✂️ How To Get Started In Grooming

So you want to be a groomer….

You might be wondering, where do you even start?

That’s okay! Everyone starts somewhere.

Yes, becoming a groomer requires more than just a love for animals… it’s a good prerequisite though!

It’s a highly skilled trade that requires proper training and continued education. When it comes to learning the tricks of the trade, there are thousands of ways to skin groom a cat.

Just doing research for this issue had may head spinning with all the different educational options out there for grooming (outside of The Daily Groomer of course 😉).

So here’s our notes on where aspiring groomers can learn the essential skills needed to succeed in a long grooming career.👇👇👇

Groomers learn in many different ways and methods, but the most common place to learn grooming from square one is grooming schools. 34% of new groomers learned how to groom from some sort of professional grooming school which we will dive deeper into below.

Another way to get your career started is at a big-box retail company that offers grooming - Petsmart, PetsCo, Pet Supplies Plus, etc. Although these companies have a more strict and “corporate” feel, 22% of groomers start out their grooming careers in their corporate training programs.

One of the most overlooked opportunities to learn how to groom is by learning from fellow groomers who have more experience than you do. (Groomers helping groomers!) The grooming community at large has always been extremely supportive and helpful. Many times you can find someone locally who you can work with and would be open to teaching you new techniques. You could even take it a step further and set up some type of apprenticeship where you can work under a grooming business owner and learn at the same time.

With all the many different ways to learn how to groom, let’s dive into some of the common options across each category.

Professional Grooming Schools

Professional grooming schools offer structured programs that cover a wide range of grooming techniques and skills. These schools provide hands-on training and often include instruction on:

• Basic grooming techniques
• Advanced styling
• Breed-specific grooming
• Animal behavior and handling
• Health and safety procedures

Some well-known grooming schools include:

• Paragon School of Pet Grooming: Offers online and on-campus programs with various levels of certification.
• PetSmart Grooming Academy: Saw mixed feedback on this one… many people had fine experience corporate but they usually lock you into a contract and if you break you could end up owing a couple hundred or thousand dollars.…. (like this article) Would be curious to hear from anyone who has done this!
• The Nash Academy: Offers both in-person and online courses, with a focus on breed-specific grooming techniques.

Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training

Gaining practical experience through apprenticeships or on-the-job training is invaluable. Many grooming salons and pet care facilities offer apprenticeship programs where new groomers can learn under the supervision of experienced professionals. Benefits of this approach include:

• Real-world experience with various breeds and grooming styles
• Mentorship from seasoned groomers
• Opportunities to build a client base and professional reputation

Workshops and Seminars

Workshops and seminars are great for continuing education and staying updated on the latest grooming trends and techniques. These events are often hosted by professional grooming associations, such as:

• The Daily Groomer Virtual Workshops: Shameless plug for our ever growing YouTube channel.
• International Professional Groomers, Inc. (IPG): Offers certification workshops and seminars.
• National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA): Provides seminars and certification programs for groomers.
• Pet Industry Federation (PIF): Hosts workshops and events for professional development.

Certification Programs

Certification is not always required to work as a groomer, but it can enhance your credibility and career prospects. Various organizations offer certification programs, such as:

• International Society of Canine Cosmetologists (ISCC): Offers certification in different levels of grooming expertise.
• Certified Master Groomer (CMG): A prestigious certification provided by NDGAA.

Self-Study and Practice

For those who prefer a more independent approach, self-study and practice are crucial. Resources include:

• Grooming books and manuals
• Online tutorials and videos
• Practice, practice, practice! Get reps on many different breeds with varying coat types and grooming needs

But remember…. no matter what path you take to become a groomer, (a good one at that) takes a long time!!!

Choosing the right educational path depends on your learning style, budget, and career goals. Whether you opt for a professional grooming school, online courses, apprenticeships, or workshops, gaining a solid foundation in grooming techniques and best practices is essential.

Continuous learning and hands-on experience will help you build a successful and fulfilling career in the dog grooming industry.

If you’re interested in continuing your education so you are always learning what’s new in pet grooming, make sure you continue to follow along with us at The Daily Groomer!