Are you struggling to land interviews for dog groomer positions despite your love for animals and grooming skills? You’re not alone. Many passionate dog groomers find themselves overlooked simply because their resume doesn’t effectively showcase their technical grooming expertise, animal handling abilities, and customer service skills that Australian pet salons and veterinary clinics desperately need.
Whether you’re a recent graduate from a professional grooming course, transitioning from another animal care role, or re-entering the workforce after a career break, crafting a compelling dog groomer resume is your gateway to securing interviews with leading pet grooming salons, mobile grooming services, and veterinary practices across Australia. This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating a professional resume that highlights your grooming techniques, breed-specific knowledge, and animal welfare expertise – all tailored specifically for the Australian pet care industry.
From understanding the preferred resume formats used by Australian grooming salons to showcasing your experience with various grooming tools, breed standards, and customer service, we’ll cover everything you need to know. You’ll discover how to present your grooming certifications, highlight safety protocols, and create a professional summary that immediately captures the attention of salon managers and business owners looking for their next skilled groomer.
Dog Groomer Resume (Text Version)
Jessica Williams
Professional Dog Groomer
Phone: 0445 789 012
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicawilliams-petgrooming
Address: Brisbane, Queensland 4000
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Passionate Professional Dog Groomer with 4+ years of experience providing comprehensive grooming services for all breed types in high-volume salon environments. Expertise in breed-specific grooming techniques, safe animal handling, and customer service excellence. Proven track record of maintaining 95% client retention rate through quality workmanship and compassionate animal care. Skilled in using professional grooming equipment, managing anxious pets, and delivering personalised grooming solutions that enhance both pet health and appearance.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Senior Dog Groomer | Paws & Pamper Pet Salon | March 2022 – Present
• Provide full-service grooming for 25-30 dogs daily across all breed sizes and temperaments, maintaining high quality standards and safety protocols
• Specialise in breed-specific cuts including Poodle clips, Schnauzer trims, and hand-stripping for wire-haired breeds
• Maintain detailed grooming records and health observations, alerting pet owners to skin conditions, ear infections, and other health concerns
• Train and mentor 2 junior groomers in proper handling techniques, equipment usage, and salon safety procedures
• Achieve 98% customer satisfaction ratings through excellent communication and personalised service delivery
• Manage appointment scheduling and coordinate with reception team to optimise daily workflow efficiency
Dog Groomer | Brisbane Pet Care Centre | June 2020 – February 2022
• Performed complete grooming services including bathing, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and styling for 150+ regular clients
• Handled challenging behavioural cases with patience and skill, successfully grooming anxious and aggressive dogs using calming techniques
• Maintained strict hygiene and sanitation protocols, ensuring all equipment was properly cleaned and disinfected between appointments
• Collaborated with veterinary staff to identify and report health issues during grooming sessions
• Developed expertise in working with senior dogs and pets with special medical needs
Junior Dog Groomer | Furry Friends Mobile Grooming | January 2020 – May 2020
• Assisted senior groomers with bathing, drying, and basic grooming tasks while learning advanced techniques
• Provided mobile grooming services, adapting to various working environments and managing equipment setup
• Maintained grooming van cleanliness and equipment organisation between appointments
• Built relationships with clients through professional service and genuine care for their pets
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Certificate III in Animal Care Services | TAFE Queensland | 2019
Relevant coursework: Animal anatomy and physiology, animal behaviour and handling, grooming techniques, workplace health and safety, customer service
Professional Dog Grooming Certification | National Dog Groomers Association Australia | 2019
Pet First Aid & CPR Certification | Australian Red Cross | Current
SPECIALISED TRAINING
• Advanced Poodle Grooming Workshop – International Professional Groomers (2023)
• Hand Stripping Techniques Masterclass (2022)
• Aggressive Dog Handling and Safety Course (2021)
• Show Dog Preparation and Presentation Workshop (2020)
KEY SKILLS
• Breed-specific grooming techniques and styling for all coat types
• Professional grooming equipment operation (clippers, scissors, stripping knives)
• Animal behaviour assessment and safe restraint techniques
• Health screening and basic veterinary observation
• Customer consultation and grooming recommendation
• Appointment scheduling and salon management
• Inventory management and equipment maintenance
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
• Groomer of the Month Award – Paws & Pamper Pet Salon (3 consecutive months, 2023)
• Successfully completed over 5,000 grooming appointments with zero safety incidents
• Developed signature grooming styles that increased client referrals by 40%
• Completed continuing education requirements, maintaining current industry certifications
What is The Best Format for a Dog Groomer Resume?
