Dog grooming is a rewarding and hands-on career that combines a love for animals with practical skills.
Groomers play a vital role in maintaining the health, hygiene and overall well-being of pets, making them an essential part of the animal care industry.
If you love working with animals, have a creative flair and enjoy a dynamic work environment, becoming a dog groomer could be a fulfilling career choice. Grooming allows you to showcase your artistic skills through breed-specific cuts and creative styling while forming close bonds with animals, helping them feel comfortable and healthy. You’ll also interact with pet owners who value your expertise, and the career offers flexible working options, including opportunities to build your own business.
Regular grooming is essential for an animal’s health and happiness. It helps prevent matting, reduces the risk of skin infections, and allows early detection of issues like lumps or parasites. Grooming also improves an animal’s comfort and can positively affect their behaviour by reducing stress and irritation.
A groomer’s day is filled with a variety of tasks to ensure animals are clean, healthy and looking their best. Typical daily responsibilities include:
Successful animal groomers possess a range of skills, including:
Groomers can work in a variety of settings, including:
While most groomers work primarily with dogs, some also specialise in grooming cats, guinea pigs or rabbits. All species require specific handling and grooming techniques to ensure their comfort and safety. Low-stress grooming techniques are especially important when working with nervous or anxious animals.
As of early 2025, the average salary for an experienced dog groomer in Australia is approximately between AUD $60,000 to $70,000 (SEEK). Please note that salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, location and whether the groomer is employed by a company or self-employed.
Many dog groomers run their own businesses, either as mobile groomers or in private salons. Instead of earning a fixed salary, they charge per dog, with rates typically ranging from $60 to $150 depending on the size of the dog. While self-employed groomers have expenses like equipment, travel and salon costs, they have the potential to earn significantly more per hour than the industry average, depending on their client base and pricing strategy.
When you invest in proper training, gain experience and continue to educate yourself in the grooming industry, you’ll find yourself in high demand, with the potential to be paid appropriately for your skills and expertise in most cases.
As pet ownership continues to grow and more people treating pets as part of the family, the demand for professional grooming services is increasing. Groomers with specialised skills in low-stress handling or mobile services are particularly sought after. Groomers who can also offer advanced grooming techniques such as hand stripping, breed styling or Asian fusion styling services are in even greater demand.
To become a professional groomer, consider pursuing training through accredited courses and hands-on experience. Many groomers start as grooming assistants to learn the trade before advancing to professional certification. Relevant training may include:
A career in animal grooming is a rewarding and flexible option for animal lovers looking to make a difference in pet health and well-being. With the right training and skills, you can enjoy a fulfilling role in this growing industry while ensuring the welfare and comfort of every animal you groom.
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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.
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