Excellent Job Prospects for Dog Groomers
If you are wondering how to become a dog groomer but don’t know where to start, check out Animal Behavior College’s online dog groomer training. The well-regarded online program features a hands-on component–the externship–and can be completed in about 12 months.
With the dynamic growth of the pet industry, there is an ever-growing demand for dog–and cat–groomers, and that trend shows no sign of slowing. Whether you want to open your own business or work for a pet store, grooming salon, doggie daycare, or big box pet supply store, there are plenty of job opportunities!
Dog Groomer Certification Gives You a Leg Up
While there is no required path laying out how to become a dog groomer and no state requires any specific certification, it makes little sense to “hang out your shingle” as a dog groomer with no knowledge or experience. Would you trust your pet to such a person? Fortunately, our certification program includes in-depth coursework and an externship that will give you the knowledge, experience, and confidence to enter the job force well-prepared to succeed as a dog groomer. Of course, getting certified will make you more attractive to potential employers.
The First Steps Toward Dog Grooming Certification
The first step to learning how to become a dog groomer through ABC is to contact us directly. You can arrange an interview with an admissions counselor in which you will discuss your career choice and they can answer any questions you might have. After that, you can apply for admission and, if applicable, financial aid.
Classes are online, and enrollment is open, meaning you can begin classes any time. ABC’s dog grooming program can take as little as twelve months.
Grooming Involves Much More Than Just Clipping
Most people do not realize what a large base of knowledge goes into a successful grooming career. Among other topics, our coursework includes anatomy, breed characteristics, health and safety (including pet CPR and First Aid), grooming processes, skin diseases, dental care, restraint, and the particulars associated with grooming dogs with specific coat types or breed “styles.” There is also a stage in our grooming program designed to help you create a professional resume and/or build your own business.
A large part of your education is the completion of a 150 hour externship with a dog groomer in your vicinity. You will learn first-hand how to become a dog groomer under the watchful eye of a working professional.
Post-Certification Benefits
The benefits of getting certified through ABC do not end when you finish the program. You will have lifetime access to our curriculum, should you need a refresher or to stay current in the field. More important, you will have exclusive access to our private job board, where employers across the U.S. and Canada post their searches for qualified groomers. Also, groomers certified by ABC will appear on our online Pet Groomer Directory. You can keep your profile updated so that pet owners in your area will be able to find you with a click of the mouse! Finally, you have the option of joining our alumni group. The ABC Alumni group consists of over 24,700 members including over 2,600 ABC certified groomers just like you. This means potential networking opportunities and the chance to build what we sincerely hope are life long professional connections.
Contact Us
To speak to an admissions counselor and learn more about how to become a dog groomer, contact us at 800-795-3294.