How to Become a Dog Groomer in Montana

Deciding to be a professional dog groomer is a major life decision.

You may be a young adult searching for the right career choice.

Or someone who’s sick of their old job and wants to try something new.

So if taking good care of a dog’s physical appearance is something you’re interested in, then maybe dog grooming is for you.

Man’s best friend needs you to step in and make them look good and healthy.

And that’s the foundation of this business.

Montana has so much to offer to aspiring dog groomers.

Here’s how you can get started.

A Dog Groomer’s Education in Montana

There are two schooling paths a future Montana dog groomer can take.

• Formal training at accredited schools
• Apprenticeship under an experienced groomer

Grooming schools offer the typical classroom experience.

Students have to attend lessons and pass written assessments.

This type of schooling is the optimal choice for those of you who tend to learn better and faster from textbooks.

The syllabus for grooming schools in Montana is quite heavy.

That’s because they ensure to provide the most in-depth knowledge about grooming out there.

The included concepts are:

• Proper grooming methods
• Familiarize the different dog breeds
• Fur styling
• Nail trimming
• Health and wellness

However, there’s a bit of a disadvantage to this path.

That is, students spend a lot of hours indoors, trapped in class, and have less experience.

That’s why a significant number of candidates pick apprenticeship as a way of education.

Learning from an experienced groomer suits people who learn more from practical work.

However, we can’t say one schooling option is the right one.

Students who graduate from a formal grooming school need practical experience.

Students who choose apprenticeship still need to learn a thing or two from textbooks.

A combination of both options is the ideal one that will produce the best groomer in you.

Popular Programs

What A Typical Dog Groomer’s Day Looks Like

A groomer’s job goes beyond dog beautification.

They also help maintain and monitor a dog’s good health status.

After all, only a healthy dog is a happy dog, and a well-groomed dog is considered healthy.

However, do take note that Montana is a dry region with harsh climate conditions.

Living in such a place can cause extremely dry skin and rashes.

So your first task is to perform a visual examination of a dog’s fur and skin.

Make sure there are no ticks, rashes, or other parasites that could affect their health.

Once you get the green light, it’s time for a bath.

Beware, however, that some dogs love bathing, while others can’t stand it.

This is where calming techniques learned in grooming school kick in to help.

Now that a dog is clean and dry, it’s time to use your grooming tools.

Dogs need their hair styled and nails clipped and tidy.

No dog wants overgrown fur and nails as these can cause tremendous pain.

Another vital task a groomer has to do is to clean the ears, eyes, and teeth to prevent infections.

Afterward, you’ll hand the perfectly cleaned and groomed dog over to its owner.

In some cases, owners may want additional services, like special hair cuts or nail coloring.

So be prepared to execute these kinds of demands to make the owners like you as a groomer.

However, don’t think that a groomer’s tasks end here.

You still need to take care of a few extra things.

For one, always check your schedule for pending appointments.

Also, tidy up your workstation and sanitize all the tools you used.

Remember: Good hygiene habits are more important to your reputation than you might think!

Job Opportunities in Montana

Everyone wants to find a decent job.

Well, jobs associated with dogs aren’t just “decent.”

Being a dog groomer means you’re doing a rewarding job in a stressless environment.

Plus, your co-workers are the same as you.

Your love for dogs connects all of you!

Wherever you end up working, know that it’s the right place to be.

Here’s a list of job positions you should consider:

• Vet clinics
• Pet clinics
• Pet stores
• Dog kennels
• Animal shelters
• Grooming salons

A Montana Dog Groomer’s Salary

Grooming in Montana is pretty much the perfect job.

The latest surveys on salary.com as of December 2021 show that salaries go from $26,401 and $40,301.

And on average, a dog groomer can earn a salary of $32,301 per year.

Plus, your salary also depends on several factors.

• Education
• Special skills
• Experience
• Place you’re working
• Current industry trend

So, in other words, the more experience you have, the more money you’ll receive over time.

Let’s cheer Montana dog groomers that they’ll get more appreciation and work in the future.

Annual Average Salary in Montana Cities

Regional Salary in Montana

Helpful Dog Groomer Resources

Reaching out to potential employers is necessary.

But it’s quite a challenge to navigate if you don’t know where to start.

That’s why searching for an online resource or two is helpful.

The following will give you intel on possible jobs, new trends, and news about the industry in general:

• Montana Pets on the Net
• Lewis and Clark Humane Society
• Humane Society of Western Montana
• Humane Society of Northwest Montana
• National Dog Groomers Association of America

Final Words

Now you know everything there is to know about becoming a dog groomer in Montana.

No one can become a groomer overnight.

It’s a process, like all the others.

So be prepared for lots of hard work.

Eventually, everything will pay off and you’ll feel it was all worth it.

Becoming a dog groomer is indeed a worthwhile decision.

Definitely the best one you’ll ever make yet!

How to Become a Dog/Pet Groomer by State