Dog Groomers keep dogs' coats in good condition and give their owners advice on fur care, grooming and diet. They carry out basic health checks, identify parasites and signs of infection, bath, dry and style all dogs to ‘breed standard’ or customer specification. Groomers work with a variety of breeds and sizes, although may specialise. Some dogs are groomed as regularly as every four to six weeks, others perhaps once or twice a year, and some dogs can take up to two hours to groom.
Although the majority of animal grooming involves the care of dogs, the industry has grown and become much more diverse and now also includes grooming services for other animals, such as cats and rabbits.
Also known as: Animal Groomer
You'll need:
animal care skills and knowledge
to be calm and patient to help dogs in your care to relax
good dog handling skills and confident to handle any size of animal
good hand-to-eye co-ordination and attention to detail
excellent customer service and communication skills
to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
good physical stamina
You can gain confidence with dogs and develop your training skills through volunteering with dog rescue charities. You might take short courses to learn how to handle dogs, in canine health or first aid.
If you offer pick up and drop off as part of your service, you’ll need a suitable vehicle and a driver’s licence.
NB These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary depending on the employer and the skills and experience of the employee.
Around 35-40 hours a week, often Monday to Saturday, with a day off during the week. Flexible working to meet client’s needs may involve some evening and weekend work.
Check the dog’s hair and skin for common disorders and parasites, and their general health
Prepare the dog for bathing
Shampoo and dry the dog's coat
Shape the coat with electric clippers or a stripping knife
Use scissors to trim and style the dog's coat
Manage the dog's behaviour while in your care
Deal with clients, give grooming advice and do administrative tasks, like take payments or book appointments
Maintain a clean work area
You could work in a salon, at a client's home, at a store or at a veterinary practice. Most Groomers wear an overall or apron for shampooing, and gloves if using chemicals to treat parasites or skin conditions.
There is a considerable amount of standing and lifting of animals on to the grooming table. The work may not be suitable for people with pet allergies.
Training is an essential part of any job, giving you the skills and knowledge you need to do your job safely and correctly. It also helps to strengthen your current skill set and prepares you for the next stage in your career.
Apprenticeships help you build the experience and skills that employers want to see. No matter what stage you’re at, they’ll help set you up for a bright future. There are lots of ways to get involved.
With experience and qualifications, you could become self-employed and work from home or become a mobile Dog Groomer, visiting owners' homes.
You could also open your own salon or teach dog grooming classes.
Dog Groomer will usually work in one of the following industries. Click below to find out more about possible career paths.
From cats and dogs to endangered species, taking care of animals is a rewarding and interesting career path.
59% of households in the UK own a pet, according to a recent survey by the Pet Food Manufacturers Association, while in the Republic of Ireland, this increases to an estimated 61%, so if you want to build a career around working with animals then you’re going to be spoilt for choice. Job roles are incredibly varied – if taking care of domestic animals like cats and dogs isn’t for you, why not think about veterinarian work where you help look after wildlife or livestock? Or if you go wild for exotic species, why not explore the dynamic worlds of conservation and zookeeping?
The choices are endless and every role – and route into it – is different. It’s worth spending a little bit of time thinking about your strengths and weaknesses, as well as the kind of animals you’d like to work with – we’ve put together a few options for you to think about.
Over 120,000 people work in Veterinary and Animal Care services occupations in the UK.
Between the RSPCA, SSCPA and USPCA charities, over 32,000 animals in the UK were rehomed or released in 2020
There are over 1,500 veterinary businesses in the Republic of Ireland, employing almost 4,000 people
During 2021, the Dog Trust charity in the Republic of Ireland received 2,155 requests from people wanting to rehome a dog, and increase on the previous year of 82%
These courses are perfect if you are starting out on your career but they are also great for people already in jobs who want to improve their skills.
To find out more about qualification levels in England please visit Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) for England and Northern Ireland or Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) .
To find out more about qualification levels in Northern Ireland please visit Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) for England and Northern Ireland or Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ).
