Professional Dog Groomer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of pet care, the demand for professional dog groomers has never been higher.

As pet ownership surges, so does the need for skilled individuals who can properly groom, care for, and ensure the wellbeing of our beloved canines.

But what does it truly mean to be a professional dog groomer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager seeking the perfect fit,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of professional dog grooming,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable professional dog groomer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Professional Dog Groomer Duties and Responsibilities

Professional Dog Groomers are responsible for the hygiene and aesthetic care of dogs, ensuring their comfort and enhancing their appearance.

They often work in kennels, veterinary clinics, pet stores, or may even be self-employed.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Consult with dog owners to understand their desires for their pet’s appearance
• Examine dogs to identify any skin or coat issues
• Shampoo, rinse, and dry dogs effectively and gently
• Brush and comb dogs to remove any knots, tangles, or foreign objects
• Trim and file dog’s nails carefully to avoid injury
• Clip, trim, or shave hair/fur according to the breed standard or owner’s request
• Clean dog’s ears and teeth
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment
• Manage appointments and process payments
• Handle dogs of various breeds and sizes, ensuring their comfort and safety at all times
• Communicate with dog owners about pet behavior, grooming maintenance, and any observed health concerns
• Order and maintain grooming tools and supplies

 

Professional Dog Groomer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a dedicated and experienced Professional Dog Groomer to join our team.

As a Professional Dog Groomer, your responsibilities will include bathing animals of various sizes and temperaments, trimming, clipping, or shaving hair/fur, and removing matted hair.

You should be able to ensure that the grooming process is comfortable for each pet, and be aware of and able to report any changes in a pet’s behavior or condition.

Our ideal candidate has a love for animals, a patient demeanor, and a keen eye for how each breed of dog should look.

 

Responsibilities

• Bathing, trimming and grooming of various breeds of dogs.
• Checking dogs’ skin, coat, teeth, nails, and ears for health issues.
• Identifying and reporting health or behavior problems to dog owners.
• Maintaining a clean, sanitary, and pleasant grooming environment.
• Handling dogs of various sizes and temperaments safely and effectively.
• Offering grooming style recommendations to dog owners.
• Booking appointments and accepting payments.
• Properly utilizing grooming tools and equipment.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Professional Dog Groomer.
• Ability to handle dogs of various sizes and temperaments.
• Excellent animal handling skills.
• Ability to recognize behavioral signals and health issues in dogs.
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods and strength to handle larger dogs.
• Good communication skills to interact with dog owners.
• Patience and a love of animals.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certification from a reputable grooming school is preferred.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Employee discount
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professional Dog Groomer
• Work Environment: The work is physically and sometimes emotionally demanding, with exposure to noise, odors, and animal waste. It involves lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Pet Services Manager or Store Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $50,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professional Dog Groomer Do?

Professional Dog Groomers are specialized in caring for the physical appearance of dogs of all breeds and sizes.

They often work in pet grooming salons, pet stores, veterinary clinics, or they may operate independently in a private business or mobile grooming van.

Their primary duties include washing dogs’ coats using specialized shampoos and conditioners, trimming and shaping dogs’ coats using scissors and electric clippers, and clipping dogs’ nails carefully to avoid injury.

They may also provide additional services such as teeth cleaning and ear cleaning.

Dog Groomers are also trained to detect signs of skin disorders, parasites, or other health issues in dogs.

They also take measures to ensure the safety and comfort of the dogs they are grooming, especially when dealing with anxious or aggressive dogs.

Professional Dog Groomers often consult with dog owners regarding their preferences for their pet’s appearance.

They are skilled in styling and cutting a dog’s hair in breed-specific trims, or according to the owner’s specifications.

They need to maintain a clean and hygienic work area, clean and sterilize their tools, and adhere to animal health and safety regulations.

In some cases, they may also need to manage appointments, handle payments, and sell pet grooming products.

 

Professional Dog Groomer Qualifications and Skills

A professional dog groomer should possess a unique blend of technical and interpersonal skills to provide exceptional service to both canine clients and their owners, including:

• Comprehensive knowledge of different breeds of dogs and their specific grooming needs.
• Excellent animal handling skills to ensure the safety and comfort of the dog during grooming procedures.
• Technical skills for various grooming procedures such as bathing, brushing, clipping, and styling.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with pet owners, understand their requirements and provide them with updates on their pet’s grooming process.
• Patience and empathy to deal with nervous or anxious dogs in a soothing and reassuring manner.
• Attention to detail to ensure each grooming session meets the highest standards of cleanliness and aesthetics.
• Physical stamina and dexterity to handle larger dogs and stand for long periods of time.
• Problem-solving skills to handle unexpected situations or emergencies effectively.
• Basic understanding of animal health to identify any potential skin or health issues during grooming.

