Dog groomer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• specialist courses run by private training organisations

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a course in dog grooming like:

• Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants
• Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming
• Level 4 Higher Professional Diploma in Dog Grooming

These are offered by colleges and private training centres.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through a Dog Grooming Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

You might also be able to apply for an Animal Care and Welfare Manager Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, if you plan to become a supervisor or manager in a business.

Apprenticeships can take up to 1 year and 6 months to complete.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You could start as an assistant with a qualified and experienced dog groomer and learn on the job.

Volunteering

You could get experience by doing voluntary work with dogs in kennels, which can help when applying for courses or jobs.

The Dogs Trust and Do-IT have more information on volunteering opportunities.

OtherRoutes

You could take a private training course to get some of the skills and knowledge needed in this job. The National Pet College has accredited some organisations to deliver professional training.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• customer service skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be flexible and open to change
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• a desire to help people
• the ability to read English
• concentration skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of biology
• physical fitness and endurance
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses

What you'll do:

Dog groomers keep dogs' hair in good condition and give their owners advice on fur care, grooming and diet.

As a dog groomer, you'll:

• prepare the dog for bathing
• shampoo and dry the dog's coat
• check for common disorders and parasites
• shape a dog's coat with electric clippers or a stripping knife
• use scissors to trim and style the dog's coat
• manage the dog's behaviour while in your care
• deal with clients, give grooming advice and do admin tasks

Location : You could work in a salon, at a client's home, at a store or at a veterinary practice.
Environment : Your working environment may be dusty and physically demanding.

Salary:

Starter : £13,500
Experienced : £20,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

35 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends as customers demand

Career Path:

With experience and qualifications, you could become self-employed and work from home or become a mobile dog groomer, visiting owners' homes.

You could also open your own salon or teach dog grooming classes.