Trade Schools
Being a pet groomer is a rewarding career.
The job offers daily variety and emotional fulfillment for animal lovers who enjoy hands-on, caring work.
Pet groomers have a variety of choices-specializing by profession, breed, or species.
Grooming pets, zoo animals, shelter animals, service and policing animals, or show horses.
There are even options to train to be an aquarist, maintaining large and small aquariums.
Truthfully, pet grooming has its challenges.
It requires patience, regardless of species or specialty.
It also requires physical strength and effort to successfully attend to the animals.
And, their caretakers can be unpredictable.
Successful groomers balance an entrepreneurial spirit, artistry, and a continuing dedication to training with a genuine love of animals.
Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
Table of Contents
- How Much Does it Cost to Train as a Pet Groomer?
- Pet Grooming Training Types
- How Much Does a Pet Groomer License Cost?
- What Are the Additional Costs of Being a Pet Groomer?
- Is Becoming a Pet Groomer a Good Investment?
How Much Does a Pet Groomer Training Cost?
The cost of pet grooming training ranges from $1,000 to $25,000.
The final cost depends on several factors, most notably whether the program is in-person or online, and animal specialization.
Many programs also have business and franchise training.
Larger chain stores often train their employees through specialized partnerships and programs.
Comprehensive training beyond a wash, dry, and a clip can include:
- Veterinarian-based care
- Zoo animal caregiving and grooming
- Aquarium maintenance
- Service animal grooming
- Police animal maintenance and grooming
Pet Grooming Education Types
There are no four-year institutions that offer degrees or certification strictly for pet grooming.
This is a true vocational career path.
There are two basic education types for entry-level pet groomers: in-person schools and online programs.
In-Person Comprehensive Pet Care Programs
The In-person programs are usually local offerings through small businesses and non-profit organizations such as animal shelters.
In-person courses can also be part of corporate job training, such as at PetCo.
Online Pet Grooming Programs
The vast majority of pet technician and stylist programs are offered in part or exclusively online.
Paragon Pet School
The Paragon Pet School is a highly rated online program that follows a 25-week, three-level module structure: Pet Tech Certification, Pet Groomer Certification, and Stylist Certification.
Tuition cost is per module or $3,500 for the program, not including the grooming toolkit or reference books ($1,500).
The school is open to individuals and companies.
Course examples include:
- Pet psychology
- Basic Safety
- Pet Salon Trends
Additional education pathways provide basic business, client communications, and mobile unit training.
Animal Behavior College
Animal Behavior College is a 25-hour online grooming program that costs $1,300 — $5,900.
The canine program includes a grooming kit for new students and a pre-arranged internship.
Courses cover:
- Techniques
- Animal Handling
- Pet CPR and First Aid Certification.
Penn Foster
Penn Foster offers an online, self-paced Pet and Dog Grooming School.
The general cost is $799, with military and cash discounts and payment plans available.
Grooming kit and books are extra.
The 10-course program usually lasts 5 months and teaches:
- Introduction to Pet Grooming
- Overview of Dog and Cat Breeds
- Business Practices
Online Training Courses vs. In-Person Programs
- Type | Online Training Courses | | In-Person Training |
- Average Cost |$ 1,000 – $10,000| $3,500-$25,000
- Time to Complete | 1 month – 10 months | | 2 months – 6 months |
- Other Expenses: books, grooming kit, equipment, insurance
- Award | Certificate || Certificate |
How Much Does a Pet Groomer License Cost?
No state has a pet groomer license or registration requirements.
Consequently, there are no official costs.
However, attending exhibitions and continuing education courses allows the premier pet groomer to keep up with grooming techniques, equipment, and the latest care trends.
These costs range from $500 for short courses to $5,000 for additional certification or week-long trade shows.
What Are the Additional Costs of Being a Pet Groomer?
The cost of being a pet groomer largely depends on location.
If they are working for a big company such as PetCo, then basic costs are likely simple: a cellphone and personal tools, such as grooming clippers.
However, if one is running their own small business, then costs range from:
- Quality Grooming Tools
- Technology
- Supplies
- Cleaning services
- Location or Mobile unit vehicle
- Marketing materials, website
- Business cards and printing
Insurance is also a big factor for anyone in pet care.
This would include vehicle, liability, and, if needed, general business.
Is Becoming a Pet Groomer a Good Investment?
More than 80% of U.S. households have owned a dog at some point.
And, while the numbers are lower for cats, it is clear that pets are an important part of people’s lives.
Nationally, the average starting salary is $33,860 annually, while small business owners report $70,000 plus annually.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates an 11 to 15% job growth for pet technicians, groomers, and animal care workers within the next decade.
Pet groomers are one of the few careers that have a range of opportunities and specializations.
And, considering the minimal upfront training time needed and the minimal cost, being a pet groomer can be considered a very worthwhile investment.
Key Takeaways
- Challenging and varied work with animals
- Strong need and job growth forecasts
- Minimal training time—no four-year degree needed
- Online training opportunities
- Ability to advance and specialize
- Can work anywhere, no licensing in the USA
- Good small business opportunity
