If you live in Mississippi, need a job fast, and love animals, we have an idea for you!
Becoming a dog groomer in Mississippi takes only a few months and this article has all the details for you, so read on!
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Dog Groomer Job Description and Duties in Mississippi
Perhaps you don’t really know what a pet groomer does every day, but don’t worry for we have you covered!
This is the list of the most common tasks you will face daily:
- 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
to ensure everything goes smoothly, you also need to take care of these aspects:
- Cleaning and maintenance of the 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
Remember that in some salons you could receive additional tasks and you won’t be styling only dogs, but perhaps cats or rabbits as well.
Dog Groomer Job Requirements in Mississippi
Being an animal lover is not really enough to become a pet groomer as you need a few other traits as well.
This occupation thrives on interaction with others, be it co-workers, suppliers, or customers.
This means you need very good communication skills.
Usually, you’ll style animals that stand on a table, so being able to place the pets on the table and back on the floor is important.
Since you’ll use a table to style the pets, you need to be able to stand for the whole duration of the procedure as well.
Paying attention to details, being compassionate, and patient are other key personality features of a dog stylist.
Dog Groomers’ Education and Certification in Mississippi
Luckily for those interested in this occupation, in Mississippi, there’s no need to get certified or licensed beforehand.
As a matter of fact, not even a high school diploma or a GED are needed, though they do increase your chances of getting hired.
Another good idea, to become a better candidate, is to undergo some training.
Dog Groomers’ Education
One of the best training programs is organized by the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA).
NDGAA also offers a certification that is recognized at the national level.
All you have to do is to find the program and meet the enrollment requirements.
Attending other programs is also good, but their certifications may not be recognized all across the nation.
The cost of such a program is well under $1000 and the duration is at least two months.
These are the modules making up the training programs for a dog groomer:
- 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
Regardless of the course you chose, an exam is in order before receiving your certification.
Generally, there are 2 components in these exams:
- Practice
- Theory
Individuals should know ahead of time that additional fees might be charged for the exam and diploma, respectively.
A renewal process might be in order as well.
This process usually involves a renewal fee as well as a renewal application.
You can obtain extra diplomas if you participate in other classes and workshops.
Those who want to open a pet styling salon will have to pass the jurisprudence exam for the business license.
Dog Groomers’ Employment and Salary in Mississippi
If you’re wondering about your possible workplace, here are the main employers for dog groomers:
- Dog rescues
- Veterinary clinics
- Pet grooming salons
- Pet shops
- Dog daycare centers
Below you can even see the average salary in 10 major cities across Mississippi.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Dog Groomers in Mississippi
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Jackson | $32,101 |
| Gulfport | $31,501 |
| Biloxi | $31,801 |
| Hattiesburg | $31,301 |
| Greenville | $31,901 |
| Meridian | $31,801 |
| Tupelo | $30,301 |
| Southaven | $33,201 |
| Vicksburg | $31,801 |
| Pascagoula | $31,501 |
Regional Salary in Mississippi
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | 320 | $25,200 | $12.11 | $36,500 | $18,060 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | 180 | $25,250 | $12.14 | $40,530 | $17,580 |
| Jackson, MS | 440 | $23,710 | $11.4 | $30,830 | $18,230 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Of course, your salary is generally influenced by factors such as:
- Your experience
- Your location
- The number of credentials and diplomas you have
- The type of employment you have
Additional Information for Dog Groomers in Mississippi
These associations can offer news, job offers, and classes you might be interested in:
- Mississippi Section of the National Humane Society of United States
- Pet groomer Ads
- Dog Groomers Mississippi
- National Dog Groomers Association of America
