How to Become a Dog Groomer in Hawaii

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Being a dog stylist can be a rewarding occupation especially for those who love animals.

Read on if you want to become a dog groomer in Hawaii, as this guide will reveal the steps you must follow!

Dog Groomer Job Description and Duties in Hawaii

Pet stylists need to complete the services offered by the salon or establishment they work for.

These are the main services seen across most pet salons:

  • 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

Here are some extra job responsibilities that are not often mentioned in the job’s description:

  • 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 Hawaii

It’s not unheard of to have to meet some requirements when applying for a job.

Loving animals and having some experience in working or handling them is usually an advantage for pet groomers.

However, an important aspect of the job is handling the animals.

This requires the ability to use both hands, to lift a considerable weight, as well as standing for several hours at a time.

Being a patient and a calm person is also a plus for candidates.

You might also be asked for:

  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to speak another language
  • Being detail-oriented

Dog Groomers’ Education and Certification in Hawaii

In Hawai’i, you’re not required to obtain a license to work as a pet stylist.

Completing a pet grooming certification program will only increase your chances of getting hired and earn more.

Dog Groomers’ Education

Luckily, the pet grooming certification program can be easily completed online as well.

You might have to arrange for the practice hours to be completed at any of the facilities that may employ you later on.

Your training costs under $1000, and if you manage to pay the fee in one go, you may even receive a discount.

Almost no program lasts for longer than two months, meaning you can start working rather immediately.

As you can see from the list below, the programs focus on grooming dogs:

  • 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

Cats are brought to many establishments dedicated to pets, therefore it is important to know the cat-specific procedures.

If you plan on starting a related business, the class included will prove very useful.

Dog Groomers’ Certification

Of course, to obtain the certificate you need to pass an exam.

The exam will be different as it is based on the institution offering the training course.

You will have to pass a practice part, not just theory.

Those who want to open a pet grooming salon will have to pass the jurisprudence exam as well.

Individuals can also attend various workshops to improve their skills in grooming specific breeds.

They will usually obtain further diplomas from these intense classes.

Dog Groomers’ Employment and Salary in Hawaii

You probably want to know where can you work as a dog groomer in the State of Hawai’i.

These are the major facilities needing qualified personnel:

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

Of course, your salary will depend on many different factors.

These include your experience, specializations, certifications, and location.

Annual Salary Range:
$30K
$37K
$46K

Average Salary of Dog Groomers in Hawaii

City NameSalary
Honolulu$37,201
Hilo$36,901
Kailua$37,201
Kaneohe$37,201
Waipahu$37,201
Pearl City$37,201
Ewa Beach$37,201
Mililani$37,101
Kahului$36,901
Kihei$36,901
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Hawaii

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI70$46,490$22.35$61,010$32,700
Urban Honolulu, HI450$41,750$20.07$56,600$28,300
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Animal Caretakers, OCC Code 39-2021, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

If you choose to groom pets just part-time, you’ll earn much less, but it can supplement another job.

The same can be said if you choose to run a pet grooming salon, though this can be a successful venture, depending on your competition or lack thereof.

Additional Information for Dog Groomers in Hawaii

Since it’s important to stay informed, use the websites of these organizations for the needed information:

  • West Hawaii Humane Society
  • Hawaiian Humane Society
  • Hawaii Island Humane Society
  • American Kennel Club (AKC)
  • International Professional Groomers, Inc.
  • National Dog Groomers Association of America
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