How to Become a Dog Groomer in Australia

If you love to spend your time with dogs or simply love animal care in general, then dog grooming could be the perfect job for you. Now is a great time to get into this rewarding career, as the dog grooming industry is projected to grow by 14.9% over the next five years.

Dog grooming is all about taking care of dogs and tending to their needs through dog grooming services, helping them look and feel their best. While dog groomers mainly focus on grooming, bathing, nail trimming and tending to a dog’s needs, they also have the responsibility of informing pet owners if their dog has parasites or any skin conditions.

Learn how to become a dog groomer with this comprehensive guide.

Although a formal qualification isn’t necessary to be hired as a dog groomer, getting a dog grooming qualification will boost your employability and job prospects. A TAFE dog grooming course will provide you with all the training and skills needed to thrive in this position. 

Other certification programs like the Certificate III in Pet Grooming or the Certificate IV in Pet Styling can also give you more of an insight into the dog grooming profession.

By going to a TAFE or Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and completing a dog grooming course, you’ll get some hands-on experience with dogs and learn advanced grooming details, including different grooming techniques for certain dog breeds.

If you want something a bit lighter, there are shorter online training courses that cover all the basic skills necessary to become a dog groomer in Australia.

Some of the courses you can take to become a dog groomer include:

A dog groomer’s day is full of fun – but hard – work. You will be working with all sorts of furry friends, some who love grooming and some who hate it. Since you’ll be getting a vast range of clients, no two days in the world of a dog groomer look the same. 

Some of the tasks and responsibilities of a full groom dog groomer include:

If you adore dogs but don’t think the duties of a dog groomer match your interests, consider a career in dog training.

Dog groomers need a range of soft and technical skills to be successful in the animal care industry. While you may already have the soft skills a dog groomer possesses, you may require training from a pet grooming TAFE course to equip the technical skills.

Some of the soft skills and technical skills of a dog groomer include:

While you can get a job as a dog groomer at various vet clinics, doggie daycares or grooming salons, there is also the option to fly solo. Being self-employed and starting your own dog grooming business is a great way to establish yourself in the animal care industry, especially for business-oriented people. 

If you plan on starting your own dog grooming business, you’ll need a space and supplies to work with. The space can vary greatly, from professional grooming salons to mobile grooming services. Self-employed dog groomers can rent out a storefront, or renovate a room in their own property into a dog grooming salon.

In terms of the tools and supplies to be a professional dog groomer, you’ll need:

Once everything is set up, it’s time to market your business. You’ll have to decide on a name and logo that will catch people’s attention. When you’ve got that sorted, try to reach as many advertising avenues as possible. Social media, flyers and posters are all great ways to get your name out there and establish your dog grooming business.

You can also leave your business card at places where potential clients visit, such as at the vet, dog daycare centres, dog training schools, cafes, etc. While you’re at it, go ahead and network with vets, vet nurses and the dog trainers who you come into contact with. That way, they can personally refer people to you whenever they need their dog groomed.

Dog grooming is a rewarding, fulfilling career for anybody who adores pooches and wants to spend all day hanging out with them. If you believe this is something you’d like to pursue, explore dog grooming courses today!