To find out more about qualification levels in the Republic of Ireland, please visit National Framework of Qualifications for Ireland (NFQIE)
To find out more about qualification levels in Scotland please visit Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
To find out more about qualification levels in Wales please visit Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW) or Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ).
| Title | Level | |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2 Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 2 | |
SMB Group (formally Stephenson College and Brooksby Melton College) SMB Group (formally Stephenson College and Brooksby Melton College) SMB Group (formally Stephenson College and Brooksby Melton College) SMB Group (formally Stephenson College and Brooksby Melton College) SMB Group (formally Stephenson College and Brooksby Melton College) SMB Group (formally Stephenson College and Brooksby Melton College) | ||
| Level 2 Dog Grooming Assistant & Certificate in Animal Care | RQF Level: Level 2 | |
| Level 3 Certificate Cat Grooming and Introduction to Styling | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Certificate/Diploma for Dog Grooming Stylists | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
Brighter Futures Animal Academy Brighter Futures Animal Academy Brighter Futures Animal Academy Brighter Futures Animal Academy | ||
| Level 3 Diploma for Professional Dog Grooming Stylists | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
Bishop Burton College & University Centre Bishop Burton College & University Centre Bishop Burton College & University Centre Bishop Burton College & University Centre Bishop Burton College & University Centre | ||
| Level 3 Award Introduction to Cat Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Diploma Cat Grooming and Salon Management | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
Bishop Burton College & University Centre SMB Group (formally Stephenson College and Brooksby Melton College) Bishop Burton College & University Centre SMB Group (formally Stephenson College and Brooksby Melton College) Bishop Burton College & University Centre SMB Group (formally Stephenson College and Brooksby Melton College) Bishop Burton College & University Centre SMB Group (formally Stephenson College and Brooksby Melton College) Bishop Burton College & University Centre SMB Group (formally Stephenson College and Brooksby Melton College) Bishop Burton College & University Centre SMB Group (formally Stephenson College and Brooksby Melton College) | ||
| Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants | RQF Level: Level 2 | |
Bishop Burton College & University Centre Brighter Futures Animal Academy Dearne Valley College (part of the RNN Group) Bishop Burton College & University Centre Brighter Futures Animal Academy Dearne Valley College (part of the RNN Group) Bishop Burton College & University Centre Brighter Futures Animal Academy Dearne Valley College (part of the RNN Group) Bishop Burton College & University Centre Brighter Futures Animal Academy Dearne Valley College (part of the RNN Group) Bishop Burton College & University Centre Brighter Futures Animal Academy Dearne Valley College (part of the RNN Group) Bishop Burton College & University Centre Brighter Futures Animal Academy | ||
| Level 3 Award Companion Animal Transportation | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
Stonebridge Associated Colleges Stonebridge Associated Colleges Stonebridge Associated Colleges Stonebridge Associated Colleges | ||
| Level 3 Behavioural Modification for Professionals | RQF Level: N/A | |
| Level 3 Award Hand Stripping | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Certificate Dog Grooming and Introduction to Styling | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
Stonebridge Associated Colleges Stonebridge Associated Colleges Stonebridge Associated Colleges Stonebridge Associated Colleges | ||
| Level 3 Award An Introduction to Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
Stonebridge Associated Colleges Stonebridge Associated Colleges Stonebridge Associated Colleges Stonebridge Associated Colleges | ||
| Level 3 Anatomy and Physiology of Cats and Dogs | RQF Level: N/A | |
| Level 3 Dog Grooming (Theory) | RQF Level: N/A | |
| Level 3 Diploma Dog Grooming and Salon Management | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
Stonebridge Associated Colleges Stonebridge Associated Colleges Stonebridge Associated Colleges Stonebridge Associated Colleges | ||
| Level 4 Higher Professional Diploma in Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 4 | |
| Level 2 Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 2 | |
| Level 2 Dog Grooming Assistant & Certificate in Animal Care | RQF Level: Level 2 | |
| Level 3 Certificate Cat Grooming and Introduction to Styling | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Certificate/Diploma for Dog Grooming Stylists | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Diploma for Professional Dog Grooming Stylists | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Award Introduction to Cat Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Diploma Cat Grooming and Salon Management | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants | RQF Level: Level 2 | |
| Level 3 Award Companion Animal Transportation | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Behavioural Modification for Professionals | RQF Level: N/A | |
| Level 3 Award Hand Stripping | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Certificate Dog Grooming and Introduction to Styling | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Award An Introduction to Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Anatomy and Physiology of Cats and Dogs | RQF Level: N/A | |
| Level 3 Dog Grooming (Theory) | RQF Level: N/A | |
| Level 3 Diploma Dog Grooming and Salon Management | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 4 Higher Professional Diploma in Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 4 | |
| Level 2 Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 2 | |
| Level 2 Dog Grooming Assistant & Certificate in Animal Care | RQF Level: Level 2 | |
| Level 3 Certificate Cat Grooming and Introduction to Styling | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Certificate/Diploma for Dog Grooming Stylists | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Diploma for Professional Dog Grooming Stylists | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Award Introduction to Cat Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Diploma Cat Grooming and Salon Management | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants | RQF Level: Level 2 | |
