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What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster Animal Systems pathway.

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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.