How to Become a Dog Groomer in Georgia

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Maybe you want to work as a dog groomer in Georgia but don’t know where to start.

In that case, you should check out our article for some info regarding training and getting hired.

So, read on!

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Dog Groomer Job Description and Duties in Georgia

As a dog groomer, you will have to finish many daily tasks.

You can find below some of these tasks:

  • 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

Other job duties include:

  • 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 Georgia

If you want to have a career in the industry, you should like dogs or at least accept being around them all day long.

Just like in any other field, you should have some particular skills before applying to jobs.

You will need to have good communication skills and knowledge of how to talk to the owner of the dog.

You should also be able to keep the dog relaxed while it is being groomed.

You will have to be abler to give tips to the owner and let them know how the grooming process goes.

Dog groomers should have some empathy and patience in dealing with animals and their owners.

Dog Groomers’ Education and Certification in Georgia

Dog groomers in Georgia do not need any particular certification or specific training.

However, if you do choose to get licensed, you can have a better salary later on.

You will also be able to find a good job faster because many companies only hire dog groomers that have a certification.

Dog Groomers’ Education

In Georgia, the first step you need to take is to find a school near you and then select a training program.

Like this, you will develop the needed skills to have a solid career.

During your program, you will attend classes of theory as well as practice.

The training programs concentrate on the practice aspect so that you can get experience.

The programs feature the next subjects:

  • 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

Dog groomers should know how to offer services to cats as well and not only dogs.

This means that you should learn about cat behavior to know how to groom cats.

Dog Groomers’ Certification

After your training program is over, you need to take and pass a certification exam.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive your certification in a couple of weeks.

If you plan on working for a company, you will not need to get any other license.

But, you will have to apply for a commercial license if you want to start a dog grooming company.

There are different requirements for commercial licenses, so you have to be aware of the laws at the federal and state level.

Dog Groomers’ Employment and Salary in Georgia

In Georgia, you can apply for a dog grooming job in any facility that offers grooming services to animals.

Some of these facilities are:

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

The annual salary depends on where you live but also your credentials.

So, you will earn a better salary if you live in a big city.

Your salary will also be higher if you have some experience working with dogs or certification to prove it.

Dog grooming business owners also earn more compared to those who are employed.

Annual Salary Range:
$28K
$34K
$43K

Average Salary of Dog Groomers in Georgia

City NameSalary
Atlanta$35,501
Augusta-Richmond County$33,601
Columbus$32,601
Savannah$33,701
Athens-Clarke County$35,201
Macon$33,501
Roswell$35,301
Albany$33,001
Marietta$35,401
Valdosta$32,301
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Georgia

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Albany, GA90$26,590$12.79$33,960$19,880
Athens-Clarke County, GA250$26,870$12.92$35,980$19,020
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA5,900$28,700$13.8$39,200$21,880
Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC420$27,470$13.21$36,740$20,300
Brunswick, GA80$24,570$11.81$30,530$17,790
Columbus, GA-AL230$26,610$12.8$35,380$19,120
Dalton, GA60$25,770$12.39$28,710$21,020
Gainesville, GA140$28,780$13.84$40,000$20,840
Macon, GA90$27,630$13.28$35,670$20,410
Rome, GA60$25,800$12.4$35,520$18,720
Savannah, GA370$28,170$13.54$36,710$21,020
Valdosta, GA80$24,810$11.93$30,100$21,160
Warner Robins, GA100$28,230$13.57$51,430$18,380
* 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.

In this state, you can also get employed as a part-time dog groomer.

The only downside is that your salary will be lower.

Additional Information for Dog Groomers in Georgia

As a dog groomer, you will have to check for updates periodically to be aware of any industry changes.

You can visit the below resources to find out more:

  • Georgia Dog Groomers Jobs
  • Georgia Humane Society
  • STARelief and Pet Assistance
  • American Kennel Club (AKC)
  • National Dog Groomers Association of America
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