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How to Become A Dog Groomer

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What is a Dog Groomer

A dog groomer keeps dogs clean, healthy and looking great. Every day brings new dogs and new breeds to work with. It is a hands-on, creative career for people who love animals.

Your main tasks include bathing, drying, brushing and cutting coats. You also clip nails, clean ears and check dogs for skin issues. Each breed has its own needs, so you keep learning on the job.

Dog groomers work in salons, vet clinics and mobile vans, or run their own businesses. About 5,700 groomers are employed in Australia (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). The job market is growing as pet ownership keeps rising.

You can get started with the Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122) at a TAFE or RTO. It covers breed-specific cuts, animal first aid and safe handling. Most people complete it in around 12 months full-time.

Explore study options in Animal Care

Career Outlook for Dog Groomer

Dog grooming is a steady career path in Australia, with around 5,700 people working as pet groomers (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). The field is mostly female, with women making up 87% of all groomers. The median age is 38 years. Most groomers work part-time, with only 35% in full-time roles. Average weekly pay is $1,280 (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025).

Future demand is rated as steady, driven by rising pet ownership across Australia. The pet services sector reached $2.2 billion in 2025, up 30% since 2021 (petboost.com.au, 2025). This growth is making more work for skilled groomers, in mobile grooming and high-end salon services. Those with formal training and strong client skills are well placed in this growing field.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Dog Groomer

Step 1: Get hands-on experience with dogs

Before you start formal training, spend time working with dogs. Volunteer at an animal shelter, help at a pet store or assist a skilled groomer. This gives you a feel for handling different breeds and reading how dogs act. It also shows employers you are keen on animal care.

Step 2: Complete the Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122)

Enrol in the Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122) at a TAFE or registered training body (RTO). This is the main entry-level course for dog groomers in Australia. It covers bathing, coat styling, breed-specific cuts, nail care, ear cleaning, animal handling and work health and safety. The course takes around 12 months full-time or up to 2 years part-time. Some RTOs offer a blended or online study option.

Step 3: Complete your guided work placement

Your course includes guided work placement in a real grooming setting. Use this time to build your skills under a skilled groomer. Work placement helps you grow speed, confidence and breed knowledge. Ask for feedback at every session to improve quickly.

Step 4: Apply for your first grooming role

Apply for roles as a grooming assistant, salon groomer or mobile groomer. Entry-level roles let you refine your skills and build a client base. Many groomers start as bathers or assistants before moving into full grooming roles. Aim to work across different salon settings to broaden your skills.

Step 5: Build your skills and advance your career

After 1 to 2 years, look for ways to deepen your skills. Options include show grooming, creative grooming and breed workshops. The Pet Industry Association of Australia (PIAA) runs the AusGroom contest each year. It is a great place to meet peers and learn from top groomers. Many skilled groomers go on to open their own salon or mobile grooming business.

What does a Dog Groomer do?

A dog groomer’s day is active and hands-on from start to finish. You start by welcoming dogs and their owners, then get to work bathing, drying and styling coats. You clip nails, clean ears and keep an eye out for any skin or health issues. Along the way, you give owners tips on keeping their dog’s coat in good shape at home. No two days look the same, and you get to build real bonds with the dogs in your care.

Tasks

Dog groomers take care of the whole dog, from coat to paws. The work is varied, practical and rewarding for anyone who loves animals. Here is what a typical day on the job looks like.

  • Bathing: wash dogs with the right shampoos and conditioners for their coat type.
  • Drying: dry each dog with towels and blow dryers so they stay warm and comfortable.
  • Brushing: comb and brush coats to remove tangles, mats and loose fur.
  • Clipping and styling: cut and shape fur to suit the breed or the owner’s preferred style.
  • Nail trimming: clip nails to a safe length to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.
  • Ear cleaning: clean ears gently to lower the risk of infection.
  • Health checks: spot any signs of skin issues, parasites or injury and let owners know.
  • Customer service: talk with owners about grooming needs and give home-care advice.
  • Equipment care: clean and sanitise all tools between dogs to keep the salon safe and hygienic.
  • Record keeping: keep notes on each dog’s history, special needs and any health concerns.

Skills for Success

Dog groomers need a mix of hands-on skills and people skills to do the job well. You need to know how to bathe, clip and style different coat types across a wide range of breeds. Learning to use grooming tools safely is a key part of any training course.

A gentle touch and patience go a long way with nervous dogs. Good communication helps you connect with pet owners and understand what they want. Being organised and managing your time well helps you stay on top of a full appointment book.

Skills & Attributes

  • Animal care and breed knowledge
  • Bathing, drying and coat styling
  • Clipping and scissor technique
  • Nail trimming and ear cleaning
  • Safe handling of dogs of all sizes
  • Knowledge of grooming tools and equipment
  • Attention to detail
  • Customer service and communication
  • Patience and calm under pressure
  • Physical stamina
  • Time management and scheduling
  • Basic pet first aid
  • Hygiene and sanitation practices
  • Creativity in coat styling
  • Understanding of animal behaviour

Average Salaries

The average yearly salary for a dog groomer in Australia is around $66,560 (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). This is based on a median weekly pay of $1,280. Entry-level roles start from about $45,000 a year. Skilled groomers and salon owners can earn $90,000 or more.

min $45 K

max $90 K

av $67 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.