How to Become a Dog Groomer in North Dakota

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Do you live in North Dakota and are in need of a job?

Perhaps you can consider becoming a dog groomer, as it can be a rewarding career if you like working with animals.

Read this guide to find out more about the process!

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Dog Groomer Job Description and Duties in North Dakota

We don’t expect you to know everything a pet stylist has to do for a living.

These are the actual services offered to the 4-legged customers:

  • Cutting, clipping, and styling their coat
  • Bathing dogs
  • Clipping a dog’s nails
  • Interacting with dog owners
  • Knowing and applying the correct hygienic care for each dog breed
  • Teeth brushing
  • Knowing how to restrain animals
  • Calming the dogs
  • Identify problem areas

These are other job-specific tasks that are not connected to the pets:

  • 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

Other responsibilities might be given to the pet groomer, depending on where they work.

Dog Groomer Job Requirements in North Dakota

Possibly, getting the rabies vaccine is one of the first requirements of a job in which working with animals is involved.

This is because there is a slight risk of getting bitten if the animal is more aggressive or gets scared easily.

The ideal candidates are also patient, calm, kind, and empathetic.

These traits will help them work with more difficult clients, both people and their companions.

Not only will communication be easier with the pet owners, but also controlling the animal will be easier.

Someone with those traits will most likely have good communication skills as well.

Considering that some of the animals are heavy and may be reluctant to climb on the table, someone able to lift at least 50 lbs is preferable for the position.

Such physical strength will also be of help when trying to subdue or control the pet.

Dog Groomers’ Education and Certification in North Dakota

Candidates for a dog grooming position in North Dakota don’t need any license or diploma to get hired.

Having a high school diploma or GED as well as a pet styling certification, though, will put you at a great advantage over someone who doesn’t have these documents.

Dog Groomers’ Education

The National Dog Grooming Association of America (NDGAA) issues a certification that is recognized at the national level.

Those who want this diploma also need to become members of the Association and to attend a course accredited by it.

The duration of the course is 2 months and if you pay the tuition all in one installment, you could benefit from a discount.

Other classes are also available, but if they’re not accredited by the NDGAA, you can’t get their diploma.

These are the modules making up the dog grooming course:

  • 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

In case you’re wondering why do you have to learn about cat grooming, these animals are often brought for coat shaving and nail cutting.

Dog Groomers’ Certification

To get certified, you need to pass 2 tests:

  • Practice
  • Theory

You may have to pay an additional fee to take the exam.

Furthermore, make sure you know the rules related to certification renewal and the fees associated with the process.

God groomers can attend intensive classes to earn more diplomas which will only benefit their careers.

Dog Groomers’ Employment and Salary in North Dakota

These establishments need pet stylists the most:

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

Type of employment, working and worked hours, or location, are all factors that can decide your paycheck at the end of the month.

In North Dakota, dog groomers earn about $32,990 per year.

Annual Salary Range:
$27K
$33K
$42K

Average Salary of Dog Groomers in North Dakota

City NameSalary
Fargo$33,601
Bismarck$34,301
Grand Forks$31,601
Minot$33,801
Mandan$34,301
Dickinson$33,801
Jamestown$33,401
West Fargo$33,601
Williston$33,801
Wahpeton$33,101
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in North Dakota

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Bismarck, ND120$27,610$13.28$34,440$22,770
Fargo, ND-MN280$30,320$14.58$36,990$22,290
Grand Forks, ND-MN90$27,840$13.39$33,280$23,070
* 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.

Additional Information for Dog Groomers in North Dakota

As you can see, it is really easy to become a dog groomer in North Dakota.

In case you need further assistance in finding a job, you can use the following resources:

  • The Humane Society of the U.S./North Dakota
  • American Kennel Club (AKC)
  • National Dog Groomers Association of America
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