| Level 3 Award Companion Animal Transportation | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Behavioural Modification for Professionals | RQF Level: N/A | |
| Level 3 Award Hand Stripping | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Certificate Dog Grooming and Introduction to Styling | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Award An Introduction to Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Anatomy and Physiology of Cats and Dogs | RQF Level: N/A | |
| Level 3 Dog Grooming (Theory) | RQF Level: N/A | |
| Level 3 Diploma Dog Grooming and Salon Management | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 4 Higher Professional Diploma in Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 4 | |
| Level 2 Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 2 | |
| Level 2 Dog Grooming Assistant & Certificate in Animal Care | RQF Level: Level 2 | |
| Level 3 Certificate Cat Grooming and Introduction to Styling | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Certificate/Diploma for Dog Grooming Stylists | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Diploma for Professional Dog Grooming Stylists | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Award Introduction to Cat Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Diploma Cat Grooming and Salon Management | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants | RQF Level: Level 2 | |
| Level 3 Award Companion Animal Transportation | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Behavioural Modification for Professionals | RQF Level: N/A | |
| Level 3 Award Hand Stripping | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Certificate Dog Grooming and Introduction to Styling | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Award An Introduction to Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Anatomy and Physiology of Cats and Dogs | RQF Level: N/A | |
| Level 3 Dog Grooming (Theory) | RQF Level: N/A | |
| Level 3 Diploma Dog Grooming and Salon Management | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 4 Higher Professional Diploma in Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 4 | |
| Level 2 Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 2 | |
| Level 2 Dog Grooming Assistant & Certificate in Animal Care | RQF Level: Level 2 | |
| Level 3 Certificate Cat Grooming and Introduction to Styling | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Certificate/Diploma for Dog Grooming Stylists | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Diploma for Professional Dog Grooming Stylists | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Award Introduction to Cat Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Diploma Cat Grooming and Salon Management | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants | RQF Level: Level 2 | |
| Level 3 Award Companion Animal Transportation | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Behavioural Modification for Professionals | RQF Level: N/A | |
| Level 3 Award Hand Stripping | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Certificate Dog Grooming and Introduction to Styling | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Award An Introduction to Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Anatomy and Physiology of Cats and Dogs | RQF Level: N/A | |
| Level 3 Dog Grooming (Theory) | RQF Level: N/A | |
| Level 3 Diploma Dog Grooming and Salon Management | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 4 Higher Professional Diploma in Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 4 | |
| Level 2 Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 2 | |
| Level 2 Dog Grooming Assistant & Certificate in Animal Care | RQF Level: Level 2 | |
| Level 3 Certificate Cat Grooming and Introduction to Styling | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Certificate/Diploma for Dog Grooming Stylists | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Diploma for Professional Dog Grooming Stylists | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Award Introduction to Cat Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Diploma Cat Grooming and Salon Management | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants | RQF Level: Level 2 | |
| Level 3 Award Companion Animal Transportation | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Behavioural Modification for Professionals | RQF Level: N/A | |
| Level 3 Award Hand Stripping | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Certificate Dog Grooming and Introduction to Styling | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Award An Introduction to Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 3 Anatomy and Physiology of Cats and Dogs | RQF Level: N/A | |
| Level 3 Dog Grooming (Theory) | RQF Level: N/A | |
| Level 3 Diploma Dog Grooming and Salon Management | RQF Level: Level 3 | |
| Level 4 Higher Professional Diploma in Dog Grooming | RQF Level: Level 4 | |
These courses are perfect if you are starting out on your career but they are also great for people already in jobs who want to improve their skills.
Canine Communication and Body Language (E-Learning)
This E-learning course is about understanding canine communication and using it to prevent conflict.
Type: E-Learning
Setting Up a Business for Pet Professionals (E-Learning)
This course is about the legal responsibilities and financial matters you need to be aware of if you are planning to set up a business relating to pets.
Type: E-Learning
Canine Health And Welfare
Type: E-Learning
Whether you’re just starting out in the workplace, want to upskill or are considering changing direction, Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to build your career. Apprenticeships combine work with on-the-job training, so if you want to earn as you learn, there’s an apprenticeship out there for you – you can even start an apprenticeship if you already have a degree.
During an apprenticeship, you’ll be assessed regularly to make sure you’re gaining the knowledge, skills and behaviours you need. At the end of the apprenticeship, an End Point Assessment (EPA) will check you’re fully competent. EPAs are carried out by an independent organisation and will include a practical skills demonstration and discussion.
