How to become a dog groomer in Australia

Dog groomers provide a range of services for dogs like cutting, brushing and bathing. If you love caring for dogs, a career in dog grooming could be the perfect choice for you. Dog grooming is a rewarding job that can help dogs look and feel their best. To be a dog groomer, you need specific skills to ensure you provide a safe and efficient service. While formal qualifications are not required, it is recommended to complete training like a Certificate III in Animal Care to be more likely to get a job as a dog groomer. In this article we explain what a dog groomer is, the tasks and duties of a dog groomer, and how to become a dog groomer in Australia.

What is a dog groomer?

A dog groomer is a person who provides services for maintaining a dog's hygiene and appearance. Typically, a dog groomer will cut, detangle and brush a dog’s hair, bathe, clip nails and check for fleas and skin issues if needed. Dog groomers ensure a dog looks their best and promotes overall canine health.

Where do dog groomers work in Australia?

Dog groomers can work in a variety of settings, including pet grooming salons, mobile grooming vans, veterinary practices and kennels. They can even work independently running their own business. If a career as a dog groomer appeals, these are the types of places you could work in:

• Pet grooming salons: These salons are in a set physical location and offer a range of dog grooming services.
• Mobile grooming vans: A mobile dog groomer works in a mobile grooming van or trailer. Mobile groomers offer grooming services at a client’s location.
• Veterinary practices: Some dog groomers work at veterinary practices where they offer the extra service of basic grooming.
• Dog kennels: Some kennels offer grooming services as part of their boarding packages.
• Independent grooming businesses: Some dog groomers choose to run their own independent grooming salon either in a physical location or as a mobile business.

Tasks and duties of a dog groomer

As a dog groomer, the main responsibilities involve maintaining the general appearance and hygiene of dogs. Dog groomers look after the health and wellbeing of all breeds of dogs by performing these tasks and duties:

• Bathing and cleaning: Dog groomers use professional equipment to bathe and clean dogs. They often have a variety of different shampoos and conditioners for different dogs, depending on the coat type and specific skin needs. Groomers apply shampoo to the dog’s skin and fur and massage it in, making sure all areas are clean including the ears and private areas. They rinse and condition the coat to help restore moisture. After washing and conditioning, dog groomers use a blow dryer to dry the dog’s coat to prevent matting and skin problems.
• Dematting and detangling hair as required: Dog groomers use a variety of brushing techniques and different types of brushes and combs to brush and detangle hair. Usually a dog groomer will start by using a slicker brush to grab and remove loose hairs on the top of the coat. A pin brush may then be used to brush through the coat in a deeper way and separate the hair. A comb may then be used to free any remaining knots. If a dog has matted hair, a dog groomer may use a dematting tool with blades that cut through the matts. Sometimes dog groomers may have to shave the dog’s hair in cases where matting is extreme.
• Trimming pets’ nails, brushing their teeth, and cleaning their ears: Dog groomers use a variety of techniques to trim the dog’s nails, brush their teeth and clean their ears. They may use nail clippers to trim nails, including guillotine or scissor-style clippers, using a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste, or using medicated ear powder to draw out wax.
• Grooming and styling pets according to pet owners’ instructions or standard grooming styles: Dog groomers sometimes have to style dogs according to the pet owner’s instructions or according to a specific breed’s grooming style. Providing tailored grooming services according to a client’s instructions is essential for good customer service as rapport with pets and owners is crucial. Some breeds of dog have specific styling standards to make sure the coat maintains a certain appearance.
• Identifying health issues in pets: Dog groomers can identify health issues in pets during routine dog groom sessions. By cleaning and brushing a dog, dog groomers can identify any problems with ear infections, skin conditions, or tooth decay. If a dog has lumps under the skin, a dog groomer may observe that during the washing process. They can also assess any behavioural and emotional issues with the animal and report any issues to the owner.
• Expressing glands: Occasionally dog groomers will be asked to express anal glands. Usually this happens naturally, but some dogs cannot and the area becomes painful. Some groomers offer this service as part of their grooming routine or as an extra service.
• Ensuring pet safety: Dog groomers must ensure that all pets are safe during the grooming process. This means prioritising safety during every grooming session by making sure the environment is clean and secure, using the appropriate equipment and tools, making sure there are first aid kits, and ensuring dog groomers have the correct skills and qualifications.
• Recommending suitable products to pet owners: Dog groomers may also be responsible for recommending suitable products to pet owners. If a dog has sensitive skin, a dog groomer may recommend a particular shampoo and conditioner. Similarly, a dog groomer may suggest particular brushes and combs for dogs with specific coats. Dog groomers can also recommend how pet owners can continue the grooming process at home particularly for more high maintenance breeds.

Qualities and skills of a dog groomer

Dog grooming is a rewarding career path but it can be physically and mentally demanding. To be a good dog groomer, these qualities and skills will be beneficial.

