How to Become a Dog Groomer in Washington

A passion for dogs and a desire to work with them daily are characteristics of a possible dog groomer.

However, these are not the only virtues that you need to become a dog groomer in Washington.

You will need to know how to:

• Handle animals well
• Groom them properly

And this can be achieved if you attend training and guidance from accredited schools.

What It Means to Become a Dog Groomer

To become a dog groomer, you must know the required and preferred skills this profession entails.

You must consider its day-to-day activities and challenges when deciding if this is an ideal career for you.

For instance, are you willing to spend time with pets and pet owners while trimming animal fur every day?

If yes, then this will be an exciting career for you!

A dog groomer has lesser responsibilities than vets and vet techs.

Nonetheless, their tasks are still important to the overall animal health care.

In many cases, you will be assigned to do serious tasks like:

• Improving the animal’s body temperature
• Notice on the spot possible skin diseases
• Recommend products and educate pet owners on best grooming practices

These tasks require you to have certain medical knowledge to treat these conditions fast.

Requirements to Become Dog Groomer in Washington

You don’t have to graduate from college to become a dog groomer in Washington.

The Washington Groomer Requirements only need you to undergo the necessary training to work in this profession.

And it doesn’t have to be a formal training.

Informal, on-the-spot training works just as well.

It teaches you similar information and techniques a formal program has but it won’t be as extensive.

However, there’s no denying the benefits attending school and receiving a certificate can bring you.

Doing so can open more career opportunities and higher pay grades.

About the Training Programs

Usually, training programs may last from a few weeks to several months.

In these programs, you will learn practical techniques, such as how to:

• Calm the pet prior to grooming
• Properly shampoo and shave dog’s fur and trim their nails
• Recognize certain skin and fur conditions and their treatment
  Animal CPR

Note that longer programs have a more extensive curriculum, offering you the advanced knowledge and skills you need.

For instance, the specifics in taking care of different dog breeds.

Job Prospects and Salary

Many of you indeed love this career as this gives you an excuse to be with animals.

But the question still remains: how much does this job earn?

Moreover, what are your job prospects?

Your Prospects as a Dog Groomer

One great thing about being a dog groomer is that it’s a career with high demand.

Plenty of animal care services look for highly-skilled and competent groomers as employees.

That’s why you won’t have to worry about not getting employed after your training.

During training, you will have an opportunity to do internships at a clinic.

So take this time to create contacts with the business owner, vets, and pet owners while you’re there.

Show off your skills and qualities and prove to them that you’re a great person to work with.

In this way, you increase your chances of getting hired, more so once you receive your certification.

Your Expected Earnings

Higher demand for dog groomers means a higher earning potential.

And if you prove to have extensive dog grooming experience, you may even negotiate the salary with the employer.

In fact, according to the BLS data, the average salary of dog groomers in Washington is $30,000 per year.

This is already more than the average salary in the U.S.

Plus, you can increase your income if you choose to open your own dog grooming service.

The table below shows the annual salary of dog groomers in Washington.

Regional Salary in Washington

Key Takeaways

Dog grooming is not an easy job.

It requires your patience and most of all, love for animals.

So if you want to be a dog groomer in Washington, you need to receive proper training first.

Only when you successfully complete training can you look for employment at:

• Pet shops
• Vet clinics
• Pet grooming schools

You may even open your own grooming shop if you want.

But keep in mind that doing so requires you to have sufficient knowledge in business, as well as:

• Business license
• Other business credentials

To help you further your education and career prospects as a dog groomer, you can visit the following websites:

• National Dog Groomers Association of America
• The Humane Society of the United States
• Pet Groomer.com

Popular Programs

How to Become a Dog/Pet Groomer by State