To become an apprentice in England you must:
There are four levels of apprenticeship:
Dog Groomer - 12 months
About
The dog groomer will have knowledge and experience of different dog breeds, coat type and health conditions. Grooms include assessing the health, bathing, drying, brushing and trimming a diverse range of dogs.
Find out more
Apprenticeships - HM Government
Work, earn and learn – no matter where you are in your career, an apprenticeship can set you up for a bright future.
Let’s get started!
Want to take on an apprentice? Employers start here.
An apprenticeship is a unique blend of work experience and study to help build the skills and knowledge you need for your career. Apprentices are employees – they have a contract, are paid and get the same benefits as everyone else. But the difference between an apprenticeship and a normal job is that apprentices are regularly released from work for training. Sometimes that’s a day a week, sometimes it’s for a longer block – it all depends on the job and the apprenticeship.
Apprentices work for all kinds of people at all kinds of stages in their lives. Most apprentices fall into one of three categories:
Previously restricted to school leavers and young people, apprenticeships are now a dynamic way of retraining people of all ages - there’s no upper age limit. The minimum age to become an apprentice is 16 and candidates can’t be in full-time education.
Apprenticeships offer a unique combination of paid work and study. They’re an exciting option for anyone who wants to gain experience, upskill or change career while working.
They offer a chance to work, learn and earn:
Interested in becoming an apprentice? Search for current opportunities and apply here.
Find your apprenticeship
You can also check vacancies on employer websites or get in touch with your local careers service.
What’s it like to work, earn and learn? Find out what apprentice life is really like.
Explore apprenticeship storiesNot quite sure if an apprenticeship is right for you? If you’re not ready for an apprenticeship, T Levels and Traineeships can be a great alternative.
T Levels are an alternative to A Levels – a two-year course for 16-18 year olds. Created alongside employers, they combine classroom learning with an industry placement and are a great way to prepare for work, further training or study. If you’re not quite ready for a T Level, the T Level Transition Programme is a 1-year post-GCSE course designed to prepare you for your chosen route. T Levels are available in Agriculture, Land Management and Production from September 2023, and in Animal Care and Management from September 2024.
Traineeships are a great option if you’re between 16 and 24 and don’t yet have the skills or experience to take on a job or apprenticeship. In a Traineeship, you complete an unpaid work placement alongside a training course to develop your skills. Traineeships last from six weeks to a year, though most last around six months.
Pet Industry Federation (PIF)
Find out more
Thinking about your finances is important when you're looking at courses and training - different types of funding support is available depending on what type of course you're interested in and where you are located. We recommend you contact the training provider for more information on course costs and financing, but here are some links to connect you to support available:
Skills Hub Scotland is an online skill sharing marketplace creating new opportunities to learn and share skills. Wherever you are located - if you have a skill to share, or a skill to learn, Skills Hub Scotland can help.
Initially founded as a response to the Scottish Government’s CivTech 5 programme in 2020 and aiming to offer a platform for those in rural or remote locations, Skills Hub Scotland has been developed into an important sectoral resource. If you have a skill to share with others or are a training provider, list your workshop or course (all skills from all sectors are welcome). If you are a learner, use Skills Hub Scotland to search for and book a course!
STEM is an approach to learning and development that incorporates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Learning in STEM connects to Education for Sustainable Development/Learning for Sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals – this helps learners to understand that STEM plays a vital role in finding solutions to real world issues or challenges such as protecting biodiversity and tackling climate change. There are multiple pathways into a land-based STEM career including apprenticeships, further and higher education. This means that a career in STEM is open to everyone!
STEM Learning is the largest provider of STEM education and careers support in the UK. Their STEM Ambassadors programme sees volunteers representing a vast range of STEM-related jobs work with young people to bring STEM subjects alive through real life experiences. They help to open the doors to a world of opportunities and possibilities which come from pursuing STEM subjects and careers. To become a STEM Ambassador, you can register via the STEM Learning website: https://www.stem.org.uk/stem-ambassadors/join-stem-ambassador-programme
Lantra have worked in collaboration with STEM Ambassadors in Scotland to create two specific UK-wide Ambassadors schemes - Forestry and Aquaculture. Through these schemes, we want to make sure that those working in forestry and aquaculture have the support materials they need to take part in STEM activities. To find out more and register for the schemes, please follow the links below:
Smart Futures helps young people in Ireland discover the STEM subjects and careers that might be right for them. Co-ordinated and managed by Science Foundation Ireland, their programme allows young people to connect with people that are working in STEM, the organisations they’re working in and what their interests and skills are.
Why not take a look at the Industries Explorer as an introduction to the different areas you could work in.
If we can support you with any specific information, please click the button below to get in touch.
