GROOM BLOG

The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Professional Dog Groomer in 2025

Why Dog Grooming is a Fast-Growing and Fulfilling Career

Dog grooming is a creative, hands-on profession that blends animal care, artistry, and client service. As pet ownership continues to rise, the demand for skilled, compassionate groomers grows year after year. This career appeals to a wide range of individuals: recent graduates, career changers, lifelong animal lovers, and veterinary professionals looking to expand their skillset.

Groomers enjoy flexibility, meaningful client relationships, and the opportunity to work closely with dogs of all shapes, sizes, and temperaments. Whether you’re interested in working in a salon, starting your own grooming business, or adding services to an existing practice, grooming offers a rewarding and stable career path.


How to Become a Dog Groomer: Pathways Explained

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to become a groomer, which makes this career especially accessible. Some of the most common paths include:

  • Apprenticeship: Learning under an experienced groomer, often unpaid or low-paid.
  • On-the-Job Training: Offered at salons and veterinary offices, but may vary in depth and structure.
  • Corporate Programs: Some large pet stores like Petco or PetSmart offer internal training.
  • Formal Education: Programs like Groom Curriculum offer comprehensive, credential-driven training with both classroom and hands-on components.


Each path has pros and cons, but the most effective route is one that ensures you’re well-trained, confident, and prepared to pass a recognized credential exam like the AKC Professional Grooming Credential.

What Skills Do Professional Dog Groomers Need?

Dog grooming is a technical skillset that demands attention to detail, patience, and safety. A well-trained professional groomer is proficient in:

  • Safety and Humane Handling: Preventing injuries to both pets and groomers through humane restraint, reading canine body language, and education.
  • Sanitation and Cleanliness: Preventing cross-contamination and promoting a hygienic environment for pets and humans.
  • Technical Grooming Skills: Bathing, drying, brushing, de-shedding, clipping, scissoring, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and more.
  • Breed Knowledge and Anatomy: Understanding coat types, common breed styles, and structure.
  • Professionalism: Clear client communication, time management, and ethical service.


At Groom Curriculum, these foundational competencies are at the heart of every lesson. The program was developed by a veteran educator in collaboration with a professional groomer to ensure a comprehensive, research-based education.

Why Choose Groom Curriculum?

Not all grooming programs are created equal. What makes Groom Curriculum unique?

  • Credential-Driven Training: Students are prepared for the AKC Professional Grooming Credential Exam, a nationally recognized credential that signifies professional standards and excellence.
  • Hands-On & LMS-Based Learning: Students gain practical experience and benefit from a robust online platform that supports a variety of learning styles.
  • Accessible & Inclusive: No high school diploma is required to enroll, and the program is designed to support workforce readiness within a few months.
  • Expert-Designed Curriculum: The course was built by an educator with over 30 years of experience in curriculum development, ensuring that every module is engaging, effective, and grounded in proven learning methodologies.


AKC Standards & Verified Instructors: Groom Curriculum aligns with the AKC National Core Professional Dog Grooming Standards, providing consistent, high-quality instruction from credentialed professionals.

 

What is the AKC Professional Grooming Credential?

The AKC-PGC (American Kennel Club Professional Grooming Credential) is a respected industry certification that validates a groomer’s technical proficiency, breed knowledge, and understanding of animal welfare.

Earning this credential can lead to better job opportunities, higher pay, and increased trust from clients. Groom Curriculum’s program ensures every student is ready to succeed on the AKC-PGC exam, with lessons and hands-on practice built around its core competencies.

Career Opportunities for Certified Dog Groomers

Graduates of grooming programs like Groom Curriculum have a wide range of career paths, including:

  • Grooming Salons: Private shops, large-scale businesses, or boutique salons.
  • Mobile Grooming: Offering house calls via a customized van or trailer.
  • In-Home Grooming: A low-overhead option for groomers seeking independence.
  • Veterinary Clinics: Providing grooming in clinical or medical environments.
  • Entrepreneurship: Launch your own business, hire staff, and grow your brand.


This career isn’t limited to one environment. It’s flexible, scalable, and in demand nationwide.

A Day in the Life of a Dog Groomer

No two days in a grooming salon are alike. Professional groomers juggle a variety of responsibilities, from client check-ins and grooming assessments to delivering services that range from bathing and brushing to high-level, breed-standard styling.

Throughout the day, groomers interact with a wide spectrum of canine personalities: nervous rescue dogs, elderly companions, energetic puppies, and everything in between. Strong communication skills and emotional intelligence are key to creating a calm, professional environment for pets and their owners.

Every day brings a new challenge and a fresh opportunity to make a difference in the life of a dog. The job is physical, creative, and deeply rewarding. Many groomers find joy in transforming a scruffy coat into a show-worthy finish and building lasting relationships with their clients ( human and canine).

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Dog Groomer

How long does it take to become a groomer?
 Most programs range from 8–16 weeks. Groom Curriculum’s program is between 10-16 weeks long and designed to get students workforce-ready quickly.

Do I need a high school diploma?
No. Groom Curriculum programs are open to students from all backgrounds and do not require a diploma.

How much does training cost?
Costs vary by region and format. For current pricing in your area, reach out to Groom Curriculum directly.

Do groomers need a license?
Licensing requirements vary by state, but credentialing (like the AKC-PGC) demonstrates professionalism and skill.

Is there job security in grooming?
Yes! Grooming is a growing field with consistent demand across the U.S.

Is This the Career for You?

You might be a great fit for grooming if you:

  • Love working with dogs
  • Enjoy hands-on, creative work
  • Prefer a flexible schedule
  • Want a stable, fulfilling career
  • Are ready to learn and grow quickly

Start Your Journey with Groom Curriculum

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to make a career change, Groom Curriculum is here to guide you. Our program blends expert instruction, practical experience, and proven learning strategies to help you build a strong, credentialed foundation in professional grooming.

For more information or to see if our program has launched in your area, reach out to us directly at info@groomcurriculum.com.