Career outlook for dog groomer
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£14,040
Currently employed in Scotland
4,900
Five year job forecast
+8.06%
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
What's it like?
You would help dog owners keep their dog’s coat healthy and looking good. You’d advise them about coat care, grooming and diet.
You’d need to be confident with dogs and be able to handle the animals firmly but gently. You’d have to be patient with them so you can calm and control nervous dogs.
With each owner, you would discuss the grooming they would like, whether the dog is used to being groomed and the best way to handle the animal.
It would be important to start by checking for any sore areas or lumps on the dog's skin, and for fleas or parasites.
You would then
- Carefully shape the dog's coat with electric clippers or a stripping knife
- Shampoo and dry the dog's coat
- Give it a final trim with scissors
Sometimes you would also clip the dog's claws and clean its teeth and ears.
You would often follow standards for how different breeds should look – for example, poodles are usually clipped to a particular shape. This is particularly important when dogs are being prepared for a show.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
UK employment status
Full-time
54%
Part-time
23%
Self employed
23%
Top skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Positive attitude
- Persevering
- Reliable
- Attention to detail
- Cooperating
- Social conscience
- Empathising
- Creative
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Qualifications
There are no formal entry qualifications for this role however some employers may ask for applicants to have a good general education (SCQF Level 3-5).
Helpful to have
Previous experience with animals.
Work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Animal Care (SVQ Level 2/3).
As many dog groomers are self-employed, it could be useful to have qualifications and experience in:
- customer services, such as Skills for Work retailing (SCQF Level 5)
- or enterprise such as SQA Enterprise and Employability SQA Awards (SCQF Level 4/5)