Beginning your journey into your career as a professional dog groomer is both scary and exhilarating. You are starting a new, exciting profession, but there are many options to contemplate in terms of your training and career. A dog grooming course at a licensed school is an excellent step, but you may wonder if anything else is necessary to work in your field. What are the benefits of obtaining dog grooming certification?
Below we will exam dog grooming licenses versus certifications, and review some of the nuances of the field of dog grooming.
Do I need a dog grooming license to become a pet stylist?
Currently, there aren’t any state licensing requirements to become a professional dog groomer, except in Connecticut and Colorado. Some groomers begin their dog grooming careers without attending a professional dog grooming school; however, attending an onsite dog grooming course at a school licensed by the Department of Education will provide you with the skills and training needed to be successful. Learning your craft, working side-by-side with professional groomers, is the best foundation to begin your career as a professional pet stylist! A good teacher will work with you closely and give you immediate feedback as you are grooming each dog. This is not possible for students learning grooming online. Hair dressers learn their trade at brick and mortar licensed schools. Dog Groomers are hair dressers for our furry family members.
In certain states, a self-employed groomer will be required to have a Pet Grooming Business License. While the self-employed groomers themselves are not required to have this license, their facility is required to have a business license.
Dog Grooming Certification Versus Dog Grooming License
If you are thinking about starting your own dog grooming business, you should investigate the regulations in your state and local municipality. A dog grooming facility license is not intended to replace a diploma from a state licensed dog grooming academy. A dog grooming course taught onsite at a professional school will teach you the skills needed to care for your four-legged clients. Some dog grooming courses will provide instruction on starting your own business. If your interest is to become a self-employed dog groomer, either working in mobile dog grooming or in your own shop, research schools that include this training in their curriculum.
Dog Groomer Certification
Receiving certification as a professional dog groomer demonstrates that you have completed a formal program of professional training and can competently and proficiently groom dogs. With dog groomer certification from a licensed institution, customers will be assured you have the skills necessary to groom their furry family members. They will recognize that you have been certified by a professional, state licensed dog grooming school.
Is it better to be self-employed or to work for an established salon?
Your career goals and desires will direct your decision. If you love the idea of being your own boss, then you will need to perform some research to make your dream of owning a business a reality. If you are more focused on working as a groomer within a shop and refining your skills, you can pursue that avenue instead. Both options benefit from dog groomer certification at a licensed grooming academy.
The bottom line is to know what type of dog grooming career you desire, finding out what is required in your area, and getting proper onsite training at a dog grooming school licensed by the Department of Education. Training with an experienced teacher is vastly different than merely applying for a license. Work on your skills, build your self-confidence and you will be ready for an exciting, lucrative career as a dog groomer!
By Shara L. Connors, Founder and CEO, Dog Grooming School of Pennsylvania
pennsylvaniadoggroomingschool.com