Top Tips For Becoming A Pet Groomer

The pet grooming industry is booming between pampering pets in spas, grooming salons, and even pet tattoos. Most pets merely require a simple hair trim, bath and nail clipping. You can choose to work at a salon, for another dog groomer or even go into business for yourself. Regardless of how high end your interests lie, there are some things to know before you get started as a pet groomer. 

Basics and Details 

Imagine sitting down and brushing a dog until it’s fur gleams in the light. Sounds wonderful, but that’s not all there is to a dog groomer’s job. The actual plan of care might look a little something like: 

• Speaking to the owner about the styling plan for the pet 
• Examine the pet for any health issues 
• Clean eyes and ears 
• Brush  
• Trim nails 
• Bathe  
• Dry 
• Brush coat again 
• Cut hair and style 
• Repeat with each pet 

Traits and Skills 

A groomer has to be prepared to get dirty. You might be working with very dirty animals who need a good scrub or a pet that simply hates getting wet or washed. A thrashing, feisty animal who has no interest in a bath or letting you handle them can get you dirtier than one who came in muddy. Patience, hard work, physical strength, healthy and a passion for pets are all good skills to have prior to entering the profession. 

Training and Education 

While becoming a groomer doesn’t generally require formal education, some training is both helpful and necessary. There are great colleges, grooming schools, and associations to choose from. They offer training, insurance information, jobs and more. Other courses are available online, but most learn on the job with hands-on training and experience. A good trainer or course gives you knowledge and skills such as: 

• Brushing 
• Hair cutting 
• Best safety practices 
• Procedures for Bathing 
• Drying 
• Animal disorder recognition 
• How to use grooming products and supplies 
• Animal behavior and control 
• Health condition recognition 
• Combing 
• Different breed characteristics 
• Characteristics of different types of pets 
• Parasite specifics especially fleas and ticks 

Space and Supplies 

Once you’ve decided to take the plunge and become a groomer, you now need to decide where to do it. The right kind of space should have safe electrical outlets, proper plumbing, convenient access to bathing facilities and water-resistant flooring among other things. Whether you choose a mobile space or a place in a building, safety and a clean work space are very important to prevent injury and illness to you or the pets.  

In addition to the right space, you need supplies. No business can operate without the right supplies and plenty of them. The following list can help you get started: 

• Dryers 
• Muzzles 
• Electric hair clippers  
• Tubs & Bathing 
• Clipper vacuum  
• Ribbons and bows 
• Grooming Scissors 
• Crates 
• Grooming Tables-Eclectic, Hydraulic, Folding  
• Grooming Nooses & Loops 
• Shampoo/Conditioners & Detanglers 
• Storage shelves 
• Nail clippers 
• Brushes and combs 
• Pet ramp or steps 
• De-matting tools 
• Aesthetics-colognes, sprays 
• Disinfectants & Cleaners 
• Pumps & Dilution Bottles 

Additional products to consider for your business and clientele include grooming apparel & accessories. Outfitting yourself and other employees with jackets or aprons can bring a professional air to your business and keep pet cleaning and hair off your regular clothes.   

Offering specialty services could be a great way to stand out from the competition. These specialty services could be: 

• Aromatherapy to keep pets more comfortable and relaxed 
• Massages 
• Facials and Spa treatments 
• Safe and quiet area for nervous pets 

Pricing and Insurance  

Now that you’ve taken care of most of the paperwork to be a groomer, there are a few other things to consider before starting your business. First and foremost, how much should you charge your clients? Evaluating the competition and client base can give you some rough numbers to start. You can start on the lower end and work up to a higher end as your skills, clientele and career improve.  

Insurance also needs to be factored into the overall overhead of the business. Accidental animal injury happens regardless of years spent in the business. Protect yourself and the business with some small business insurance. Many liability insurance policies can be tailored to your specific business risks and concerns. Speak with an insurance professional for the plan or plans that are right for you. 

Other Pets and Grooming Businesses 

Dogs often make up the majority of clientele you would see in your grooming business, but cats, guinea pigs, ferrets, rabbits or other pets might also patron your establishment. As a groomer, you can choose to have a standing business where pets come to you for service, have a mobile business where you go to them or travel around, or offer a self-service option for those who wish to bathe and groom their own pets for a fee.  

Whatever grooming business options you choose or choose to work for, be prepared with the latest in grooming supplies from Ren’s Pets. From everything you need to get started to retail-enhancing options like colognes and sprays to make the pets smell even better, we have everything you need at affordable prices. Find the largest selection in Canada with the best customer service in our stores. We are passionate pet owners and offer the best price guarantee. Take your grooming business to the next level with Ren’s Pets. 

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