How to Become a Dog Groomer in Wisconsin

Animal lovers are found everywhere across the nation.

If you live in Wisconsin, want to work with animals, and need a job, you can consider becoming a pet groomer.

This guide will tell you more about the job itself, the salary you can expect in this state, as well as what you should do to become one.

Dog Groomer Job Requirements

One of the first things you should know is whether you’re a good candidate for the job or not.

While being an animal lover is important for this occupation, you need to have certain abilities as well.

These include:

• Detail-oriented
• Patient
• Compassionate
• Good communication skills
• Good physical condition

All these skills will be useful in a variety of situations.

For instance, you will be interacting with pet owners as much as you will with the animals themselves.

Standing for a few hours at a time is also part of this job.

Dog Groomer Job Description and Responsibilities

Dog groomers play a pretty important role in the health of an animal.

For instance, these professionals can notice if the pet shows early signs of certain serious illnesses, or can severely injure a pet if they’re not paying attention to what they’re doing.

Daily duties consist of:

• Cutting fur and nails
• Cleaning the ears and eyes
• Washing, drying, and styling the pet’s coat
• Maintaining a clean environment
• Ensuring their tools are in good working condition

Animals, just like humans, may have some skin issues, such as rashes and allergies, or other problems.

As a pet stylist, you’ll have to identify if the dog suffers from anything and then use products and tools that can either improve the situation or at least not make it worse.

Dog Groomer Training and Certification in Wisconsin

Training for the field is not mandatory by law, but you’ll find it will make your experience easier, not to mention that employers will prefer those who got trained and a certification.

There are a variety of ways of acquiring the necessary skills for this job, with online programs as well as apprenticeships.

The best programs:

• Are accredited
• Offer hands-on practice hours
• Can offer nail clippers

You should be learning subjects such as:

• How to groom dogs
• How to groom cats
• Bookkeeping
• Most common tools
• Subduing the pets

Most programs are rather short in duration, with none lasting more than 2 months.

Once you complete the training program you’ll have to pass an exam and get the certification issued by the National Dog Groomers Association of America.

This certification is the one best seen by everyone across the nation.

Employment and Salary Information

Finding a position will be much easier once you have a certification in your hand.

Additionally, if you train through an apprenticeship, you could have this position turn into a full-time job.

Some people search for a job while they’re still in training, or they start volunteering with animal rescue places in hopes of the position to transition into regular employment.

Your salary will depend on many different factors that include experience, type of employment, and location.

Regional Salary in Wisconsin

Dog Grooming Schools in Wisconsin

Additional Information

Being a dog groomer means you’ll always have a source of income.

It’s also possible to do this aside, as a second job if you’re in a particularly difficult situation.

Of course, opening a dog grooming salon is another possibility if you want to be self-employed.

Dog Grooming by State