Dog Grooming Career Information

Dog Grooming Career

How much do dog groomers make? How do I become a dog groomer? Is there a dog grooming school near me? These and other concerns may be needlessly holding you back from a great career. Learn more about professional dog grooming and we think you’ll be convinced.

Common Questions About A Dog Grooming Career

How long does it take to become a dog groomer?

How do you become a dog groomer?

How much does it cost to become a dog groomer?

What is the best dog grooming school?

Is Animal Behavior College accredited 

Do dog groomers go to dog grooming school?

How Much Do Dog Groomers Make?

According to Ziprecruiter, dog groomers in the U.S. can expect to earn about $17 per hour or a little over $35,000 annually. As with most careers, how much dog groomers make depends on where you live.  Generally, groomers in large urban areas earn more. Experience also factors into salary. With the pet industry growing, there are more and more dogs and cats out there needing to be bathed, clipped, and beautified, so the job outlook for pet groomers is good.

Why You Should Become a Dog Groomer

The demand for professional dog grooming services is projected to increase by 11% from 2014 to 2024—faster than the average for all occupations.¹ This represents one of the largest growth opportunities available as the pet care industry continues to expand, giving you many possibilities to start a pet grooming career or pursue other animal careers

Where Dog Groomers Can Work

As a dog groomer, you may have the opportunity to work at a variety of locations, such as:

• Grooming salons
• Mobile grooming facilities
• Animal shelters
• Veterinary clinics
• Doggie daycares
• Pet supply stores
• Kennels
• Your own business

Why Become an ABC Certified Pet Groomer (ABCPG)

The ABC Dog Grooming Program provides you the knowledge and skills to gently and effectively groom pets. Our program combines an online dog grooming course with hands-on training. Dog grooming is a physical animal job, which is why we require you to complete an extensive externship in a qualified grooming facility near you.

Gain Hands-On Training Experience

Becoming a dog groomer requires more than textbook know-how; it requires hands-on training experience. This is why we require our pet grooming students to spend a minimum of 150 hours at a grooming facility. There, you’ll get to observe and assist professional dog groomers. You’ll also be able to practice what you’ve already learned and experience a dog grooming career first-hand.

Get Your Pet Groomer Certification

Having an ABC Pet Groomer Certification has the potential to give you an advantage when applying for dog grooming jobs. As an ABC Certified Pet Groomer (ABCPG), you have the most up-to-date knowledge on proper grooming techniques and tools that may prove useful in your dog grooming career. 81% of all groomers surveyed by PetGroomer.com stated they would prefer to hire graduates with grooming skills.² This is another reason why ABC includes hands-on training in our dog grooming program.