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So, you decided you want to be a pet groomer and live in Michigan.
The first important step in starting your new career is to gather more info about the job.
Read on below for specific information regarding licensing and education for dog groomers in this state.
Article Table of Contents
Job Description and Duties
Dog groomers are required to perform a variety of duties daily, which include:
Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
- Check to see if the dog has any skin issues
- Trim the nails and fur of the dog
- Color the animal’s coat if needed
- Clean the dog’s ears, nails, and fur
- Use each working tool appropriately based on the task
It is also important to keep good hygiene and maintain your workspace clean at all times.
Job requirements in Michigan
People that want to work in the industry should have a particular skill set:
- Can and patient individual
- Good communication skills
- Loves animals and is compassionate towards their needs
- You work well with other people
In addition to grooming dogs, you should also know how to groom cats.
This usually entails:
- Trimming or shaving the cat’s fur
- Cleaning the cat’s ears, fur, and nails
- Bathe the cat
- Style the cat’s coat
- Keep the animal calm and relaxed
Education and Licensing in Michigan
While licensing is not required by law in Michigan, you may still want to get a certification.
By having a certification you can get hired much faster.
In order to apply for certification to practice, you need to develop your skills.
This can be done by getting hired or attend a training program.
A training program in a trade school will teach you everything you need to know.
The programs in Michigan don’t last long, and you can complete one in only 2 months.
If you want to pursue a specialization or higher education, these could require a year of study.
Some schools also offer online courses, which can be a good idea if you already have a job.
To get into a program, you need to show proof of your high school diploma or GED.
In some cases, you might also be asked to pass a background check.
The topics you will study in your training program include:
- Introduction to Pet Grooming
- Introduction to Dogs and Cats
- Pre-Grooming Procedures
- Dog Grooming
- Dog Personalities and Behavior
- Cat Grooming
- Business Practices
Completing your program will be followed by some exams.
After you pass this series of exams, you will get your dog grooming license.
Salary Information in Michigan
Now that you got your certification, you are probably wondering about the salary range.
The salary you will get as a sog groomer depends on the area you work, as well as your education.
If you took any specialized classes and live in a large region, your salary will be higher.
You should also consider whether you want to get hired in a facility or start your own business.
In Michigan, pet groomers can work in vet clinics, pet salons, or larger pet shops.
The average salary you are expected you receive goes between $22,603 and $51,248 per year.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Detroit | $35,601 |
| Grand Rapids | $33,902 |
| Warren | $35,601 |
| Sterling Heights | $35,490 |
| Ann Arbor | $36,105 |
| Lansing | $34,020 |
| Clinton | $35,938 |
| Flint | $32,233 |
| Dearborn | $35,601 |
| Canton | $36,049 |
Regional Salary in Michigan
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI | 320 | $32,430 | $15.59 | $40,070 | $23,590 |
| Battle Creek, MI | 100 | $31,250 | $15.02 | $44,240 | $22,290 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | 3,130 | $35,430 | $17.04 | $48,190 | $24,250 |
| Flint, MI | 220 | $29,630 | $14.25 | $36,880 | $22,410 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | 830 | $30,190 | $14.51 | $39,710 | $22,880 |
| Jackson, MI | 80 | $28,230 | $13.57 | $33,880 | $23,180 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | 260 | $30,510 | $14.67 | $36,500 | $23,280 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | 400 | $32,150 | $15.46 | $53,960 | $22,870 |
| Monroe, MI | 70 | $31,760 | $15.27 | $38,270 | $23,410 |
| Muskegon, MI | 140 | $31,050 | $14.93 | $37,490 | $22,670 |
| Niles-Benton Harbor, MI | 150 | $29,540 | $14.2 | $36,640 | $22,560 |
| Saginaw, MI | 110 | $29,300 | $14.09 | $33,770 | $22,180 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Dog Grooming Schools in Michigan
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Michigan School of Canine Cosmeotology | 5915 S. Cedar St. Lansing, MI 48911 |
| Pet Supplies Plus Grooming Academy | 17197 N. Laurel Park Drive Suite 402 Livonia, MI 48152 |
| Paragon School of Pet Grooming | 3100 29th St SE, Kentwood, MI 49512 |
| The Academy of Animal Arts | 1142 N. Telegraph Rd. Dearborn, MI |
| Bingo Institute of Grooming | 28003 John R Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071 |
| Eastside Academy of Dog Grooming | 297 Cass Ave, Mt Clemens, MI |
Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
Additional Information
Maybe you need more industry resources, and in that case, check out the associations below:
- Michigan Dog Trainer
- Michigan Humane Society
- National Dog Groomer Association of America
- Humane Society in West Michigan
- Human Society of South Michigan
- Cherryland Humane Society
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dog / Pet Groomer
Dog Grooming by State