How to Become a Dog Groomer in Georgia

Learning to be a dog groomer isn’t a tough path you need to cross.

It’s quite simple, like other modern jobs, and it brings joy and satisfaction to dog lovers like you.

And it stems from how you help dogs look good and feel healthy while earning good money.

What else can you want from a job like this?

If you haven’t already fallen for dog grooming, you will after learning what it takes to become one in Georgia.

Dog Grooming: What It Entails

Dog groomers know best the effort it takes to make a dog look good.

Even though this job can get tricky from time to time, it’s all worth it once you see the end result.

Before anything else, you’re required to perform a visual check of the dog.

If there are any rashes or other skin, coat, or ear conditions, inform the pet owner immediately.

It’s a way to prevent issues from getting serious.

Once everything’s all right with the dog, you can proceed with the standard grooming procedure.

Bathing, trimming, clipping, and cleaning are simple steps in getting a dog to look good and feel fine.

Duties and Responsibilities

Your duties can be divided into two categories.

• Technical tasks
• Dog grooming process

Under technical tasks, it’s those duties you have to do with customer service, such as:

• Making appointments
• Finalizing schedules
• Talking with clients

Here is where you should make use of your communication and people skills.

Not only can it establish a great relationship with your regulars, but also win you some new clients.

After all, a good connection with dog owners is a must.

They’re trusting you with their dogs, so make sure you take good care of them in return.

Meanwhile, the dog grooming process consists of several steps:

• Examining the dog’s features (coat, nails, ears) for potential infections
• Combing and detangling the coat
• Bathing and drying
• Cutting and styling the coat
• Trimming nails
• Cleaning ears and eye stains if there are any
• Brushing teeth

With the use of your trusted grooming tools, you’ll manage to make a dog shine again in no time.

Education and Training in Georgia

A dog grooming program in Georgia is pretty easy to take and has minimal requirements.

You only need to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent to enroll in one.

Prior training or experience isn’t necessary.

What makes their dog grooming program so diverse is the number of different training types.

You can take one offered by dog grooming schools.

• Georgia Academy of Pet Grooming
• The International Academy of Pet Design
• Pet Grooming School

If you aren’t within a driving distance in any of these, then you can consider:

• Enrolling in an online course
• Do apprenticeships in your local area

Plenty of students decide to learn from a much-experienced groomer as their apprentice.

This way you get to learn in a more practical way.

Also, you get to build connections and explore the industry first-hand.

Popular Programs

Certification and Licensing in Georgia

Future Georgia dog groomers can relax.

After graduation, nothing’s stopping you from practicing dog grooming.

In other words, you don’t need a certification to start working.

However, schools do offer certification exams for those wanting to earn one.

Also, the National Dog Groomers Association of America has its own certification program you can take.

Job Opportunities in Georgia

Now that you’ve finished grooming school, it’s time to find a job.

But where exactly can you work as a dog groomer?

Well, you can try your luck applying at any of these facilities:

• Vet clinics
• Pet stores
• Animal shelters
• Grooming salons
• Personal businesses

Some dog groomers find working in a private business more enjoyable and less stressful.

But remember, choose your job carefully according to your preferences.

No one will judge the job position you take.

Dog grooming is a career with plenty of advantages you’ll get to know during your grooming days.

Besides, wouldn’t you love working in an environment where you’ll feel helpful?

Helpful Job Resources

Finding a job isn’t an easy task to do.

You can’t just walk into the first pet store and immediately get hired on your first try.

You’ll have much more chance to find a decent job if you research some of the following sites:

• BringFido – Georgia Directory
• Humane Society of Northeast Georgia
• Atlanta Humane Society

Note that the humane societies above can also help if you want to volunteer your services for the experience.

Potential Salary in Georgia

You can expect to receive a good salary in Georgia.

Salary.com reported that you can earn an average of $34,601 annually as of February 2022.

The salary range falls between $28,201 and $43,101.

Of course, salaries depend on your level of expertise.

Novice dog groomers can expect a starting salary of $22,000, while professionals receive up to $51,000.

Take a look at the table below for the salary percentile in Georgia.

Also, check out the salary table below for how much dog groomers can make in your area.

Average Annual Salary by Location

Regional Salary in Georgia

Conclusion

So, what have we learned about dog groomers in Georgia?

To start with, education is quite simple and easy if you’re willing to learn.

Your customers are adorable four-legged creatures that know how to show gratitude.

Plus, you’ll find this career relaxing and rewarding.

So hurry and sign up for a dog grooming course today.

Georgia dogs need you!

How to Become a Dog/Pet Groomer by State