Pets in Massachusetts also need to look and feel good.
A pet stylist can sure make this happen, and if you’re interested in this career, you came to the right place!
Read this article to find out how you too can become a dog groomer in Massachusetts!
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Dog Groomer Job Description and Duties in Massachusetts
Grooming animals can be easy if you like and know what you’re doing.
So, what does a dog groomer do, anyway?
Here’s a list of the offered 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
These are some tasks and duties he’s responsible for, to ensure the quality of the offered service:
- 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
In some salons, stylists may receive additional tasks to take care of.
Dog Groomer Job Requirements in Massachusetts
All pet groomers need to meet some requirements.
One of the most important of them is to be an animal lover.
Having some experience in handling animals is an added bonus to your resume.
Considering that you will also interact with the owners of the animals, not just the pets, good interpersonal skills are highly needed for this job.
While this won’t lower your chances of getting hired, being in good physical shape is better.
This is because you’ll have to lift heavier pets at times.
Most dog stylists will have to groom other types of pets as well.
Dog Groomers’ Education and Certification in Massachusetts
There are no strict regulations when it comes to the education and credentials of a future dog groomer.
Usually, you don’t even need to graduate from high school for this occupation.
Having a high school diploma or GED will however put you in a favorable position compared to others who don’t.
Dog Groomers’ Education
You can choose to obtain the credential issued by the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA).
For this, you have to enroll in a course that is certified by the NDGAA.
In Massachusetts, you can find programs with in-person or online attendance as well.
You should learn:
- 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’ Certification
No matter the class you decided upon, you need to pass an exam before you get certified.
These tests have 2 components:
- Practice
- Theory
Some of the diplomas need to be renewed periodically.
Each institution issuing a diploma has its own regulations related to this aspect.
To open a pet salon, you need a business license.
This license usually requires passing the jurisprudence exam.
Individuals can also participate in various intensive classes and workshops that get organized throughout the year, both in and out of state.
Dog Groomers’ Employment and Salary in Massachusetts
Dog groomers can be seen working in:
- Dog rescues
- Veterinary clinics
- Pet grooming salons
- Pet shops
- Dog daycare centers
So, how much can you earn as a dog groomer in Massachusetts?
This table shows the average salaries in the state’s larger urban areas.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Dog Groomers in Massachusetts
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Boston | $40,401 |
| Worcester | $37,801 |
| Springfield | $37,201 |
| Lowell | $39,101 |
| Cambridge | $40,401 |
| Brockton | $38,801 |
| New Bedford | $37,801 |
| Fall River | $37,801 |
| Lynn | $40,401 |
| Quincy | $40,401 |
Regional Salary in Massachusetts
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town, MA | 300 | $38,750 | $18.63 | $47,840 | $32,270 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | 6,050 | $38,650 | $18.58 | $45,300 | $30,880 |
| Leominster-Gardner, MA | 100 | $35,540 | $17.09 | $44,840 | $30,720 |
| New Bedford, MA | 120 | $38,820 | $18.67 | $52,840 | $30,520 |
| Pittsfield, MA | 100 | $36,040 | $17.33 | $45,370 | $30,150 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 730 | $37,460 | $18.01 | $47,670 | $30,110 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 540 | $37,370 | $17.97 | $45,760 | $30,990 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
These are the main factors influencing how much you will earn:
- Your experience
- Your location
- The number of credentials and diplomas you have
- The type of employment you have
Additional Information for Dog Groomers in Massachusetts
Use these resources to always be informed on the news related to the pet grooming field:
- Massachusetts Human Society
- Groom Town Pet SPA
- National Dog Groomers Association of America
Those who have a hard time getting employed can also use these associations to learn of new positions and opportunities.
