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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Groomer

💰 $ - $

Animal CareGroomingPet Services

🎯 Role Definition

A Groomer is responsible for providing professional grooming services for dogs, cats, and other small animals in a salon, mobile, or retail setting. This role includes bathing, drying, brushing, clipping and scissoring to breed or owner specifications, maintaining animal health and safety, advising clients on coat and skin care, and supporting salon operations. The ideal candidate combines technical grooming expertise with strong animal handling, sanitation, and customer service skills to deliver consistent, high-quality results while maintaining efficient workflow and a calm environment for animals.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Kennel attendant/dog bather
  • Veterinary assistant or clinic technician
  • Pet store associate / retail pet care

Advancement To:

  • Senior Groomer / Lead Groomer
  • Salon Manager or Mobile Grooming Owner
  • Grooming Instructor or Regional Trainer

Lateral Moves:

  • Veterinary Technician (with additional clinical training)
  • Pet Retail Store Manager
  • Pet Care & Behaviour Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform full-service grooming (bath, blow-dry, brush-out, dematting, ear cleaning, nail trims, and anal gland expression when required) for dogs and cats, ensuring each groom meets breed standards or owner instructions and prioritizes animal comfort and safety.
  • Provide precise haircutting and styling using clippers and scissors, executing breed-specific cuts (e.g., Poodle, Schnauzer, Terrier, Bichon) and creative or owner-requested trims with excellent attention to proportion and detail.
  • Evaluate each animal’s coat condition and skin health during the grooming process; identify signs of dermatological issues, parasites, or injury and report concerns to management or the pet owner with recommended next steps.
  • Administer and document pre-groom health assessments (temperament check, skin/coat inspection, injury screening) and employ appropriate restraint techniques to reduce stress and risk of injury to both animal and staff.
  • Bathe animals using appropriate shampoos, conditioners, and topical treatments for specific coat types and skin conditions, adjusting water temperature, product choice, and rinsing techniques for safety and optimal results.
  • Operate and maintain salon equipment including clippers, blades, shears, dryers, grooming tables, and bathing stations; perform daily cleaning, blade sharpening/replacement, and scheduled deep maintenance to ensure proper function and safety.
  • Trim nails safely using guillotine or scissor-style clippers or grinders; manage bleeding or injury protocols when necessary and communicate follow-up care instructions to owners.
  • Maintain accurate grooming records for each pet (service history, products used, temperament notes, special requests) using salon software or manual logs to ensure continuity of care and repeatable results.
  • Manage time and appointment schedules to meet daily production goals while allowing adequate time for safe, thorough grooming and client communication; adapt quickly to schedule changes and walk-in clients.
  • Educate pet owners on aftercare, coat maintenance, brushing techniques, product recommendations, flea/tick prevention, and nutrition-related coat issues to improve outcomes between grooms.
  • Apply safe handling and, where authorized, administer topical treatments (medicated shampoos, flea dips) according to salon protocols; escalate veterinary-level concerns promptly following clinic policies.
  • Follow all safety, sanitation, and infection control protocols including disinfecting grooming tools, bathing areas, drying stations, and surfaces between clients to minimize cross-contamination and maintain a clean environment.
  • Provide excellent front-line customer service: greet clients, confirm appointment details, discuss service options, upsell add-ons (teeth brushing, de-shedding), and explain pricing and policies clearly and professionally.
  • Assess and manage difficult or aggressive animals using approved behavior modification, muzzling, or two-person handling techniques and refer high-risk pets to veterinary staff or experienced groomers when appropriate.
  • Adhere to all local and state regulations regarding animal handling, grooming licensing, and waste disposal; maintain up-to-date certifications and comply with workplace health and safety mandates.
  • Work collaboratively with reception and kennel teams to coordinate drop-offs, pick-ups, and boarding integrations; communicate wait times and service notes to ensure a smooth client experience.
  • Maintain inventory of grooming products, tools, and retail stock; reorder supplies in a timely manner, rotate stock, and assist in merchandising pet care products to increase salon retail sales.
  • Train and mentor junior groomers and bathers, demonstrating proper technique, safety protocols, and salon standards; provide constructive feedback and support professional development.
  • Participate in quality control by reviewing finished grooms, soliciting client feedback, and implementing corrective actions if work does not meet salon standards or client expectations.
