Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Dog Groomer- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Working Life
Dog groomers are also known as canine beauticians, dog clippers or trimmers. They keep dogs in good condition by washing, brushing, clipping and scissoring their coats.
The groomer usually starts by clipping with electric clippers or stripping, using a stripping knife. The coat may be cut in a particular style, according to the breed. Poodles, for example, are often closely clipped around the face, feet and tail but their coats are allowed to grow longer around the legs.
Afterwards the dog is shampooed, rinsed and dried with an electric hairdryer. The groomer brushes or combs the coat and gives it a final trim with scissors.
Dog groomers also clip claws, clean teeth and ears and treat dogs for parasites, such as fleas.
Dog Grooming jobs are often advertised on the website of the Irish Professional Dog Grooming Association
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.
- Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians to secure treatment.
- Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury.
- Mix food, liquid formulas, medications, or food supplements according to instructions, prescriptions, and knowledge of animal species.
- Do facility laundry and clean, organise, maintain, and disinfect animal quarters, such as pens and stables, and equipment, such as saddles and bridles.
- Exercise animals to maintain their physical and mental health.
- Collect and record animal information, such as weight, sise, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake.
- Respond to questions from patrons, and provide information about animals, such as behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or facility activities.
- Answer telephones and schedule appointments.
- Advise pet owners on how to care for their pets' health.
Further Information
- Dog Handler- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Dog Groomer
Practical hand skills are required for clipping and trimming.
You must like dogs and be able to handle them gently and patiently.
You should be prepared to spend most of your time standing.
You should be comfortable working alone.
This type of work may be unsuitable for people with skin allergies as it will involve handling detergents and chemicals.
Interests - Dog Groomer
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Naturalist
Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.
Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Dog Groomer
Some experience with handling dogs will be useful for entry to this type of work. Courses at private training schools are available.
The Irish Professional Dog Grooming Association provides a list of approved training schools. They also hold seminars on different aspects of grooming.
Courses in Animal Care are offered by Colleges of Further Education, Veterinary Assistant or shorter animal behaviour courses may also be available.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: animal care.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: animal care and grooming, canine, veterinary.
Search for PLC Courses
Enterprise Supports
If starting your own business there are a number of supports:
Pay & Salary - Dog Groomer
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €42k
Salaries may vary. This will depend if someone is in private practice or working for a company. Salaries also vary by role, location, duties of care provided, and experience.
Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Glassdoor / Eirieri / Salary expert
Last Updated: February, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Dog Groomer
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Veterinary nurses; Pest control officers; Animal care services occupations n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Numbers employed in this occupation are too small to allow for any analysis. Employment permits issued in 2022 related to work riders in the equestrian sector.
Useful Contacts - Dog Groomer
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Irish Professional Dog Grooming Association
- 119 Ballyboden Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14
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- [email protected]
- Click Here
