How to Become a Dog Groomer in Delaware

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If you want to become a dog groomer in Delaware, we have just the right guide for you!

Here is where you’ll learn more about the path you must follow as well as the salary you can expect, so buckle up and continue reading!

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Dog Groomer Job Description and Duties in Delaware

There are many tasks a dog groomer must complete while at work.

Here are some of the most commonly seen grooming services:

  • Cutting, clipping, and styling a dog’s coat
  • Bathing dogs
  • Clipping a dog’s nails
  • Interacting with dog owners
  • Knowing the hygienic care for each dog breed
  • Teeth brushing
  • Knowing how to restrain animals
  • Calming the dogs
  • Identify problem areas

If you value your job, you’ll also complete these duties:

  • 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 Delaware

The ideal candidate for this job is empathetic and patient both with animals and their owners.

Liking dogs and other animals shouldn’t even need to be mentioned.

You also need a variety of other skills, such as:

  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to lift at least 50lbs
  • Be detail-oriented
  • Being accurate
  • Ability to stand for several hours
  • Organized
  • Ability to use both hands

Dog Groomers’ Education and Certification in Delaware

While you don’t need a certificate to work as a pet groomer in Delaware, obtaining one will only improve your career prospects.

This will also ensure you know the proper techniques to use while grooming a pet.

Dog Groomers’ Education

Since you don’t need a degree for grooming dogs, the training of a pet groomer only lasts for a few months.

The classes can be completed online as well.

However, since this occupation relies heavily on using your hands, you need to complete more practice hours than theory hours.

Some pet groomers also get trained on the job, and finding a class through a pet salon is not unheard of.

Most courses have the following structure:

  • 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

It’s important to learn h0w to care for a cat’s appearance as well.

Many establishments also cater to cats, unless they specialize in dogs.

Since many people who finish type of training will start a business, attending a dedicated class is very important.

Dog Groomers’ Certification

Almost no institution will issue a diploma without the candidate passing an exam.

The structure of the exam and the associated fees will differ depending on the institution you trained at.

You can obtain extra diplomas if you want to specialize as a stylist for a specific dog breed.

A business license is needed by those who want to open a pet grooming salon.

For this, you could need to pass a jurisprudence exam.

Dog Groomers’ Employment and Salary in Delaware

As already mentioned, in Delaware, you can work in many facilities catering to the needs of animals.

These include:

  • Dog rescues
  • Veterinary clinics
  • Pet grooming salons
  • Pet shops
  • Dog daycare centers

As you can imagine, your salary will depend a lot on the type of employment you have:

  • Full-time for someone else
  • Part-time for someone else
  • Self-employed full-time
  • Self-employed part-time

Part-time employment as a pet stylist usually means you’re supplementing your main salary.

Even your experience and location will impact your income.

Annual Salary Range:
$30K
$37K
$47K

Average Salary of Dog Groomers in Delaware

City NameSalary
Wilmington$38,201
Dover$38,201
Newark$38,201
Milford$38,301
Seaford$37,501
Middletown$38,101
Bear$38,201
Smyrna$38,101
New Castle$38,201
Georgetown$38,301
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Delaware

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Dover, DE120$28,970$13.93$36,150$23,180
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Animal Caretakers, OCC Code 39-2021, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Additional Information for Dog Groomers in Delaware

The industry can change from time to time, and staying informed is important.

For this, you can use these resources:

  • Delaware Humane Association
  • Dog Groomers Delaware
  • American Kennel Club (AKC)
  • National Dog Groomers Association of America

These associations can also help you obtain more diplomas or improve some of your skills and knowledge.

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