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If you enjoy the company of animals, you can easily work as a dog groomer in Minnesota.
The sector is flourishing in Minnesota, and you only need some info before starting your new career.
Take a look below at what the job duties are, and what the licensing process entails.
Article Table of Contents
Job Description and Duties
To be successful as a dog groomer, you need to complete some daily duties which include:
Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
- Make sure that the dog doesn’t have any injuries or infections
- Color and wash the animal’s fur
- Clean the dog’s ears, claws, and coat
- Using the work tools to complete the tasks
Furthermore, you should also clean your workspace in between appointments and maintain it tidy.
Job requirements in Minnesota
Dog groomers need to have a specific skill set, that includes:
- You can keep your calm and are patient
- Solid communication skills
- You like working with animals as well as people
Cats might also need to be groomed, so you will need to know how to:
- Cutting and styling the fur of the cat
- Cleaning the cat’s ears, fur, and claws
- Keep the animal calm and relaxed
Education and Licensing in Minnesota
In order to be allowed to practice, you first need to develop your skills.
The good news is that in Minnesota, you don’t need a practicing license.
However, you should still get one as it can help you get a better paying job.
The process of getting licensed involves getting training with a local trade school.
Some schools in this state offer dog grooming programs and some of these are available online.
Typically, a dog grooming program only lasts for 2 months or even less.
But, you can also choose to pursue a specialization or get higher education.
In that case, you will need to finish a program that lasts for 6 months to a year.
During your training, you will learn theory but also hands-on practice.
Some of the subjects you will take include:
- Introduction to Pet Grooming
- Introduction to Dogs and Cats
- Pre-Grooming Procedures
- Dog Grooming
- Dog Personalities and Behavior
- Cat Grooming
- Business Practices
The program will be followed by some theory and practical exams.
If you pass the exams, you will be able to apply for and get your dog grooming license.
Employment and Salary Information in Minnesota
Many dog groomers choose to get hired by pet stores, vet clinics, or dog grooming salons.
In this state, the salaries for dog groomers vary more compared to other states.
Generally, you will earn a higher salary if you have some experience.
You can also earn more if you start your own business.
How much you will make is also dictated by the region in which you live.
You may want to find work or move to cities like Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Lakeville, or Minnetonka, where the average salaries are higher compared to the other areas in this state.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Minneapolis | $36,953 |
| St. Paul | $36,953 |
| Rochester | $33,652 |
| Duluth | $32,957 |
| St. Cloud | $32,776 |
| Lakeville | $36,723 |
| Eden Prairie | $36,890 |
| Burnsville | $36,848 |
| Minnetonka | $36,953 |
| Moorhead | $32,599 |
Regional Salary in Minnesota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MN-WI | 180 | $29,740 | $14.3 | $35,860 | $22,690 |
| Mankato-North Mankato, MN | 40 | $32,230 | $15.5 | $35,810 | $27,040 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 2,720 | $34,910 | $16.78 | $46,510 | $25,730 |
| Rochester, MN | 180 | $33,850 | $16.27 | $47,930 | $27,670 |
| St. Cloud, MN | 130 | $30,140 | $14.49 | $34,570 | $23,600 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Dog Grooming Schools in Minnesota
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| The Rio Grooming School | 12260 Margo Avenue Hastings, MN 55033 |
| Cutting Edge Pet Grooming School | 4902 France Ave NMinneapolis, MN 56429 |
| Ridgewater College - Willmar | 2101 15th Avenue NW Willmar, MN 56201 |
Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
Additional Information
Becoming a dog groomer is both rewarding and exciting.
Maybe you need more info regarding job search, and in that case, visit the following organizations:
- Minnesota Humane Society
- Minnesota Veterinary Hospital
- National Dog Groomers Association of America
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dog / Pet Groomer
Dog Grooming by State