Education
There's more than one way to shear a sheep -- or a dog for that matter.
Experts say the same goes for getting into the pet grooming business. Aspiring
pet groomers can learn the trade by attending a grooming school or by apprenticing
with a good groomer.
Pet grooming apprenticeships aren't formal programs. People who want to
apprentice have to find their own employment with a professional groomer who
is willing to teach the student. Learning the basics of the trade can take
one or two years.
"I chose the apprenticeship method and have never regretted it. It can
be difficult to find someone to teach a novice, but the search is worthwhile.
I have trained four people to groom and am ever grateful to the kind person
who finally agreed to train me," says groomer Peter Moran.
Education programs vary greatly. Programs can range from two months to
two years in length. Since courses are taught by private schools, students
pay the full cost of their education, which can run up to thousands of dollars.
For help in picking a program, contact an animal grooming association.
No matter what school you pick, make sure your education is combined with
experience.
"Experience is the first thing groomers look for on a resume. Because grooming
is such hands-on work, we like to see people who've had some hands-on experience,"
says pet groomer Linda Rodrigue.
You can also get experience by volunteering to work for free with a groomer.
"This will give you a better idea of what the whole industry is all about,"
says Rodrigue.