How to Find Work as a New Dog Groomer
Starting a career in pet grooming can feel challenging, especially if you’re fresh out of training and don’t yet have a portfolio or hands-on experience. But don't worry—every successful groomer was once in your shoes. Landing your first job in grooming is possible with the right approach, even without a professional portfolio. Here’s how you can kick-start your grooming career with confidence, no matter where you’re starting from.
1. Focus on Your Training and Certifications
Even if you don’t have on-the-job experience yet, your training and certifications are valuable. Highlight your education, whether it’s from a grooming school, an online course, or hands-on workshops. Mention specific techniques or tools you learned to use during your training.
- List Your Certifications: Make sure to prominently feature any certifications you have. If you completed a professional grooming course or earned a first-aid certification for pets, it shows employers that you’ve taken the initiative to be properly trained.
- Emphasize Skills Learned: Even if you don’t have formal work experience, you’ve still gained practical skills. List out the grooming techniques you’re comfortable with, such as bathing, nail trimming, and handling different breeds.
2. Apply for Grooming Assistant or Bather Positions
If you’re just starting out and don’t have experience, applying for entry-level positions can be a great way to get your foot in the door. Many grooming salons hire grooming assistants or bathers to help with basic tasks like washing, drying, and brushing pets. These roles can serve as stepping stones, giving you valuable hands-on experience while you learn from seasoned groomers.
- Gain Experience and Confidence: As a grooming assistant, you’ll work alongside professional groomers, learning how they handle pets and perfect their grooming techniques. This experience will help you build confidence and improve your skills over time.
- Learn Salon Operations: These roles will also help you learn the day-to-day operations of a grooming salon, such as scheduling appointments, managing client communications, and keeping the workspace clean and organized—skills that are crucial for a successful grooming career.
3. Leverage Your Love for Animals
Grooming is about more than just technical skills—it’s also about creating a positive experience for pets. If you’re passionate about animals and have prior experience working with them (even in non-grooming settings), make sure to emphasize that.
- Mention Pet-Related Experience: Have you volunteered at an animal shelter, worked at a pet store, or provided pet-sitting services? While it may not be grooming-specific, this experience shows employers that you’re comfortable working with animals and understand their behavior.
- Highlight Your Patience and Care: Grooming requires patience, empathy, and an ability to calm nervous pets. If you have experience calming anxious animals or caring for difficult pets, emphasize that in your application.
4. Take Advantage of Grooming Apprenticeships
Some grooming salons offer apprenticeship programs where you can train on the job under the supervision of experienced groomers. These programs are an excellent way to gain experience while earning a paycheck.
- Search for Apprenticeships: Reach out to local grooming salons to ask if they offer apprenticeships or on-the-job training. Even if they don’t advertise these programs, some salons are open to training new groomers who show enthusiasm and dedication.
- Learn by Doing: As an apprentice, you’ll be involved in all aspects of the grooming process, from prepping pets to learning advanced grooming techniques. This hands-on training will eventually allow you to build a portfolio as you complete more grooming jobs.
5. Show Enthusiasm and Willingness to Learn
Even if you don’t have experience, showing genuine enthusiasm for the job can go a long way. Grooming salon owners and managers appreciate candidates who are eager to learn, are open to feedback, and have a positive attitude.
- Be Ready to Start Small: You may not get hired for a full groomer position right away, but be willing to start with smaller tasks like bathing or assisting with grooming sessions. This shows you’re committed to growing and improving your skills over time.
- Ask Questions: During interviews or when speaking to potential employers, ask questions about their grooming techniques, tools, and customer service practices. This shows you’re serious about learning and developing your expertise.
6. Attend Pet Industry Events and Network
One of the best ways to get your name out there is by networking. Attending pet industry events or grooming expos can help you meet experienced groomers, salon owners, and pet industry professionals who might be looking for new talent or willing to give you advice.
- Join Grooming Communities: Connect with grooming professionals online through platforms like Facebook groups, LinkedIn, or even Instagram. Groomers often share job openings and tips, and building these relationships can lead to new opportunities.
- Ask for Informational Interviews: Reach out to salon owners or experienced groomers in your area and ask if they’d be willing to chat with you about their career path. This is a great way to build relationships and learn more about what employers are looking for in a new groomer.
7. Craft a Standout Resume and Cover Letter
Without experience, your resume and cover letter need to shine. Focus on transferable skills and showcase your passion for grooming.
- Transferable Skills: If you’ve worked in customer service, retail, or any other pet-related job, highlight the skills you’ve gained that would apply to grooming, such as time management, attention to detail, or communicating with pet owners.
- Passion for Grooming: In your cover letter, share why you’re passionate about becoming a groomer and what drew you to the field. Employers want to hire people who genuinely care about the animals and the grooming profession.
8. Stay Patient and Persistent
Finding your first grooming job can take time, but don’t get discouraged. Every groomer starts somewhere, and with persistence, you’ll find the right opportunity to begin your career.
- Keep Applying: Apply to as many grooming salons as possible, even if they don’t have job openings listed. Some salons might be willing to bring on a passionate and dedicated new groomer if you make a strong case.
- Continue Learning: While you’re job hunting, keep improving your skills by watching grooming tutorials, reading grooming books, or even practicing on pets in your personal network (with their owners’ permission, of course).
Getting your start as a groomer without experience or a portfolio is possible if you take the right steps. Focus on leveraging your training, applying for entry-level positions, and showing enthusiasm for learning. With patience, persistence, and a passion for animals, you'll find your first job in no time and be on your way to building a rewarding grooming career.