client’s gate during a mobile grooming visit)
- A client hurts themself in your salon (a customer slips on a wet floor during a dropoff)
- Pets injure each other on your watch (two dogs waiting for pickup get into a fight)
- A client is dissatisfied with your work (miscommunication about style, or you make a mistake during grooming)
What kind of insurance do I need as a groomer?
There are a few major coverages you need as a groomer to keep your finances and the pets in your care safe:
- General Liability Insurance: Covers you for injuries and property damage to others that happen because of your grooming services
- Professional Liability Insurance: Pays for legal fees and claims due to something you did or didn’t do that cost someone else money — this is your coverage for professional mistakes like giving the wrong breed cut or misunderstanding a client’s instructions
- Pet Protection Coverage (Animal Bailee): Protects you from paying out of pocket when a pet in your care gets hurt, sick, lost, or even dies
- Veterinarian Reimbursement: Pays you back for vet bills so you can get a pet emergency care if something goes wrong
Do I need insurance as a student or before I get a job?
If you groom pets at all (that includes practice on a neighbor’s pup or hands-on lessons in grooming school), you can be responsible for paying if you hurt a dog or if something goes wrong. It’s up to you to buy your own pet groomer insurance, even for practice or training.
Do I need insurance if I rent a grooming table at a salon?
Many independent groomers rent a table from a salon and run their own business from a shared space. If that’s your arrangement, you’re often working as an independent contractor, not an employee. That means you need to buy your own pet groomer insurance to cover your risks — the salon usually does not cover your grooming services.
Do I need insurance as a pet business employee?
If you’re a part-time or full-time employee with a grooming business, your employer should carry insurance for you. If you’re not sure how you’re covered against risks as an employee, ask your manager. It’s always better to check that you have coverage than to assume!
Do I need insurance as a salon owner, mobile groomer, or home business?
Yes! If you own a salon, run a mobile grooming service, or groom in your home, you need business insurance tailored to the risks groomers face. Insurers that focus on pet businesses like Pet Care Insurance (PCI) can help you find a policy tailored to your business.
Why Dog Grooming Insurance Matters
Your furry clients may not want to go to the groomer, but they’re better off for it.
You probably don’t want to deal with buying insurance, but you’ll be better off for it, too.
Pet grooming claims and lawsuits can easily cost thousands of dollars (and much more). That’s enough to end your pet care dreams before you really get a chance to shine. Insurance provides the support to make things right if an accident occurs and maintain your reputation as a professional groomer who cares.
PCI makes getting covered painless with affordable pet groomer insurance designed just for you. We offer comprehensive coverage tailored to groomers, so you can worry less and focus on helping pets look and feel their best.
(Get covered online in 10 minutes or less)
Next Steps to Become a Professional Groomer
Once you have the skills, the resume, and the coverage, it’s time to get out there and start strutting your stuff. Whether you open your own business or find a job, you’ll need to start building a client base and deciding what kind of groomer you want to be.
Here are a few next steps for groomers looking to get started:
- Choose a career path: Consider all the grooming workplaces and locations we’ve discussed, from mobile grooming vans, to salon storefronts, to home grooming businesses. What’s your ideal career? Choose the training now to help you get there.
- Start licensed and legal: If you’re planning to go into business for yourself, you’ll need to fill out the right paperwork to register with local, state, and national authorities.
- Check for local grooming regulations: Need to know more about grooming rules in your state? Our Pet Grooming State Guide is an easy place to start, complete with links to your state business licensing requirements.
- Write a pet business plan: A business plan is a way to organize your thoughts about your grooming services, either for yourself or investors. Check out our free pet business plan template that walks you through it from start to finish.
- Start advertising: From building a pet groomer website to showing off before-and-afters on social media, there are many ways to find new clients without spending a fortune.
- Win new and repeat clients: Groomers are constantly looking for ways to retain clients and encourage them to tell their friends. Our pet care referral program guide walks you through how to set up systems that work.
Ready to start shaping your dream grooming career? How to Start a Dog Grooming Business covers your next steps from registering a salon, mobile, or home business to setting prices.
Remember: every successful groomer started exactly where you are. Stay curious, keep learning, and take this journey one bath, brush, and tail wag at a time.
FAQs About How to Become a Pet Groomer
How long does it take to become a dog groomer?
It depends on the training path you take, but most people can reach the paid-beginner level in a few months with steady practice. Corporate training paths often take about a year to a year and a half to progress from bather to full stylist. Formal schools vary by program length. Your pace will depend on how often you practice or your mentorship.
How much money can I make as a dog groomer?
The average pet groomer pay is $22.87/hour according to Indeed, with reported salaries ranging up to over $40 an hour. Your earnings as a dog groomer depend on factors like your location, experience, whether you work for yourself or a company, and whether you work in a setting that offers tips or a commission.
What are the pros and cons of being a dog groomer?
The best way to hear about the best and worst parts of being a dog groomer is from dog groomers themselves. Check out places where pet groomers talk, like r/doggrooming or The Groomer’s Forum to learn more, but here are some of the most common comments:
Pros of being a dog groomer:
- Meaningful, hands-on work with animals
- Visible results after every appointment
- Flexible career paths
- Room to grow skills and income over time
Cons of being a dog groomer:
- Physically demanding work with standing, lifting, and repetitive motions
- Difficulty dealing with anxious or reactive dogs
- Tools and training require upfront investment
- Occasional messes and tough days or clients
Is it hard to become a dog groomer?
Dog grooming is very learnable, with many ways to start. The first months come with a learning curve while you build handling skills, timing, and confidence, but most beginners progress steadily with consistent practice and attention to safety.
