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Dog groomer

Alternative titles for this job include

Dog groomers keep dogs' hair in good condition and give their owners advice on fur care, grooming and diet.

Average salary (a year)

£13,500 Starter

to

£20,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

35 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends as customers demand

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Dog groomer

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • specialist courses run by private training organisations

College

You could take a course in dog grooming like:

  • Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants
  • Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming
  • Level 4 Higher Professional Diploma in Dog Grooming

These are offered by colleges and private training centres.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through a Dog Grooming Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

You might also be able to apply for an Animal Care and Welfare Manager Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, if you plan to become a supervisor or manager in a business.

Apprenticeships can take up to 1 year and 6 months to complete.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as an assistant with a qualified and experienced dog groomer and learn on the job.

Volunteering

You could get experience by doing voluntary work with dogs in kennels, which can help when applying for courses or jobs.

The Dogs Trust and Do-IT have more information on volunteering opportunities.

Other Routes

You could take a private training course to get some of the skills and knowledge needed in this job. The Pet Industry Federation has accredited some organisations to deliver professional training.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a dog groomer from the Pet Industry Federation.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a dog groomer, you'll:

  • prepare the dog for bathing
  • shampoo and dry the dog's coat
  • check for common disorders and parasites
  • shape a dog's coat with electric clippers or a stripping knife
  • use scissors to trim and style the dog's coat
  • manage the dog's behaviour while in your care
  • deal with clients, give grooming advice and do admin tasks

Working environment

You could work in a salon, at a client's home, at a store or at a veterinary practice.

Your working environment may be dusty and physically demanding.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience and qualifications, you could become self-employed and work from home or become a mobile dog groomer, visiting owners' homes.

You could also open your own salon or teach dog grooming classes.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Dog Groomer Apprentice (Doggy Styling Boutique SURBITON)

  • Wage: £13,312 a year Annually
  • Location: SURBITON
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Dog Grooming

  • Provider: SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Ipswich

Diploma in Dog Grooming

  • Provider: HEART OF YORKSHIRE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Wakefield
Find courses near you

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