  • Support mobile grooming operations by maintaining van or on-site equipment, performing vehicle safety checks, and managing client logistics for off-site appointments.
  • Respond to emergency situations (animal injuries, equipment malfunction, client complaints) calmly and efficiently, following established emergency and escalation procedures.
  • Maintain a professional demeanor and appearance, represent the salon in community events, and contribute to marketing efforts by documenting before-and-after photos and promoting services across social media platforms when requested.
  • Keep up-to-date with industry trends, new grooming techniques, tools, and product formulations through continuing education, workshops, and professional associations to improve service offerings.
  • Provide pickup and drop-off customer communications, including follow-up appointment reminders, post-groom care instructions, and handling billing/payment processes or refunds according to salon policy.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with salon opening and closing procedures: secure equipment, restock consumables, reconcile daily transactions, and ensure compliance with cash-handling and POS procedures.
  • Support promotional events, loyalty programs, and seasonal campaigns by recommending grooming packages, running demos, and producing photography for marketing.
  • Contribute to development of salon policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and safety protocols focused on animal welfare and staff ergonomics.
  • Participate in hiring panels, skills assessments, and practical evaluations for new grooming hires and apprentices.
  • Help maintain kennel areas and boarding spaces as needed, ensuring animals awaiting grooming are comfortable and safely contained.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Professional bathing, drying, and brushing techniques for dogs and cats across a wide range of coat types (double coat, curly, wire, long, short).
  • Precision clipping and scissoring skills with clippers, multiple blade sizes, thinning shears, and straight/curved scissors to achieve breed-standard and customized trims.
  • Breed-specific grooming knowledge (Poodle, Schnauzer, Terrier, Bichon, Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, Husky, etc.) including recognized cut styles and maintenance schedules.
  • Safe animal restraint and handling methodologies, including two-person handling, muzzling, and low-stress techniques for anxious or fractious animals.
  • Nail trimming and grinding techniques; management of nail-related incidents and first-aid treatment for minor bleeds.
  • Ear cleaning, hair plucking where appropriate, and minor anal gland expression following salon protocols.
  • Identify common skin and coat conditions (dermatitis, allergies, hot spots, parasites) and communicate observations and suggested next steps to clients and management.
  • Equipment operation and maintenance (clipper motors, blades, grooming tables, dryers, bathing systems) and basic troubleshooting.
  • Proficiency with salon management and scheduling software, appointment booking systems, and point-of-sale (POS) transactions.
  • Inventory management and retail sales skills, including product knowledge (shampoos, conditioners, medicated treatments, grooming tools) and basic merchandising.
  • Record-keeping and documentation skills for client profiles, pet medical notes, and service histories.
  • Knowledge of sanitation, disinfection procedures, and OSHA-like safety practices applicable to grooming salons.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional customer service and communication: explain services, set expectations, and deliver compassionate advice on pet care.
  • Patience and calmness under pressure when working with nervous or challenging animals.
  • Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high cosmetic and welfare standards.
  • Time management and the ability to balance quality with throughput in a busy salon environment.
  • Teamwork and collaboration with reception, kennel, and veterinary staff.
  • Problem-solving and decision-making when assessing behavior issues or unexpected health findings.
  • Physical stamina and manual dexterity for prolonged standing, lifting (up to salon safe limits), and repetitive hand work.
  • Empathy for animals and their owners, plus professionalism representing the salon brand.
  • Adaptability to changing schedules, new tools, and evolving client preferences.
  • Teaching and mentoring capability for training junior staff and apprentices.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Certificate or diploma from a recognized grooming school or vocational program.
  • Certifications from professional organizations (e.g., National Dog Groomers Association, International Grooming Association) or completion of accredited grooming courses.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Animal Science
  • Veterinary Technology / Assisting
  • Pet Grooming & Styling
  • Small Animal Care / Husbandry

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–5 years of professional grooming or related animal care experience.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years of salon grooming experience with a portfolio of breed-standard work.
  • Experience with both salon and mobile grooming environments and demonstrated upselling/retail experience.
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