For dog groomer positions in Australia, the reverse chronological format is strongly recommended as it clearly demonstrates your grooming experience progression and skill development. This format allows hiring managers to quickly assess your most recent hands-on grooming experience and understand how your expertise with different breeds and techniques has evolved, which is crucial in a field where practical skills and experience directly impact service quality.
Font and Typography Guidelines:
• Heading Font: Use 18-22pt for your name and 14-16pt for section headings
• Body Font: Stick to 10-12pt for all body text to ensure readability
• Font Style: Professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Verdana project cleanliness and attention to detail essential in grooming
• Margins: Maintain 1-inch margins on all sides to provide adequate white space
• File Type: Always submit as PDF unless specifically requested otherwise, as this preserves formatting across different systems
Essential Resume Sections:
Header: Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, LinkedIn profile, and city/state. As an animal care professional, ensure your contact information is prominently displayed and professional.
Summary: Provide a compelling 3-4 line overview highlighting your grooming experience, breed specialities, safety record, and customer service achievements. This section should immediately communicate your value as a skilled grooming professional.
Experience: List your work history in reverse chronological order, emphasising hands-on grooming responsibilities, breed expertise, customer interaction, and any safety or quality achievements.
Education: Include your grooming qualifications, animal care certifications, and any ongoing professional development in pet care and grooming techniques.
Other Sections: Consider adding professional certifications, specialized training workshops, memberships in organisations like National Dog Groomers Association Australia, and relevant animal welfare volunteer work.
What Experience Should Be on Your Dog Groomer Resume?
Your experience section should emphasise your hands-on grooming skills, breed expertise, and ability to work safely with animals of all temperaments. Focus on quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact on client satisfaction, salon efficiency, and animal welfare. Australian pet grooming employers value experience with diverse breed types, knowledge of local grooming preferences, and ability to work within Australian animal welfare standards and regulations.
Highlight specific grooming techniques you’ve mastered, types of salons or services you’ve worked in (high-volume, boutique, mobile, veterinary), and any experience with difficult animals or special needs pets. Include metrics around daily appointment volumes, client retention rates, and safety records that showcase your competence as a professional groomer.
Correct Example:
Professional Dog Groomer | Sydney Pet Spa | January 2021 – Present
• Groom 20-25 dogs daily including all breed types from Chihuahuas to Great Danes, maintaining consistent quality and safety standards
• Specialise in complex coat types including double-coated breeds, curly coats, and hand-stripping techniques for terriers and spaniels
• Maintain 96% client retention rate through personalised grooming consultations and attention to individual pet needs
• Identify and report health issues including skin conditions, parasites, and injuries, contributing to early intervention and treatment
• Implement calming techniques for anxious pets, successfully grooming 95% of initially fearful or aggressive dogs
• Collaborate with veterinary partners to provide therapeutic bathing and grooming for pets with skin allergies and medical conditions
Incorrect Example:
Dog Groomer | Pet Place | 2021 – Present
• Groomed dogs
• Washed and dried animals
• Cut dog hair
• Worked with customers
• Kept salon clean
Entry-Level Dog Groomer Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level positions, focus on your grooming education, internship or apprenticeship experiences, and any relevant animal handling experience from other roles. Emphasise your formal training, eagerness to learn, and natural affinity for working with animals.
Correct Example:
Apprentice Dog Groomer | Melbourne Pet Grooming Academy | April 2024 – Present
• Complete hands-on training grooming 12-15 dogs weekly under supervision of certified master groomers
• Demonstrate proficiency in basic grooming techniques including bathing, brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning across various breeds
• Apply animal behaviour principles learned in Certificate III program to safely handle anxious and energetic pets
• Maintain detailed training logs documenting progress with different coat types and grooming challenges
• Assist with salon operations including appointment coordination, equipment maintenance, and client communication
• Achieve 100% safety record during training period with zero animal handling incidents
Incorrect Example:
New Dog Groomer | Grooming School | 2024
• Still learning to groom
• Practice on dogs at school
• Don’t have much experience yet
• Work with supervisor
• Hope to get better
How to Write the Education Section for your Dog Groomer Resume
The education section is particularly important for dog groomers, as formal qualifications demonstrate your understanding of animal anatomy, behaviour, and professional grooming standards. In Australia, while formal qualifications aren’t always legally required, most reputable salons prefer groomers with recognized training from institutions or professional associations.
Include your grooming-related qualifications, institution names, completion dates, and relevant coursework that applies to professional grooming. If you’ve completed additional specialized training in breed-specific techniques, animal behaviour, or first aid, highlight these to show your comprehensive preparation. Many Australian grooming businesses value ongoing professional development through workshops and certification programs.
