How to Become a Dog Groomer in Illinois

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How to Become a Dog Groomer in Illinois

There are many pet owners in Illinois and the pet grooming industry keeps growing.

If you love animals and want to help your community, being a dog groomer might suit you well.

But first, read on in order to learn more about this job and what it entails.

Job Requirements in Illinois

If you want to work in this industry, there are some character traits you must have, such as:

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  • Have patience and keep your calm
  • Solid communication skills
  • Ability to work well with other people
  • Be empathetic and care for animals

As a dog groomer, you should also know how to groom cats.

Cats need a different type of treatment compared to dogs.

Some of the daily tasks when grooming a cat include:

  • Trimming the nails of the animal
  • Shampooing the cat
  • Brushing and sometimes shaving its fur
  • Style the cat’s coat
  • Clean the cat’s ears

Job Description and Duties

As a dog groomer, you will need to complete some daily tasks.

These include but aren’t limited to:

  • Clip the nails of the animal
  • Bathe the animal
  • Style the fur of the dog
  • Know how to keep the dog calm
  • Ability to stand for hours at a time

Some of the skills a dog groomer should have include:

  • Know what tools need to be used based on the task
  • Know how to use all the working tools
  • Know the dog breeds and what the dog is meant to look like
  • Know how to clean the ears of the animal

In addition to these skills, you will also be required to keep your work area clean.

This means cleaning after each dog and in between appointments.

Education and Licensing in Illinois

While getting a certification to work as a dog groomer in Illinois is not required, you should still get one.

A certification will help you get hired faster in a dog salon or a vet clinic.

To get a certification, you will first need to attend a training program.

These programs only last for about 2 months, and you need a high school diploma or an equivalent.

After you complete the program, you have to take a pass a certification exam.

In class, you will learn about a variety of topics, which include the following:

  • Introduction to Pet Grooming
  • Introduction to Dogs and Cats
  • Pre-Grooming Procedures
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Personalities and Behavior
  • Cat Grooming
  • Business Practices

Salary Information in Illinois

In this state, the salary range for pet groomers is between $23,162 and $52,517 a year.

Although when you first start you will make less money, your salary will increase after you get experience.

You can also earn a higher salary if you take more appointments and work in a large city.

These cities include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Elgin.

Annual Salary Range:
$23K
$35K
$52K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
Location Avg. Annual Salary
Chicago $36,780
Aurora $36,455
Joliet $35,739
Rockford $34,348
Naperville $36,036
Springfield $32,026
Peoria $33,515
Elgin $36,188
Waukegan $34,686
Champaign $32,595

Regional Salary in Illinois

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Bloomington, IL230$32,560$15.66$44,870$27,040
Carbondale-Marion, IL130$30,630$14.72$36,710$27,040
Champaign-Urbana, IL170$32,690$15.72$42,100$27,090
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI8,370$36,600$17.6$50,280$28,550
Decatur, IL80$29,680$14.27$35,320$27,040
Kankakee, IL70$33,860$16.28$46,260$27,040
Peoria, IL270$31,030$14.92$36,900$27,040
Rockford, IL210$32,720$15.73$45,340$27,130
Springfield, IL150$32,710$15.73$45,640$27,300
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Animal Caretakers, OCC Code 39-2021, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Dog Grooming Schools in Illinois

School Name Address
Midwest School of Pet Grooming 3976 Route 22, Ste C Long Grove, Illinois 60047
Illinois Grooming Academy
Beach for Dogs - Dog Trainer - Top Rated in Downers Grove 790 Royal Saint George Dr. Suite 119-121 Naperville, IL 60563
Great Lakes Academy of Professional Pet Styling 12324 W 143rd St, Homer Glen, IL 60491
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Additional Information

Before you start your career, you might need some extra info.

Check out the sites below that might help you in your job search:

  • American Kennel Club (AKC)
  • Illinois Dog Grooming Directory
  • Illinois Dog Groomer Jobs
  • National Dog Groomers Association of America

After you attend a training course and get your certification, many career opportunities will open up for you.

USA Dog Grooming by State


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Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!

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