Grab a cup of Joe and read on if you want to learn what it takes to become a dog groomer in Wisconsin.
You’ll learn if you need any special training, skills as well as the possible salary for someone with some experience under their belt!
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Dog Groomer Job Description and Duties in Wisconsin
Like any other job, there are several types of duties you’re expected to complete as a dog groomer:
- Directly involving animals
- Administrative tasks
The next actions involve animals directly:
- 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 tasks have a more administrative nature:
- 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
Depending on where you work, additional tasks may be given to you.
Dog Groomer Job Requirements in Wisconsin
There’s no law in Wisconsin requiring you to meet any requirements for a dog grooming position.
Most employers usually seek people that are (or with):
- Being over 18 years of age
- Having a high school diploma or GED
- Having some experience in working with animals
- Clean criminal record
- Getting the vaccine against rabies
When working with animals, you always run the risk of getting bitten, and not all the animals that come in are vaccinated.
This especially applies to stray animals coming into shelters.
More than a specific education, pet groomers need a certain personality.
This is a list of important personality traits for this position:
- Patience
- Kindness
- Empathy
- Calm
- Attention to details
- Good communication skills
- Physically strong
- Self-control
Stray or wild animals will require the use of most of those attributes.
Dog Groomers’ Education and Certification in Wisconsin
Dog groomers don’t need degrees, but a diploma proving they know their job is a plus, though also not mandatory.
Dog Groomers’ Education
To earn a certificate proving your knowledge in the field is done through a training course.
You should look for a course that has:
- Accreditation from the National Dog Groomers Association of America
- Plenty of practice hours
By graduating from an NDGAA course you can offer your services all across the US.
Regardless of the accreditation status, most programs have a duration of two months.
The tuition is relatively low and usually those who pay in full benefit from a small discount.
Here I what you can expect to study:
- 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
What is usually mandatory, is having to pass the exam a the end of the training course.
For this, you’d have to first sign up for the test and pay an extra fee or two.
Most certificates need to be maintained through periodical renewal.
The renewal period varies between jurisdictions or institutions issuing the credential.
A renewal application form and a renewal fee are also in order.
Dog stylists should continue their education through seminars, workshops, and intensive classes.
You’ll need a business license and a selling permit if you want to run a pet grooming salon and sell related products.
Dog Groomers’ Employment and Salary in Wisconsin
These are the main places looking to hire certified personnel in this field:
- Dog rescues
- Veterinary clinics
- Pet grooming salons
- Pet shops
- Dog daycare centers
As a dog groomer, expect to earn $34,607 on average, per year.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Dog Groomers in Wisconsin
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $35,501 |
| Madison | $35,101 |
| Green Bay | $34,401 |
| Kenosha | $35,201 |
| Racine | $35,201 |
| Appleton | $34,401 |
| Waukesha | $35,401 |
| Oshkosh | $34,201 |
| Eau Claire | $33,401 |
| La Crosse | $32,801 |
Regional Salary in Wisconsin
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appleton, WI | 200 | $28,950 | $13.92 | $44,990 | $21,560 |
| Eau Claire, WI | 180 | $26,850 | $12.91 | $33,520 | $21,060 |
| Fond du Lac, WI | 70 | $25,830 | $12.42 | $29,830 | $21,990 |
| Green Bay, WI | 290 | $26,400 | $12.69 | $35,760 | $20,260 |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI | 90 | $27,910 | $13.42 | $40,870 | $20,420 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | 180 | $24,380 | $11.72 | $27,830 | $20,100 |
| Madison, WI | 880 | $28,520 | $13.71 | $37,390 | $22,800 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI | 1,480 | $28,620 | $13.76 | $43,360 | $21,650 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI | 200 | $26,490 | $12.73 | $35,360 | $20,730 |
| Racine, WI | 110 | $27,730 | $13.33 | $37,480 | $18,760 |
| Sheboygan, WI | 70 | $27,460 | $13.2 | $34,750 | $21,100 |
| Wausau, WI | 50 | $29,270 | $14.07 | $43,680 | $21,480 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for Dog Groomers in Wisconsin
These are the most commonly used resources for finding classes and jobs in this field, in this state:
- National Dog Groomers Association of America
- International Professional Groomers
- The National Association of Professional Creative Groomers
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
- Dane County Humane Society.
- Dodge County Humane Society
- Wisconsin Humane Society Milwaukee
Keep in mind that NDGAA requires becoming a member of those passing their exam.