Dog Groomer Resume Example [Education]
Certificate III in Animal Care Services | TAFE Victoria | 2023
Relevant coursework: Animal anatomy and physiology, animal behaviour and psychology, grooming techniques and equipment, animal health and welfare, workplace safety, customer service in pet care
Professional Dog Grooming Certification | Australian Pet Industry Association | 2023
Comprehensive training in breed standard grooming, coat care, equipment usage, animal restraint, and salon management
Pet First Aid and CPR Certification | Animal Emergency Response | Current
Continuing Professional Development:
• Advanced Scissor Techniques Workshop – Master Groomers Australia (2024)
• Canine Skin and Coat Health Seminar – Veterinary Dermatology Institute (2023)
• Difficult Dog Handling Masterclass (2023)
How to Write the Skills Section for your Dog Groomer Resume
The skills section of your dog groomer resume should strategically balance technical grooming competencies with animal handling and customer service abilities that Australian grooming businesses prioritise. Aim for 10-14 carefully selected skills that demonstrate your comprehensive capability as a professional groomer who can deliver quality results while ensuring animal safety and customer satisfaction. Focus on skills that differentiate you from hobbyist groomers and reflect professional industry standards.
This section should complement your experience by highlighting specific technical abilities, breed expertise, and interpersonal skills that contribute to successful grooming outcomes and business success.
Dog Groomer Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
• Breed-specific grooming techniques and standard cuts for all major breeds
• Professional grooming equipment operation (clippers, shears, stripping knives, blasters)
• Coat analysis and appropriate grooming technique selection
• Safe animal restraint and handling techniques for anxious or aggressive pets
• Nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental hygiene maintenance
• Health assessment and abnormality identification during grooming
• Grooming product knowledge and selection for different coat types
• Equipment maintenance, sharpening, and troubleshooting
• Appointment scheduling and grooming time estimation
• Inventory management for grooming supplies and retail products
• Photography for before/after grooming documentation
• Basic veterinary first aid and emergency response
Dog Groomer Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
• Patience and compassion in working with animals of all temperaments
• Clear communication with pet owners regarding grooming options and pet care
• Attention to detail in achieving precise grooming standards
• Physical stamina and strength for handling large dogs and long work hours
• Time management and efficiency in high-volume grooming environments
• Problem-solving abilities when dealing with matted coats or difficult behaviours
• Emotional resilience when working with stressed or injured animals
• Cultural sensitivity when working with diverse pet owner communities
• Continuous learning mindset for staying current with grooming trends
• Professional presentation and hygiene standards
• Teamwork and collaboration in salon environments
• Sales skills for recommending grooming packages and retail products
How to pick the best Dog Groomer skills:
1. Review the job description carefully and identify specific skills mentioned by the employer, particularly those related to breed specialties, equipment types, or customer service expectations.
2. Match your skills to business type – high-volume salons value efficiency and speed, while boutique groomers may prioritise artistic styling and personalised service.
3. Emphasise current industry skills such as modern grooming techniques, social media documentation, and knowledge of premium grooming products increasingly used in Australian salons.
4. Include safety and compliance skills that demonstrate your understanding of animal welfare standards, workplace safety requirements, and professional grooming ethics.
5. Balance technical and customer service skills to show you can deliver professional grooming results while maintaining positive relationships with pet owners and contributing to business success.
Dog Groomer Resume Examples [Skills]
Technical Grooming Skills:
• Breed-standard styling expertise – Specialise in Poodle clips, Schnauzer trims, and hand-stripping techniques with 99% accuracy to breed standards
• Advanced scissor work – Create precise finishing touches and creative styling that increased client satisfaction scores by 23%
• Difficult coat management – Successfully de-mat and restore heavily neglected coats, saving 85% of pets from complete shave-downs
Animal Handling Skills:
• Anxiety management techniques – Calm and successfully groom 92% of initially fearful or aggressive dogs using positive reinforcement methods
• Health assessment – Identified and reported 50+ health concerns to pet owners, contributing to early veterinary intervention
Customer Service Skills:
• Client consultation – Conduct thorough grooming consultations that result in 96% customer satisfaction and 78% appointment rebooking rate
• Retail sales – Recommend and sell grooming products, generating additional $800 monthly revenue for salon
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Dog Groomer Resume?
Additional sections can significantly enhance your dog groomer resume by showcasing professional commitment, specialized expertise, and well-rounded qualifications that set you apart from other candidates. These sections are particularly valuable in the Australian pet grooming industry, where continuous learning, animal welfare advocacy, and professional networking are highly regarded by employers.
