How To Get A Job As A Pet Groomer
More and more household contain a pet, often more than one. Because pet owners lack the time, skill, or inclination to groom their own pets, skilled Pet Groomers are in demand. Skilled Pet Groomers can improve not only the appearance of a pet, but also their health and comfort.
Pet Groomers may work in pet salons, animal shelters, pet stores, and kennels. Some Pet Groomers work alongside veterinarians, and others own their own businesses, which may be mobile.
To be successful Pet Groomers must be hard-working and physically fit as they spend most of the on their feet. Since Pets, under stress, may bite, scratch, peck or claw, Pet Groomers must be patient and knowledgeable concerning animal behavior. They must also be detail oriented, have a high degree of manual dexterity and of course a love of animals. Groomers must be diplomatic and have good communication skills in order to deal effectively with pet-owners. Pet Groomers, who want to own their own grooming business, must have knowledge of all the skills needed to run a small business.
Pet Groomers have a variety of duties. They will start of by meeting the pet owner to discuss the pet and the owners specific wishes. During this interview, the groomer will ask questions to become familiar with the pets personality, allergies, likes and dislikes, and any specific concerns the owner or pet has. The groomer will then take a few moments to talk to the pet, and establish a relationship. They will then examine the pet to check for any skin conditions, fleas, etc. They may then need to comb out, de-tangle, brush out, bath, pluck, trim, and dry, as the owner wishes. Pet Groomers may also clean ears, trim nails, express anal glands, and even dye pets, as fashion dictates. During any of these processes, some pets may need to be muzzled, others simply slightly restrained. When treatments are complete, the pet will be put in a holding pen to await its owner, and the groomer will write up a report. When the owner arrives, the Pet Groomer will present the pet and report any concerns they have, such as the need for dental work or the presence of parasites. This must be done with tact. Groomers also need to keep their area clean and neat, and their equipment sterile, and make appointments, answer phones, or do general office duties as required.
Pet Groomers who own their own businesses are responsible for doing their own advertising. They must also keep their own financial records, hire, train and supervise staff, order supplies, make appointments, clean, and keep client records.
Education
Start your career by getting you high school diploma. While in high school, take courses in English, science (biology and zoology), mathematics, computers, and business practices. These course will be the basis for your future training and enable you to run your own business, if you choose to do so.
Get all the experience you can working with pets, whether it is paid or volunteer. Experience is available in animal shelter, veterinarians offices, pet stores, and pet salons. You may only be cleaning cages, or sweeping up pet hair, but if you listen, watch, and ask questions you will learn.
Take a course in animal first aid.
Once you have your high school diploma, you will need to get some formal training. Make sure the training facility you choose is state approved and registered. There are on-line course that may teach you the basics, but you must attend a full-time facility, where you will work directly with animals.
Formal Courses are available in trade and technical schools, as well as in Grooming Schools. To cover the basic knowledge that you will need for success, the course you choose will run about four months. Formal training will cover such subjects as animal anatomy, behavior, safety, and handling, as well as the use of tools and actual grooming techniques. Get the best education you can afford.
With formal training, you can get an apprenticeship, where you will continue to learn and practice your skills under the supervision of a professional groomer. Once hired, Pet Groomers, will probably need an additional period of on-the-job training.
Many professional Pet Groomers choose to become certified. Although certification may not be required, it is desirable as it is a testament to your skill and knowledge, as well as to your dedication to your chosen career. To become certified, groomers must pass both written and practical exams.
For more information on certification, go to the site of the National Dog Groomers Association Of America, as given below.
http://www.nationaldoggroomers.com/
