Dogs really are everyone’s best friend. They’re cute, playful and always there when you need them most. It’s only fair that we return the love by treating our companions like kings and queens with some pampering activities.
Dog grooming sometimes falls under the wider umbrella of animal management and welfare, so it’s easy to expand your skills to other domains like veterinary support or animal nutrition. Find out how you can get started with these tip-top dog grooming apprenticeships.
What types of jobs can you get as a dog groomer?
Salon stylist
Salon styling is the most common route. You’d work in a salon, grooming dogs of all breeds and sizes according to what the client wants or breed standards. Being a salon stylist involves bathing, drying, brushing, de-matting, trimming nails, cleaning ears… and sometimes even tooth brushing!
Show groomer
Have you ever seen Crufts on TV? It’s the best of the best dog show, and behind every pampered and preened dog is an exceptional groomer. These groomers prepare dogs for dog shows, ensuring they meet breed standards and can secure the gold medal.
Grooming instructor
The student can become the master if you share your knowledge and passion with aspiring groomers. You could do this at a local college, salon or even online if you set up your own business. This role goes beyond just teaching the technical skills of bathing, drying and styling, as you’d also guide students on breed-specific needs or health and safety regulations.
Veterinary groomer
Some veterinary clinics employ groomers to assist with hygiene and care for animals with medical needs. You might groom animals with medical conditions, injuries or disabilities, requiring gentle handling and special techniques – for example, dogs might need to be carefully shaved before surgery.
Mobile groomer
Here’s an idea: what about bringing the salon to the dog! Mobile groomers have vans equipped with all the necessary tools to travel to clients’ homes, which is great for dogs who get anxious in new environments. This type of career also gives you more flexibility if you crave independence in your job.
Dog grooming apprenticeships
Gov.uk
Check out the gov.uk website to find a Level 2 Dog Groomer Apprenticeship near you. This opportunity is also sometimes called ‘Assistant Stylist’ or ‘Dog Grooming Technician,’ so keep your eyes peeled for similar opportunities.
Vets4Pets
Vets4Pets have loads of in-demand apprenticeship opportunities, including at their Groom Room sister business. You can work towards a Level 2 Dog Groomer Apprenticeship alongside their specialist in-store experts.
Pets at Home
Keep an eye on the ‘pets grooming’ opportunities on the Pets at Home website, which form part of their Leadership Development Apprenticeships programme. If all goes well, you could secure a full-time dog groomer role and climb the ranks to become a head stylist one day.
College of Animal Welfare
This 12-month Level 2 Dog Groomer Apprenticeship will help you build hands-on experience in the world of work. Training will be delivered virtually, and the college is highly specialised in this career path, so you know you’re getting the best support.
Entry requirements
Generally, you need GCSEs in English and maths in grade 3 or above. You’ll notice that some dog grooming apprenticeships ask for ‘appropriate employment’ or ‘relevant experience.’ The good news is that you can easily secure work experience opportunities to boost your CV. For example, what about offering to walk your friends’ dogs after school? Or volunteering at a local grooming salon?
It’s safe to say that there’s only one true requirement for a dog grooming apprenticeship… you’ve gotta love animals more than people!
Extra tips
Why not combine your dog grooming skills with other services to appeal to more clients? You could offer pet sitting and dog walking as part of a convenient package for busy pet owners.
If you open your own salon or business one day, there are loads more (and fancier!) services you could offer. What about aromatherapy baths to relax stressed-out dogs or even selling some treats and toys in-store to secure extra revenue?
Become an expert in the animal kingdom with an apprenticeship
Dogs can’t talk, but their wagging tails tell us how happy they are when they’re being pampered and groomed. As we discussed above, a dog grooming apprenticeship can open the door to tonnes of exciting opportunities, like becoming a show stylist or even a full salon owner.
Want to work with animals of all sizes and species, not just dogs? Take a look at our apprenticeship opportunities in animal care and agriculture.