• Passion for animals: A passion for animals is imperative for a dog groomer. Dog groomers must have a strong desire to care for them.
• Customer service skills: It is important to have customer service skills to build rapport with clients and communicate effectively.
• Excellent eye-hand coordination: Eye-hand coordination is imperative for dog groomers who are handling tools like clippers, scissors and dryers while trying to maintain control of the dog. Good coordination skills will help with precise  tasks of cutting and styling and removing matting.
• Patience: Dog groomers must be patient as some dogs can be nervous and fearful during the grooming process. A dog groomer who is patient will be able to make the dog feel more comfortable and eventually entice the dog to be washed or groomed.
• Attention to detail: Dog groomers must be able to pay attention to detail with the grooming services and keeping the dog grooming salon clean.
• Dog breed knowledge: Different dog breeds have different coat types and needs so it is important for a dog groomer to know the requirements of each breed. Breed specific knowledge means groomers can tailor their techniques to the individual dog’s needs.
• A strong understanding of dog behaviour: Understanding dog behaviour is essential for a dog groomer to create a safe and secure environment for dog grooming sessions. Some dogs suffer from stress and anxiety and dog groomers with an understanding can address and deal with the behavioural cues.
• Analytical skills: Analytical skills help dog groomers identify skin problems, behavioural problems, or any other health issues a dog may have. Dog groomers may encounter situations when they need to analyse a dog’s overall health to determine the appropriate products and grooming techniques to use.

How to become a dog groomer in Australia

To become a dog groomer, there are a few steps you can take.  These include:

1. Spend time with animals: To get started on your path to becoming a dog groomer, spend time with animals. This will give you experience and also reconfirm this is the career you want to pursue. To spend time with animals, you could start dog walking or dog sitting for friends and family.
2. Complete a dog grooming course: If you are serious about a career in dog grooming, a dog grooming course will improve your skills and knowledge, and help you thrive in the industry. You could even start with a short course like our Introduction to pet grooming at TAFE Gippsland. Although a formal qualification is not required, a dog grooming course will also boost job prospects.
3. Explore work options: After completing a dog grooming course, start to explore different work options. This may include working in a dog grooming salon, becoming a specialised groomer with further training or experience, or starting  your own business.
   • Places you can work as a dog groomer - salon, home-based business, mobile grooming business, veterinary clinic or doggy daycare.
   • Start your own business - Many dog groomers choose to start their own business and build a clientele. If you have already created a network of people you dog sat or dog walked for, these are potential clients.
   • Become a grooming specialist - To become a grooming specialist, learn the skills needed to specialise in certain dog breeds and stay up to date with new dog grooming trends.

Courses that will help you become certified to work in the dog grooming industry are:

Certificate II in Animal Care

This six-month course is the first step to start your career path into the animal care industry. A Certificate II in Animal Care at TAFE Gippsland is an excellent starting point for dog groomers, providing knowledge in basic animal handling,  first aid and assisting in caring for animals.

Throughout the course you will learn:

• Animal handling and care: The course teaches skills like how to handle and care for dogs which is essential for a dog groomer.
• First aid: Basic first aid training which covers emergency procedures for dogs like stopping bleeding, managing shock, and immobilising injuries.
• Animal hygiene: This training helps recognise signs of illness in dogs and ensures good hygiene.
• Workplace health and safety: This covers workplace  health and safety protocols like handling equipment, cleaning and maintenance.
• Workplace communication: This will give you the skills to communicate with clients, supervisors and other staff in the workplace environment.

Certificate III in Animal Care Services

This 12-month course provides you with the skills and knowledge to work in the pet grooming industry. A Certificate III in Animal Care Services will give you the skills and knowledge required to work in a broad range of roles in animal care facilities and services, performing a variety of tasks.

Throughout the course you will learn:

• Basic animal handling and first aid: This course teaches top skills needed for dog grooming like basic animal handling and first aid.
• Assisting in caring for animals: Learning how to care for animals is essential when seeking a dog grooming career.
• Sustainability and biosecurity in the workplace: This unit will concentrate on complying with infection control policies and procedures, and promote sustainability in the workplace.
• Workplace health and safety: This covers workplace  health and safety protocols like handling equipment, cleaning and maintenance.
• Workplace communication: This will give you the skills to communicate with clients, supervisors and other staff in the workplace environment.

How much do dog groomers earn in Australia?

The average salary of a dog groomer in Australia is between $65,000 and $75,000 per year. The amount a dog groomer earns depends on factors like experience, location and the type of employment. A dog groomer starting out at entry level with less than a year’s experience will earn about $22 per hour. A dog groomer with years of experience who is specialised in grooming can earn approximately $40 per hour. Location also affects a dog groomer’s salary. Dog groomers on the Mornington Peninsula and the Bass Coast tend to have higher average salaries than other areas.

If you love dogs and want to work in the animal services industry, a career as a dog groomer may be ideal. Dog groomers provide services like washing, brushing and deshedding for all breeds. To ensure you have the skills to thrive in the dog grooming industry, TAFE Gippsland offers a variety of courses to kickstart your dog grooming career.