Pet owners in North Carolina also want their companions to look and feel good.
If you want them to achieve this, you could consider becoming a dog groomer in North Carolina!
Read on to find out how!
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Dog Groomer Job Description and Duties in North Carolina
Don’t worry if you don’t know what this occupation is all about!
This is a list of the most commonly offered services in a pet styling salon:
- 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 professionals also have to take care of the following tasks:
- 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
Depending on who you work for, you might receive additional responsibilities.
Dog Groomer Job Requirements in North Carolina
Perhaps you also want to know the kind of person you have to be for this position.
For starters, you must be a kind, calm, and compassionate person as some of the customers are more sensitive than others.
This applies to both animals and people.
Someone with good communication skills will also interact better with customers, co-workers, as well as others who visit the establishment.
Being able to lift some 50 pounds can be very useful as it is possible for some pets to be scared of getting on the styling table, even if steps are attached to it.
This physical strength will also be helpful if you need a strong grip to control these animals.
Some jobs are more dangerous than others, and as a pet stylist, you face the risk of getting bitten.
You should be willing to get vaccinated, especially against rabies.
Dog Groomers’ Education and Certification in North Carolina
Luckily, in North Carolina, you don’t need a license to work as a pet groomer.
However, you can get certified by the National Dog Groomers Association of America, to increase your employment chances.
Dog Groomers’ Education
Those who want the NDGAA diploma need to undergo training for a couple of months.
The course needs accreditation from this Association, otherwise, you’ll obtain a different credential.
You can attend classes online as well if you can’t find in-person programs near where you live.
The fee is not high either, and you may benefit from a discount if you pay the tuition in one installment.
Here are your future study 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 stylists are often asked to groom cats as well, therefore such a module is important for their training.
Dog Groomers’ Certification
As you can expect, once training is complete, you must pass a test that has 2 components:
- Practice
- Theory
Candidates have to sign up for the test and pay a fee.
The diplomas have to be renewed at times, for an additional fee.
You can earn other certifications too if you choose to continue your education and take part in various intensive classes.
Pet stylists have the possibility of running a business, but for this additional permits are needed.
Dog Groomers’ Employment and Salary in North Carolina
These establishments hire dog groomers the most:
- Dog rescues
- Veterinary clinics
- Pet grooming salons
- Pet shops
- Dog daycare centers
Your working hours may differ based on the type of employment you have and your salary can be affected.
In North Carolina, you can earn about $33,517 per year as a dog groomer.
Average Salary of Dog Groomers in North Carolina
Annual Salary Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$22K | |
$28K | |
$39K |
North Carolina Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC | 800 | $32,730 | $15.74 | $43,660 | $22,430 |
| Burlington, NC | 100 | $32,200 | $15.48 | $44,260 | $21,530 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | 3,040 | $32,200 | $15.48 | $37,610 | $23,830 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | 610 | $33,450 | $16.08 | $44,150 | $22,860 |
| Fayetteville, NC | 250 | $30,200 | $14.52 | $36,440 | $21,470 |
| Goldsboro, NC | 60 | $30,270 | $14.56 | $37,400 | $18,720 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | 660 | $31,110 | $14.96 | $39,570 | $21,790 |
| Greenville, NC | 130 | $29,210 | $14.04 | $35,920 | $20,590 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | 300 | $30,020 | $14.44 | $38,910 | $21,840 |
| Jacksonville, NC | 270 | $29,280 | $14.08 | $37,110 | $20,950 |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC | 170 | $29,600 | $14.23 | $39,880 | $21,340 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | 1,770 | $32,480 | $15.61 | $41,840 | $22,560 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | 70 | $29,030 | $13.96 | $41,130 | $18,030 |
| Wilmington, NC | 640 | $30,360 | $14.59 | $39,370 | $22,560 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 590 | $30,700 | $14.76 | $38,650 | $21,810 |
* Employment conditions may vary by location.
Additional Information for Dog Groomers in North Carolina
Becoming a dog groomer is not difficult and you can start working as fast as you get certified.
The websites of these organizations have resources to help you find a job, should you need help:
- The Humane Society of Charlotte
- The Humane Society of the U.S./North Carolina
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
- National Dog Groomers Association of America
