How to Become a Dog Groomer in Florida

Every career is rewarding when it’s something you love.

For any animal lover, there’s no better job than taking care of those adorable creatures.

Dog lovers are especially blessed because there’s an attractive career for them in dog grooming.

Grooming dogs is a way of expressing your creativity.

It’s also a flexible career path open to all who are willing to learn.

So if you’re ready to become a dog groomer in Florida dog groomers, here’s how you can get started.

What Is Dog Grooming?

Dog grooming means maintaining a dog’s health by cutting its coat and nails and cleaning ears and eye tear stains.

A dog owner should never overlook these as overgrown fur and nails cause tremendous pain for the animal.

Not to mention how dirty ears and eyes can cause serious infections.

And so, as a dog groomer, it’s your job to make sure they never happen.

The moment you notice something wrong with a dog’s skin, coat, or hair, you need to notify the owner.

Remember that a pretty dog is a healthy dog.

And that’s the point of grooming.

Duties and Responsibilities

A dog groomer has more duties than just trimming and clipping.

So let’s break down your usual day-to-day duties.

First of all, you’re in charge of scheduling appointments.

You’re the one who’s talking with potential customers over the phone and in person.

And to bag them, you must make a good first impression.

Up the ante of your charm and put your people skills to your advantage.

Then, when they come into the door, you can now start the dog grooming process.

It starts with a physical examination to see if there are any serious skin or coat conditions.

If everything’s alright, you can proceed with combing and detangling.

Cut and trim some fur away and then bathe them.

Note that certain dogs might need a flea bath.

Also, when bathing them, you might have to retrain them to make them calm.

With the use of special calming techniques, working with such hyperactive dogs won’t be a problem.

After they’re bathed and dried, they’re ready to be styled.

That is, trimming their nails, cleaning their ears, and doing a final trim and touch-ups.

Some customers would like a certain style or cut for their dogs, especially if they’re going to a dog show.

Try your best to accommodate their request and don’t hesitate to add your input as well.

Once that’s done, all that’s left to do is to clean and sanitize your workstation and tools to be ready for the next client.

Education and Training in Florida

There are two ways you can become a dog groomer in Florida.

• Taking a dog grooming program
• Apprentice to an experienced dog groomer

Most people tend to choose the first option since you’re more likely to receive good job prospects and salary upon graduation.

The dog grooming program has a comprehensive curriculum.

Here are the units you’ll be studying if you enroll in one:

• Intro to dog grooming
• Familiarization with the grooming tools
• Dog anatomy lectures
• Breed examination
• Practical skills and techniques
• Lectures on securing employment after graduating

Meanwhile, apprenticeship is a non-formal type of education and training.

It’s the most practical approach to learning.

Here, your mentor will impart their knowledge and skills about dog grooming and other industry secrets to you.

They can even recommend practical books and resources to deepen your knowledge and understanding.

Helpful Resources

Whichever learning path you take is entirely up to your preference.

Only remember that education doesn’t stop when you graduate from the program or the apprenticeship.

We recommend that you invest the time to keep yourself updated with the latest industry trends and techniques for the good of your career.

The Florida Humane Society is a good resource to expand your knowledge and give back to the community through volunteering.

Meanwhile, you can go to Pet Groomer Ads when searching for job opportunities.

Popular Programs

Certification and Job Opportunities in Florida

The state of Florida doesn’t require any certification for you to start working in this industry.

You’re free to start grooming as soon as you find a job.

Lucky for you, Florida’s dog grooming industry is quite developed.

But where can you work as a dog groomer?

There are plenty of employers waiting for you to be a part of their staff, like:

• Animal shelters
• Pet stores
• Vet clinics
• Grooming salons
• Mobile grooming services
• Private businesses

Potential Salary in Florida

Being a dog groomer pays you well, enough to support your chosen lifestyle.

As of February 2022, Salary.com reported that you can earn between $27,701 and $42,301 per year.

And a well-established dog groomer can earn an average of $33,901 annually.

Take a look below at the salary percentile for Florida dog groomers.

Big city dog groomers earn more money than those in rural areas of the state.

You may find how much your city offers for your salary in the table below.

Average Annual Salary by Location

Regional Salary in Florida

Final Words

We live in an age of fast-growing and trending careers.

So it’s understandable if you have a hard time choosing the most suitable one for you.

That’s why we hope that the information here has helped you with your career decisions.

Being a dog groomer gives you the advantage of working with lovable creatures while earning good money on the sly.

Not to mention its flexibility and the way it utilizes your creativity.

Is there anything better than that?

How to Become a Dog/Pet Groomer by State