Learn About Being an Animal Groomer

Learn About Being an Animal GroomerLearn About Being an Animal GroomerJob Description Groomers maintain pets appearances. They usually work with dogs and cats. Groomers work in pet shops, animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and grooming services. Many own their own businesses and some operate mobile grooming services that make house calls. Employment Facts Nonfarm animal caretakers, a job category that includes groomers as well as other workers, held about 191,000 jobs in 2012. Groomers work in shops, kennels, pet stores and veterinary clinics. Those who are employed by or who own mobile grooming services travel to their clients homes. People who work as groomers or in related occupations can be injured by the animals in their care. Frightened animals may bite or scratch their caretakers. Educational Requirements While fruchtwein newcomers to this field get their training from experienced groomers, others attend programs at state-licensed schools. Other Requirements Gro omers can receive certification from the National Dog Groomers Association of America. Those interested in becoming certified can take an exam that has both a written and a practical component. In addition to training and certification, one should have certain soft skills, or personal qualities, to work in this occupation. A groomer must, obviously, like being around animals. He or she must be compassionate since the animals in their care are often anxious. Because a groomers livelihood depends on keeping his or her human customers happy, goodcustomer service skills are necessary. In order to understand pet owners instructions and in turn convey information to them, they must be good listeners and have strong speaking skills. Physical stamina is another requirement, as groomers spend many hours on their feet, as well as kneeling and bending. One must be strong enough to lift pets onto grooming tables. Advancement Opportunities Entry-level groomers usually have one task, for exa mple, bathing or drying pets. As one becomes more experienced he or she will take on all grooming tasks. Job Outlook Those working as animal care and service workers, including groomers, should landsee much faster than average job growth through 2022 due to an increase in the companion pet population. Earnings Nonfarm animal caretakers, including groomers, earned a median annual salary of $20,340 andmedian hourly wages of $9.78 in 2014. A Day in a Groomers Life These are some typical job duties taken from online ads for groomer jobs found on Indeed.com? Bathe and professionally groom multiple dogs with varied temperaments.Clip or hand scissor animals coat to match breed standards/owners wishes.Provide full-service grooming from bath through the cut to drying.Lift animals in and out of the tub.Thoroughly clean stations and disinfect entire grooming area at days close. Occupations With Related Activities and Tasks DescriptionAnnual Salary 2014Education/Training RequirementsFar mworkerFeeds, waters, herds and otherwise cares for live animals$22,930Short-term on-the-job training a hs diploma is generally not requiredAnimal TrainerUses a variety of techniques to teach animals to behave a certain way$25,770HS or equivalency diploma or, for certain jobs, a bachelors degree on-the-job trainingVeterinary AssistantCares for animals in animal hospitals, clinics and laboratories$23,790HS or equivalency diploma on-the-job trainingBarberCut, trims or styles hair$25,410Completion of a program at a state-licensed barber school Source Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Animal Care and Service Workers, on the web at bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/animal-care-and-service-workers.htm (visited July 29, 2015).Employment and Training Administration, US Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Nonfarm Animal Caretakers, on the Internet at onetonline.org/link/details/39-2021.00 (visited July 29, 2015).