What will you do?
Working as a dog groomer or animal clipper, you identify what care each animal needs, decide on the treatment and prepare the animal before you begin. You groom and clip the coat, suggest aftercare and handle the medical administration. You present and sell products and services, and you disinfect your equipment between clients.
- Identify the care each animal needs
- Decide on the right treatment
- Prepare the animal for grooming or care
- Groom and clip the animal's coat
- Suggest suitable aftercare
- Present and sell products and services
- Disinfect the equipment between clients
Skills to develop
- A calm, patient way with animals
- Steady hands and an eye for a neat finish
- Knowledge of coat types and grooming techniques
- Good hygiene and equipment disinfection habits
- Friendly customer contact and basic sales skills
- A grooming course or trained experience is an asset
Your foundation for this occupation
Learn coat types, skin observation and animal behaviour. Clipping, scissoring and stripping suit different coats.
From preparation to your first day
Develop the practical skills
Practise washing, drying and detangling with calm handling and suitable tools.
Check your work
Check skin, nails and animal comfort; discuss treatment limits.
How can you grow?
Specialise in particular coats or develop a grooming business.
Frequently asked questions
Can every mat simply be brushed out?
No. Dense matting can make brushing painful. Assess coat and skin and agree a humane approach with the owner.