Inspiring Veterinary Nurses: Aimee’s journey beyond the clinic
AVT graduate Aimee shares how her career has taken her from general practice to canine rehabilitation, remote veterinary work and running her own business.
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.
AVT graduate Aimee shares how her career has taken her from general practice to canine rehabilitation, remote veterinary work and running her own business.
A proposed Tasmania intake of the ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training is now open for Expressions of Interest.
In our annual ceremony, we proudly celebrated the achievements of our AVT Veterinary Nursing graduates of 2025. This special and emotional occasion recognised the dedication and hard work of our students as they were surrounded by trainers, family and friends.