How to Become a Dog Groomer in Iowa

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How to Become a Dog Groomer in Iowa

Iowa has many pet owners so it comes as no wonder that there’s a big demand for groomers.

If you live in this state and want to become a dog groomer, continue reading this guide!

Ideal Candidate

People who love animals as well as taking care of the animals’ appearance make ideal candidates for the position.

There are a few other requirements as well, and they include:

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  • Patience
  • Compassion
  • Attention to details
  • Good communication skills
  • Good at socializing
  • Able to work with several types of animals

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Pet groomers don’t only make the animals look their best, they can also detect early stages of various health problems.

At first sight, the duties of a dog groomer look basic:

  • Bathing and drying
  • Cutting and clipping the fur
  • Cleaning ears and eyes
  • Clipping the nails

However, the task of completing these actions safely can be complicated, as not all dogs are the same size, have the same hair structure, or even behave the same way within the breed.

The same procedures are done on cats as well, however, the methods might differ a little, compared to dogs.

The professional will also have to:

  • Talk to the pet’s owner
  • Control the animal
  • Minimize the risk of accidents

Some pet owners might ask for tips on how to keep the animal clean between grooming sessions if their pets get easily dirty, such as those with light-colored fur.

Education and Licensing Process

Becoming a pet or dog groomer in Iowa has no educational requirements.

It is a good idea to have a high school diploma or GED, as well as getting a certification in the field.

The certification is earned after passing a test at the end of a training program.

As a general rule, these programs are pretty short as duration, as not many last for longer than 2 months.

Some of the institutions offering such classes also organize classes for pet training, so that’s where you can start searching for such classes.

Among the topics, you’ll study:

  • Dog grooming based on breed
  • Cat grooming
  • Running a pet grooming business
  • In-depth coat cutting techniques

However, even if you become certified, it doesn’t mean your learning will stop.

Pet groomers, just like hairdressers and cosmeticians, are expected to keep on learning about the latest trends and techniques in their field.

This also means improving your skills in using the tools of the trade.

Employment and Salary Information

Finding employment as a dog or pet groomer is relatively easy in Iowa.

You can apply at:

  • Vet clinics
  • Pet stores
  • Dog kennels

You can even start an independent practice, with the right commercial licenses.

The average salary of these professionals in Iowa is around $33,206 per year.

Depending on where you live, how much you’ll earn will differ.

The cities with higher salaries include Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Ames.

Annual Salary Range:
$21K
$33K
$48K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
Location Avg. Annual Salary
Des Moines $33,566
Cedar Rapids $32,921
Davenport $32,772
Sioux City $28,869
Iowa City $32,651
Waterloo $31,367
Ames $33,254
West Des Moines $33,566
Council Bluffs $32,805
Ankeny $33,566

Regional Salary in Iowa

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Ames, IA170$37,970$18.25$52,100$22,420
Cedar Rapids, IA260$27,920$13.43$35,680$20,340
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL360$31,080$14.94$47,620$22,510
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA900$28,990$13.94$34,950$22,460
Dubuque, IA100$31,570$15.18$49,370$20,200
Iowa City, IA270$33,110$15.92$49,620$22,020
Sioux City, IA-NE-SD130$28,640$13.77$34,820$22,530
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA560$29,190$14.03$33,610$22,150
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Animal Caretakers, OCC Code 39-2021, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Dog Grooming Schools in Iowa

School Name Address
Kirkwood Community College 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-2068
Terri's Pet Styling School 3848 N. Division St. Davenport, IA 52806
Iowa Lakes Community College 2111 HWY 169 North Algona, Iowa 50511
Featured Program

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

Request Information
SPONSORED

Additional Information

Dog groomers can have at least another job alongside this one, as additional income.

These organizations can offer more information:

  • American Kennel Club (AKC)
  • Animal Rescue League of Iowa
  • Iowa Dog Grooming Services
  • National Dog Groomers Association of America
  • Iowa Dog Groomers

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!

See more details >>Sponsored