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Dog grooming is a lucrative occupation and the demand for such professionals is rising due to an increased number of dog owners.
Becoming a pet groomer in Rhode Island is relatively easy, and this guide will prove it!
Article Table of Contents
Dog Groomer Job Requirements
One of the most important requirements to become a dog groomer is to love animals.
You don’t need a degree to enter this field, however, it’s good to get some training and certification.
Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
Your abilities are rather important.
They include the ability to work with others as well, for you might have co-workers.
Additionally, you’ll have to interact with the owners or those taking care of the animals visiting your salon.
Be ready to stay on your feet for extended periods as you style an animal.
Working with cats is a regular occurrence in the daily activities of a pet beauty salon.
You should be comfortable working with cats as well, and occasionally other animals as well.
Compassion and patience are other traits you should possess, especially when customers with special needs visit, or when accidents take place.
Dog Groomer Duties and Responsibilities
A good pet stylist enhances the health of an animal.
They can also detect early signs of serious illnesses.
Should this be your case, you’ll have to alert the person taking care of the animal, so they’ll be able to start the treatment and heal fast.
Ensuring the workplace is cleaned and tidied after each customer, will be your duty once you’re hired.
Additionally, you’ll be in charge of cleaning and maintaining your tools in excellent working condition.
You’ll be expected to handle the pets with a firm but gentle hand so that the animal will know who is in charge.
This way, you’ll be able to control the dog or cat better.
Dog Groomer Training and Certification in Rhode Island
Pet groomers don’t need special education, not even a high school diploma or GED.
Getting trained is a good idea for everyone, as you have better chances of finding employment.
Furthermore, your salary will also be higher.
The classes can be taken online as well, and they don’t last for too long.
The providers need to have received accreditation for the programs they offer.
You should learn:
- How to groom cats
- How to groom dogs
- How to control the animal in a safe manner
- About the most commonly used tools
- How to run a pet beauty salon
Expect to take an exam once the program ends.
Only those who pass it will become certified.
Employment and Salary Information
Certification in the field will increase your chances of finding a job.
Additionally, opening a pet grooming salon will also be easier with a diploma in hand.
Others who are running private businesses in this industry hold a degree as well.
Pet stores, vet clinics, and humane societies are some of the best locations to find a job.
The salary will depend on many factors, including:
- Location
- General work experience in the field
- Expertise in working with certain breeds
- Number of hours worked
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Providence | $36,796 |
| Cranston | $36,796 |
| Warwick | $36,796 |
| Pawtucket | $36,796 |
| East Providence | $36,796 |
| Woonsocket | $36,762 |
| Cumberland | $36,796 |
| Coventry | $36,727 |
| North Providence | $36,796 |
| Johnston | $36,796 |
Regional Salary in Rhode Island
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | 1,430 | $35,170 | $16.91 | $45,040 | $28,700 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information
With this occupation, you can have two jobs at the same time.
You can even run a business with employees while being yourself employed someplace else.
Improving your skills by participating in workshops will only open the doors to a higher income.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dog / Pet Groomer
Dog Grooming by State