Certifications & Specialized Training: Industry certifications, breed-specific workshops, and continuing education demonstrate your commitment to professional excellence and staying current with grooming techniques and animal care standards.
Professional Associations: Membership in organizations like the National Dog Groomers Association Australia or Australian Pet Industry Association shows industry engagement and professional commitment.
Awards and Recognition: Grooming competition awards, customer service recognition, or employee achievements provide concrete evidence of exceptional performance and industry recognition.
Volunteer Experience: Animal rescue volunteering, shelter grooming, or community pet care events demonstrate your commitment to animal welfare beyond professional responsibilities.
Specializations: Expertise in specific breeds, therapeutic grooming for special needs pets, or show dog preparation can differentiate you in specialized markets.
Languages: Multilingual capabilities can be valuable in Australia’s diverse communities for communicating with pet owners from various cultural backgrounds.
Dog Groomer Resume Examples [Other Sections]
Correct Example:
CERTIFICATIONS & SPECIALIZED TRAINING
• Certified Professional Groomer – National Dog Groomers Association Australia (Current)
• Pet First Aid and CPR Certification – Australian Red Cross (Current)
• Advanced Poodle Styling Workshop – International Grooming Academy (2023)
• Canine Massage Therapy Certificate – Animal Wellness Institute (2022)
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
• Member, National Dog Groomers Association Australia (2020 – Present)
• Member, Australian Pet Industry Association (2021 – Present)
• Member, Queensland Professional Pet Groomers Guild (2020 – Present)
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
• First Place, Creative Grooming Competition – Brisbane Pet Expo (2023)
• Employee of the Year – Paws & Pamper Pet Salon (2022)
• Excellence in Customer Service Award – Pet Care Industry Awards (2021)
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
• Volunteer Groomer, RSPCA Queensland (2019 – Present)
• Community Pet Care Days Coordinator – Local Animal Shelter (Monthly)
• Therapy Dog Grooming Services for aged care facilities (Ongoing)
Incorrect Example:
OTHER STUFF
• Have some certificates
• Member of grooming groups
• Won some contests
• Help animals sometimes
• Good at cutting hair
• Live in Brisbane
Tip: Include relevant interests that demonstrate qualities valuable to dog grooming, such as dog showing or breeding that demonstrates breed knowledge, photography that shows attention to visual detail, or fitness activities that reflect the physical demands of grooming work.
How to write a Dog Groomer Resume Objective or Resume Summary
Your professional summary is crucial for dog groomers as it must immediately establish your technical grooming skills, animal handling expertise, and commitment to pet welfare. This 3-4 line section should highlight your grooming experience, breed specializations, safety record, and the unique value you bring to delivering professional grooming services that satisfy both pets and their owners.
For experienced dog groomers, focus on quantifiable achievements, specialized techniques mastered, customer satisfaction metrics, and any leadership or training responsibilities. Recent graduates should emphasise their formal education, hands-on training experience, natural affinity for animals, and enthusiasm for beginning their professional grooming career. Always tailor your summary to reflect the specific salon type and services mentioned in the job advertisement.
Key elements to include:
• Years of grooming experience and types of establishments worked in
• Specific breed expertise and grooming techniques mastered
• Safety record and animal handling capabilities
• Customer satisfaction achievements and retention rates
• Passion for animal welfare and commitment to professional excellence
Dog Groomer Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Dedicated Professional Dog Groomer with 5+ years of experience delivering exceptional grooming services across all breed types in high-volume salon environments. Expert in breed-specific styling, hand-stripping techniques, and therapeutic grooming for special needs pets. Proven track record of maintaining 97% client satisfaction rate while grooming 25+ dogs daily with zero safety incidents. Passionate about animal welfare and committed to providing stress-free grooming experiences that enhance both pet health and appearance.
Incorrect Example:
Dog groomer looking for a job where I can work with animals. I have some experience grooming dogs and I really love animals. I’m good at cutting hair and giving baths. I want to work somewhere that appreciates my skills and treats animals well.
For entry-level candidates, focus on your grooming education, any practical training experience, transferable animal handling skills, and genuine passion for professional pet grooming and animal care.
Entry-Level Dog Groomer Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Recently certified Dog Groomer with Certificate III in Animal Care Services and 200+ hours of hands-on training across diverse breed types. Strong foundation in grooming techniques, animal behaviour, and safe handling practices, complemented by natural intuition for working with anxious and energetic pets. Passionate about combining technical grooming skills with compassionate animal care to deliver exceptional results. Eager to contribute to professional salon environment while continuing skill development in specialized grooming techniques.
