If you love being around animals and want to work in a caring and supportive role, starting out as a dog grooming assistant is a great way to enter the animal care industry.
This hands-on position gives you the chance to work closely with pets while learning from experienced groomers in a real-world setting.
Becoming a dog grooming assistant is the perfect first step for anyone looking to build a career in pet grooming. You’ll get to work with animals every day, build confidence in handling different breeds, and gain valuable experience that can lead to more advanced grooming roles. It’s a role that allows you to learn on the job while making a real difference to the comfort and wellbeing of pets.
Assistant dog groomers play a key role in supporting grooming teams and ensuring pets have a calm, positive experience. From helping with bathing and drying to gently handling nervous animals, you’ll be part of the process that keeps pets clean, healthy and happy. Your care and attention to detail contribute to both the pet’s wellbeing and the smooth operation of a grooming business.
The daily duties of an dog grooming assistant can vary depending on the salon, but often include:
To be successful in this role, you’ll need:
Assistant dog groomers can find work in a range of settings, including:
As an entry-level role, dog grooming assistants in Australia typically earn between $25 and $30 per hour depending on location and experience. Full-time positions may start from around $45,000 per year. With further training and experience, you can progress to higher-level grooming roles with increased earning potential.
Many assistant groomers get started with a passion for animals and a willingness to learn. To increase your chances of finding work in this field:
If you’re looking for a practical, hands-on role where you can work closely with animals and learn from experienced professionals, becoming a dog grooming assistant is a great place to start. It’s a rewarding entry point into the grooming industry, offering the chance to build your skills, grow your confidence, and take the first step toward a fulfilling career in animal care.
We’re proud to be recognised as a Platinum Education Partner by the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA) for 2025–2026. Explore our AVNAT-approved CPD courses for veterinary nurses and technologists.
AVT is proud to launch a national internship opportunity for animal care students through a new partnership with Greencross Vets. Students enrolling in our Certificate II in Animal Care (Vet Nurse Program) will gain real-world experience with guaranteed clinic placements throughout Australia.
Read AVT’s outstanding student satisfaction results in the latest DTWD survey! Discover why students love studying with us and how our commitment to quality education and hands-on learning sets us apart. Learn more about our achievements and what makes AVT a top choice for animal care related training.
The leader in delivery of Australian Nationally Recognised Qualifications including ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (formerly Animal Studies), ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services, ACM40818 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training.
Applied Vocational Training (AVT) delivers a range of qualifications and short courses for students wishing to pursue a career working with animals.
AVT is a Registered Training Organisation based in Perth, Western Australia, providing on-campus and online courses to students studying throughout Australia. More about us →
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land where our campus is based, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and we commit to walking alongside our indigenous brothers and sisters. We extend that respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in our community.
Applied Vocational Training (AVT) is proudly a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 5273).
