Pet groomers keep animals looking and feeling their best. Their daily tasks involve hands-on care and creative styling alongside strong customer service skills. Bathing pets to remove dirt and loose fur Drying coats with towels and blow-dryers Brushing and de-tangling fur Trimming and styling coats to breed standards or owner preferences Clipping nails safely Cleaning and inspecting ears Talking with owners about their pet’s grooming needs Cleaning and sanitising equipment between appoint...

Animal handling and behaviour awareness Grooming techniques for different breeds and coat types Attention to detail Patience and empathy with animals Physical stamina Communication skills with pet owners Time management across multiple appointments Customer service skills Knowledge of pet health and hygiene Ability to work independently or in a team Creative styling skills Problem-solving under pressure Basic first aid knowledge for animals

Become a Pet Groomer: Enrol in Animal Care Courses

A pet groomer washes, dries, brushes, cuts, and styles pets’ coats, and also clips nails and cleans ears. In Australia, around 5,700 people work as pet groomers (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Most work in grooming salons, pet shops, or vet clinics. Some run their own mobile grooming service.

Every day brings different breeds, temperaments, and owner requests. Groomers check a pet’s coat and behaviour before starting. They talk to owners about the style they want. For anxious animals, patience and a calm presence make all the difference.

Pet grooming is both physical and creative. Groomers are on their feet for most of the day, working with animals of all sizes. They also develop a real eye for styling, from a basic bath and tidy to a full breed-standard cut.

The role suits people who love animals and want hands-on, varied work. With pet ownership rising across Australia, demand for skilled groomers stays steady. There are also strong paths for growth, from breed specialisation to running your own business.

Career Outlook for Pet Groomer

Pet grooming is a growing field in Australia, with around 5,700 people in the role (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The workforce is 87% female, with a median age of 38 (Your Career, 2025). Most groomers work part-time: only 35% hold full-time jobs. Full-time workers average 42 hours per week. This makes pet grooming a good fit for those who want flexible work.

Future demand is rated as moderate by the Australian Government. As pet ownership rises, the need for skilled groomers is set to stay steady. Median weekly earnings are $1,280, or around $66,560 a year (Your Career, 2025). Groomers who run their own business can earn more.

Pet grooming sits under the Trades Workers category (ANZSCO 361113). The Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122) is the standard entry path. With time, groomers can move into dog handling, vet nursing, or small business ownership.

Steps to Become a Pet Groomer

Step 1: 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 organisation (RTO). Choose the pet grooming stream to build the core skills for a grooming career. This qualification typically takes 12 to 18 months full-time, or longer part-time. It covers bathing and styling techniques, breed-specific cuts, animal handling, hygiene, and workplace safety.

Step 2: Complete your supervised work placement

Most ACM30122 courses include a supervised work placement in a grooming salon, veterinary clinic, or pet shop. Use this time to practise techniques on a range of breeds. Ask your supervisor to observe your animal handling and note any areas to improve. Hands-on practice is essential before working unsupervised.

Step 3: Work as an assistant or trainee groomer

Once you finish your qualification, apply for entry-level roles as an assistant groomer or trainee. Look for positions at grooming salons, pet shops, or veterinary clinics. Work under an experienced groomer for at least 6 to 12 months. This builds your speed, confidence, and knowledge of different breeds and coat types.

Step 4: Build your skills with short courses and professional development

Once you work independently, look for short courses in breed-specific styling or creative grooming. The Pet Industry Association of Australia (PIAA) offers professional development resources for groomers. Short courses in pet first aid are also useful. These courses deepen your skills and help you stand out.

Step 5: Consider self-employment or business ownership

Many experienced groomers run their own mobile grooming service or salon. You will need an Australian Business Number (ABN) and business insurance. Check your state or territory animal welfare legislation before operating. Contact your local fair trading office for any licensing or registration requirements.

What does a Pet Groomer do?

A typical day for a pet groomer starts with setting up the grooming area and checking the day’s bookings. As each pet arrives, the groomer checks their coat condition and talks to the owner about the style they want. The work covers bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and breed-specific cuts. Between appointments, groomers clean their tools and keep their workspace safe and hygienic. It is hands-on, active work that calls for patience, good animal handling skills, and a genuine love of animals.

Tasks

Pet groomers keep animals looking and feeling their best. Their daily tasks involve hands-on care and creative styling alongside strong customer service skills.

Bathing pets to remove dirt and loose fur
Drying coats with towels and blow-dryers
Brushing and de-tangling fur
Trimming and styling coats to breed standards or owner preferences
Clipping nails safely
Cleaning and inspecting ears
Talking with owners about their pet’s grooming needs
Cleaning and sanitising equipment between appointments
Watching pets for signs of stress or discomfort
Giving owners tips on coat care at home

Skills for Success

Pet groomers need a solid mix of animal handling skills and a genuine fondness for animals. Knowing how different breeds behave, and how to keep them calm, is a big part of the job.

On the technical side, groomers master clippers, scissors, brushes, and dryers. They also learn how different coat types need care. Clear talk with owners matters too. Groomers need to share their findings in plain terms every day. Patience, empathy, and physical stamina round out the skill set.

Skills & Attributes

Animal handling and behaviour awareness
Grooming techniques for different breeds and coat types
Attention to detail
Patience and empathy with animals
Physical stamina
Communication skills with pet owners
Time management across multiple appointments
Customer service skills
Knowledge of pet health and hygiene
Ability to work independently or in a team
Creative styling skills
Problem-solving under pressure
Basic first aid knowledge for animals

Average Salaries

Pet groomers in Australia earn a median of $1,280 a week, which works out to around $66,560 a year (Your Career, 2025). Entry-level roles pay around $45,000 a year. Experienced groomers or those running their own salon can earn up to $90,000 or more. Pay depends on experience, location, and employment type.

How to Become A Pet Groomer

Certificate II in Animal Care

Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming)