Those who want to work with animals can consider becoming a dog groomer in Arizona.
Here is where you’ll discover what this occupation is all about and how you can get started!
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Dog Groomer Job Description and Duties in Arizona
Grooming has two roles in the life of an animal.
This process can improve the quality of life of an animal that was otherwise ignored for some reason.
The quality of life of an animal can be related to the way it walks or being ridden with fleas.
So that was the purpose of grooming, but what does a groomer do?
According to the job description, you’ll be expected to:
- Inspect the dog’s skin
- Cut, clip, and style a dog’s coat
- Bath dogs
- Clip a dog’s nails
- Interact with dog owners
- Know the hygienic care for each dog breed
- Brush its teeth
- Know how to restrain the animal
- Calm the dog, if needed
- Identify problem areas
There are some aspects of this job that are not explicitly mentioned, such as:
- Cleaning and maintenance of your workplace
- Cleaning and maintaining your tools
- Knowing which tools to use for what task
- Safely operating the tools
- Staying updated with styling trends
- Staying informed on the industry changes
Dog Groomer Job Requirements in Arizona
There’s almost no doubt that dog groomers love animals and especially dogs.
This is very helpful as they can better understand the animal’s behavior and body language.
Of course, a series of other personality traits, abilities, and skills are also vital.
These include:
- Good or excellent communication skills
- Patience
- Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
- Ability to stand for an extended time
- Detail-oriented
- Ability to work with both hands
- Willingness to continue to learn
Dog Groomers’ Education and Certification in Arizona
The best part of becoming a dog groomer in Arizona is that you don’t need any specific education or certificate.
It is a very good idea to enroll in a training program to learn the ropes of the trade.
Additionally, you have better chances of finding a job and earn more if you get trained.
Dog Groomers’ Education
Most training programs for dog groomers last for a few months.
There are courses that can be completed online as well.
However, since this occupation relies heavily on using your eyes and hands, you need to find a solution for the practice aspect of your training.
The structure of these programs looks more or less like this:
- Introduction to Pet Grooming
- Introduction to Dogs and Cats
- Pre-Grooming Procedures
- Dog Grooming, Part 1
- Dog Grooming, Part 2
- Dog Grooming, Part 3
- Dog Personalities and Behavior
- Cat Grooming
- Business Practices
Cat grooming is included because, in certain facilities, cats that may need grooming may also be brought in.
Cat grooming generally focuses on brushing and removing matted fur, clipping their claws, and occasionally shaving.
Dog Groomers’ Certification
When your training program ends, you’re expected to take and pass an exam.
Your credential will usually be called Pet Grooming Certificate.
As far as its renewal goes, you’ll have to check this aspect with the institution that issued it.
If you consider starting a business, you may need another business credential.
For this business license, you may have to pass a jurisprudence exam.
Dog Groomers’ Employment and Salary in Arizona
Dog groomers usually earn based on how much they work and where they work.
Speaking of the workplace, here are the main employers you could have:
- Dog rescues
- Veterinary clinics
- Pet grooming salons
- Pet shops
- Dog daycare centers
As mentioned, this occupation easily allows you to run a business on your own.
This is an important aspect for which many folks choose this career.
Whether you work for yourself or someone else, as well as your location, will be reflected in your salary.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Dog Groomers in Arizona
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Phoenix | $35,401 |
| Tucson | $33,701 |
| Mesa | $35,401 |
| Glendale | $35,401 |
| Scottsdale | $35,401 |
| Chandler | $35,401 |
| Tempe | $35,401 |
| Gilbert | $35,401 |
| Peoria | $35,401 |
| Yuma | $36,801 |
Regional Salary in Arizona
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff, AZ | 110 | $33,710 | $16.21 | $40,400 | $29,320 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | 90 | $32,610 | $15.68 | $35,500 | $27,640 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | 3,920 | $34,040 | $16.37 | $40,520 | $28,380 |
| Prescott, AZ | 200 | $33,820 | $16.26 | $39,870 | $29,140 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | 60 | $32,080 | $15.42 | $34,540 | $28,050 |
| Tucson, AZ | 780 | $33,310 | $16.02 | $42,640 | $28,110 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
What you may not be aware of is that dog groomers can even work during weekends or have this occupation as a secondary job.
This will negatively affect how much you earn as a pet groomer, but this income can be a nice boost to your main salary.
Additional Information for Dog Groomers in Arizona
It’s good to stay informed with news related to the field in which you operate, and the sources below can help with this:
- The Arizona Professional Pet Groomers Association
- National Dog Groomers Association of America
- Humane Society of Southern Arizona
- International Professional Groomers, Inc.
- Arizona Humane Society
Through these organizations and not only, you can discover workshops and classes that can help you train and further your skills and knowledge in pet grooming.
