What does a Dog Groomer do?

Dog Groomers work with pet owners to clean and style their pets for hygienic and aesthetic reasons. Sessions may be routine, such as a dog coming in for a monthly bath, blow dry and nail clipping. Groomers may also be called upon to ensure a dog is in tip-top shape prior to a photoshoot or dog show.

Sometimes Dog Groomers have to dig a little deeper to ensure their furry clients are well taken care of. Trained Dog Groomers know to look for skin conditions and signs of infection. They can recognize symptoms of more complicated issues that may require the attention of a veterinarian. Other challenges, like removing fleas and expressing anal glands, can likely be tackled on-site.

Dog Groomer skills and qualifications

A successful Dog Groomer candidate should have certain skills and qualifications that ensure they’re prepared to effectively and efficiently take care of their canine charges. These include:

• Ability to lift and maneuver dogs of all shapes and sizes
• Skilled with grooming tools, such as nail clippers, ear cleaners and different brushes
• Calm yet authoritative demeanor to help control and soothe nervous pets
• Detail oriented
• Ability to communicate with owners and recognize non-verbal communication cues in dogs
• Artistic ability and familiarity with different dog breeds for advanced styling assignments
• Understanding of the characteristics and grooming needs of different coat types (e.g., short, long, curly)

Dog Groomer experience requirements

Depending on the company, each Dog Groomer’s job description may list preferences for past experience. For example, you may want a Dog Groomer who has groomed animals in the past or worked in a related position, as a Dog Bather or other type of animal caretaker. Any experience with animals can be beneficial for someone who would receive on-the-job training as a Dog Groomer.

Dog Groomer education and training requirements

In your job descriptions for Pet Groomers or Dog Groomers, list education and training requirements. While there are no required certificates or degrees tied to grooming, you may want someone who has completed a formal Dog Grooming course or who has an educational or professional background related to pet care or animal science.

Dog Groomers may seek out advanced certifications if they wish to concentrate on serving a specific breed or type of dog. Advanced groomers may specialize in terriers or show grooming, for example.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this Dog Groomer job description doesn’t quite align with your company’s needs, you may find these related job description samples more useful.

• Veterinary Assistant
• Veterinary Technician

Dog Groomer job description FAQS

What are the job duties of a Dog Groomer?

Dog Groomers have wide-ranging job duties. Basic tasks include washing, clipping, drying and styling dogs’ coats. Groomers may also do skin checks for parasites and rashes, trim nails, clean teeth and ears and express anal glands as needed.

What skills does a Dog Groomer need?

Dog Groomers must be patient and know how to deal with different temperaments. They should know how to handle the tools of the trade, including various clippers and scissors, industrial blowers and nail grinders. Because each client will have their own needs and preferences, Dog Groomers should be able to communicate with dog owners and collaborate on a successful, comprehensive grooming plan.

What is the job title for a dog bather?

Dog Groomers are sometimes referred to as Dog Bathers, but grooming involves much more than a simple bath. Pet Groomer job descriptions often involve routine grooming, analyzing pet health and taking care of key hygiene that affect dental wellness and skin conditioning.