 

Professional Dog Groomer Experience Requirements

Professional Dog Groomers typically require a high school diploma or its equivalent.

They are also expected to have completed a dog grooming program, which can be a part of a vocational school or community college curriculum.

These programs provide comprehensive training in grooming techniques, animal behavior and safety procedures.

Experience is usually gained through hands-on training, where they get the opportunity to groom a variety of dog breeds and sizes.

This training is often part of the grooming program, or it may be gained through an apprenticeship under an experienced dog groomer.

For entry-level roles, potential dog groomers may need 1 to 2 years of experience.

This experience can be obtained by working as an assistant in a grooming salon, volunteering at animal shelters, or through part-time dog grooming jobs.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are often required for more specialized roles in high-end pet salons or veterinary clinics.

These professionals are typically proficient in advanced grooming techniques, such as breed-specific styling, hand stripping, or creative grooming.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may be considered for supervisory or managerial positions in a grooming salon.

These roles require not only excellent grooming skills but also the ability to manage a team, maintain grooming equipment, and handle customer relations.

 

Professional Dog Groomer Education and Training Requirements

To become a Professional Dog Groomer, there are no strict educational requirements, but a high school diploma or equivalent is typically necessary.

Prospective dog groomers often complete a grooming program at an accredited pet grooming institute.

These programs train individuals in the practical skills required for the job, such as bathing, cutting, and styling a dog’s coat, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and understanding different dog breeds and their grooming needs.

After completing training, the next step is typically to gain hands-on experience.

This is often done through an apprenticeship under the supervision of a professional dog groomer.

To demonstrate their knowledge and skills, dog groomers can earn voluntary certifications from various grooming organizations, such as the National Dog Groomers Association of America.

Achieving these certifications involves passing both written and practical exams.

Continued education is also important in this field.

Professional dog groomers may attend workshops and seminars to stay updated on the latest grooming techniques and trends.

This could also involve learning about specific breeds and their unique grooming requirements.

While not required, some dog groomers may pursue additional courses in animal behavior, training, or veterinary care, to enhance their understanding of dogs and their needs.

This can make them more attractive to potential employers or clients.

 

Professional Dog Groomer Salary Expectations

A Professional Dog Groomer can expect to earn an average wage of $14.00 (USD) per hour.

This rate can vary depending on factors such as experience, the region in which they work, and the specific demands of the clientele they serve.

 

Professional Dog Groomer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Professional Dog Groomer need?

A Professional Dog Groomer should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with dogs and their owners.

They need to understand dog behavior and have a strong ability to handle various breeds and sizes of dogs.

They should have a keen eye for detail to maintain and enhance a dog’s appearance.

The role also demands physical stamina, patience, and knowledge of grooming techniques and tools.

 

Do Professional Dog Groomers need a degree?

While a degree is not a requirement for being a Professional Dog Groomer, certification from a recognized pet grooming institution is beneficial.

These programs provide practical training on grooming techniques, animal safety, and breed-specific grooming styles.

Groomers may also need to be licensed depending on the regulations in their state or country.

 

What should you look for in a Professional Dog Groomer’s resume?

Look for a Professional Dog Groomer’s certification and experience with various breeds and grooming styles.

Check if they have a proven track record of effectively handling dogs and providing high-quality grooming services.

Any additional skills or qualifications such as animal first aid or knowledge of skin conditions can be advantageous.

 

What qualities make a good Professional Dog Groomer?

A good Professional Dog Groomer should have a genuine love for dogs and a calm demeanor to put the animals at ease.

They should be patient and gentle yet firm when handling dogs.

Excellent customer service skills are also important as they often deal with pet owners.

They need to be detail-oriented and creative, especially when it comes to styling dogs’ fur.

 

What are the daily duties of a Professional Dog Groomer?

A Professional Dog Groomer’s daily duties include bathing dogs, trimming or shaving their fur, clipping their nails, and cleaning their ears.

They may also brush dogs’ teeth, style their fur, and provide treatments for skin conditions.

Groomers often interact with dog owners, discussing their pets’ grooming needs, and providing advice on home care.

They also need to maintain a clean and safe work environment.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Professional Dog Groomer?

Hiring a Professional Dog Groomer can be challenging due to the specific skills and experience required for the job.

It’s important to find a candidate with the right mix of technical grooming skills, knowledge of animal behavior, and excellent customer service abilities.

Offering a competitive salary and a supportive work environment can attract high-quality candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the life of a professional dog groomer.

Surprise surprise!

It’s not just about trimming fur.

It’s about creating a healthy and happy environment for our furry friends, one snip at a time.

With our detailed professional dog groomer job description template and real-world examples, you’re all prepared to take the leap.

But why draw the line there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting precise job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Always remember:

Each snip, trim, and brush is a step towards a better life for a pet.

Let’s make that difference. Together.