Incorrect Example:
New dog groomer who just finished training. I don’t have much professional experience yet but I love dogs and I’m willing to learn. I think I’d be good at grooming because I’m patient and I’ve always been good with animals.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Dog Groomer Resume
Maintaining alignment between your resume and LinkedIn profile is valuable in the Australian pet grooming industry, where visual portfolios, professional networks, and community engagement influence career opportunities. Your LinkedIn profile should complement your resume while leveraging the platform’s unique features to showcase your grooming expertise, before-and-after work samples, and connections within the pet care community.
Unlike your resume, LinkedIn allows for a more personal approach that can include pet transformation stories, client testimonials, and engagement with pet care content. This is particularly effective for dog groomers, as the pet industry values visual demonstrations of skill and genuine passion for animal welfare.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Dog Groomers
Your LinkedIn headline should immediately communicate your grooming expertise and specializations, appealing to both potential employers and pet owners who may view your profile for services.
Effective Headlines:
• “Professional Dog Groomer | 4+ Years Experience | Breed Specialist | Poodle & Terrier Expert | Brisbane”
• “Certified Dog Groomer | All Breeds Welcome | Gentle Handling for Anxious Pets | Mobile Services Available”
• “Senior Pet Groomer | Show Dog Preparation | Therapeutic Bathing | 1000+ Happy Customers | Melbourne”
Ineffective Headlines:
• “Dog Groomer”
• “Pet Care Professional”
• “Animal Lover”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
While your resume summary focuses on professional qualifications and measurable achievements, your LinkedIn summary can tell the story of your passion for animals and grooming philosophy. This narrative approach resonates well in the pet care industry, where personal connection and genuine care are important factors for both employers and clients.
Your LinkedIn summary should expand on what drew you to dog grooming, highlight memorable transformations you’ve achieved (with photo evidence where appropriate), and demonstrate your understanding of the bond between pets and their families. Include keywords that Australian pet businesses commonly search for, while maintaining an authentic voice that reflects your personality and professional approach.
Showcasing Dog Groomer Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s format allows you to provide detailed case studies and visual evidence that bring your grooming expertise to life. Use this expanded space to describe challenging grooming situations you’ve handled, the techniques you’ve developed, and the positive outcomes you’ve achieved for both pets and owners.
Consider uploading before-and-after photos of your grooming work (with owner permission), certificates from training programs, or photos from grooming competitions or professional events. These visual elements help differentiate your profile and provide concrete evidence of your grooming skills and professional development.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Dog Groomers
Select 10-15 skills that represent the full spectrum of dog grooming competencies, balancing technical grooming abilities with animal handling and customer service skills. Prioritise skills frequently mentioned in Australian pet grooming job postings, such as “Dog Grooming,” “Animal Handling,” “Customer Service,” “Breed-Specific Styling,” and “Pet Health Assessment.”
Actively seek endorsements from colleagues, supervisors, and satisfied clients (where appropriate). These endorsements serve as social proof of your grooming capabilities and are particularly valuable in a service industry where trust and competence are crucial to success.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Dog Groomers
Network Strategically: Connect with other pet care professionals, veterinarians, pet store owners, and industry suppliers across Australia. Join LinkedIn groups such as “Australian Pet Industry Professionals” or “Pet Care Network Australia” to engage with industry discussions and stay informed about job opportunities.
Share Professional Content: Post updates about grooming techniques, pet care tips, or industry developments that demonstrate your ongoing engagement with the field and commitment to professional excellence. This activity keeps you visible to potential employers and clients.
Highlight Local Expertise: Include understanding of Australian pet care preferences, local grooming trends, and experience with breeds popular in your region. This local knowledge is particularly valuable to employers seeking groomers who understand the regional market and client expectations.
Your LinkedIn profile serves as a dynamic portfolio of your grooming expertise and passion for animal care, allowing you to build relationships within Australia’s pet care community while showcasing your skills in transforming pets and creating positive experiences for both animals and their families.
Creating an outstanding dog groomer resume requires careful attention to both your technical grooming skills and your commitment to animal welfare. By following these guidelines and tailoring your content to highlight your grooming expertise, breed knowledge, and customer service excellence, you’ll be well-positioned to secure interviews with leading pet grooming salons, mobile grooming services, and veterinary practices across Australia.
Remember to complement your strong resume with an equally compelling cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the specific business’s clientele, services, and approach to pet care. For additional guidance on crafting the perfect application package, explore our related resources on dog groomer cover letters and analysis of current pet grooming industry job advertisements to ensure your application materials work together effectively to showcase your qualifications and enthusiasm for advancing your grooming career.
