Why do some of the most successful people agree that having a passion in life is essential for having a successful career? They do so because they are the ones who have pursued their passions and achieved success. Thus, to make a career choice, one must consider their interests.
One such profession that allows people to pursue their passion is pet grooming. Professional pet grooming might be an ideal career choice if you like animals and want to help them be their healthiest selves.
Understanding what pet groomers do and the qualifications required can help you decide if the position fits your professional goals. In this article, we will discuss why to become a pet groomer, the benefits of becoming a groomer, and the requirements for becoming a groomer. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Why become a pet groomer?
1. Natural love
A career as a pet groomer will be ideal for someone with a natural love for animals. Pet groomers work with dogs and cats to give them baths and other hygienic treatments. You can help animals look better by removing unsightly conditions such as overgrown nails, matted hair, and stinky coats. Being around pets will bring you happiness which will result in more satisfaction.
2. Feel more connected
Although pet groomers usually spend most of their time with animals, they may also build lasting connections with their owners. So, if you want a career that entails building a customer base of both humans and animals, grooming may be the best option for you.
3. Love to spend time
One of the most apparent reasons for choosing this career is that you will spend your days surrounded by animals. Of course, if you’re thinking about a career in pet grooming but do not feel any connection to dogs or cats, you might want to reconsider.
Benefits of becoming a pet groomer
1. It’s booming
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that the employment outlook for grooming animals may increase by 33% between 2020 and 2030, significantly faster than average. According to the BLS, this industry will have 66,200 job openings annually. This suggests that there will probably be a lot of fresh opportunities for up-and-coming groomers.
2. Recession resistant
People’s attitudes toward pets are changing, and the millennial and baby boomer generations are driving this change. Compared to previous generations, millennials own more pets. As a result, it is undeniable that more and more people are starting to keep pets.
Spending large sums of money on pets is becoming more common, particularly in the United States. This means pet-care businesses can expect consistent cash flows and sales growth even during a Recession.
3. Own boss
A pet groomer is an ideal job if you want to live out your entrepreneurial dreams! You can open your own grooming business or salon after a few years of sharpening your abilities and developing your customer base.
Of course, there are a lot of issues to look into and deal with before you can start providing services. Essential steps include picking a company name, ensuring your finances are in order, and setting up a grooming area. However, once you’re up and running, you can establish your working hours, rates, client base, and brand. Owning a business will increase your income and give you more freedom!
4. Lifestyle
When it comes to grooming careers, one can live a flexible life by working flexible hours. You can choose your working hours and days based on your comfort and needs. Pet owners usually make a reservation in advance, meaning you can schedule your day accordingly as a groomer.
You can also do this job indoors or outdoors. Create a setup that works best for you and how you prefer to work. With this flexibility, you can manage everything according to your personal and professional needs, improving your quality of life.
The requirement to be a pet groomer
A career as a pet groomer does not necessitate a lengthy and costly university education. Some groomers start their businesses with no formal schooling at all, though a course of some kind is recommended. Indeed, training and observation of seasoned groomers are beneficial before starting your dog grooming business. The following points should be considered as requirements for becoming a groomer:
1. High school diploma
If you want to work as a pet groomer, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED, at the very least. Aside from that, you are not required to have any qualifications to begin your new career.
Before you go out there with your clippers, be aware that there are voluntary training programs you can participate in first. Because competition is fierce, the training will give you a base to start with. You want to ensure you have what it takes to become one of your area’s best groomers.
2. Voluntary Certification Schemes
As a groomer, you can participate in voluntary certification programs. A certificate course can teach you professional skills even if you have prior grooming knowledge. These show that you are an expert in your field and prioritize the needs of animals. For example, depending on the breed of dog you’re working with, you’ll be able to learn different grooming styles. It’s an excellent qualification to have when working with animals. With a grooming certificate, your customers will not be concerned about you doing your job correctly.
3. Undergoing Formal Training
Even though formal education is not required, getting a qualification in pet grooming is becoming more and more essential with the increasing competition. As with any aspect of animal care, you need to have a solid foundation in theory and hands-on experience under the supervision of professionals.
When looking around, you can consider attending open days or speaking with current and former students to get a sense of a school.
Facts about the pet grooming industry in US and Canada
In 2021, the Canada Pet Grooming Market was estimated to be worth USD 580.2 million. It is expected to reach USD 810.2 million by 2028, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 3.2% between 2022 and 2028.
On the other hand, the Pet Grooming & Boarding industry in the United States grew 2.8% per year between 2018 and 2023.
Conclusion
Pet grooming is a profession, but only for those who adore animals. A pet groomer not only makes your pets, such as dogs or cats, smell and look nice, but they also ensure that they are healthy and take the initiative to deal with any health issues the pet may face.
Salary is another factor to consider before deciding on a career. The average annual salary for a pet groomer is currently close to $30,000. However, monetary rewards increase with experience, and the number of clients increases over time.
