Breaking into Australia’s thriving pet grooming industry can feel daunting when you’re competing against experienced professionals or trying to transition your love for animals into a rewarding career. If you’re passionate about animal care but struggling to showcase your skills in a way that convinces salon owners and pet service businesses to offer you that crucial first interview, you’re not alone in facing this challenge.
Pet groomers are essential professionals in Australia’s $13 billion pet industry, providing vital health and wellness services that keep our beloved companions looking and feeling their best. This specialised role requires a unique combination of technical grooming skills, animal handling expertise, and customer service abilities that savvy pet business owners are actively seeking as pet ownership continues to soar across the country.
This comprehensive guide will transform your resume from overlooked to interview-worthy. Whether you’re a recent grooming school graduate, an animal lover looking to professionalise your skills, or an experienced groomer seeking to advance your career, we’ll show you exactly how to present your qualifications to stand out in Australia’s competitive pet services market. You’ll discover proven examples, expert formatting techniques, and insider strategies that will help you catch the attention of employers browsing SEEK and connect with pet industry recruiters.
Pet Groomer Resume (Text Version)
Jessica Chen
Certified Professional Pet Groomer
📍 Sydney, NSW 2000
📞 0434 789 012
✉️ [email protected]
💼 linkedin.com/in/jessicachen-petgroomer
🌐 Portfolio: @jessicagroomspets
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Passionate and skilled Pet Groomer with 5+ years of experience providing comprehensive grooming services to dogs and cats of all breeds and sizes. Certified in breed-specific cuts and specialised techniques including hand-stripping and creative styling. Proven track record of building loyal client relationships while maintaining the highest standards of animal safety and welfare. Seeking to bring expertise in canine behaviour and grooming excellence to a progressive pet care facility.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Full-Service Dog & Cat Grooming
- Breed-Specific Coat Styling
- Hand-Stripping & Scissor Work
- Animal Behaviour & Handling
- Nail Trimming & Ear Cleaning
- Skin & Coat Health Assessment
- Creative & Show Grooming
- Client Consultation & Care Plans
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Pet Groomer | Pampered Paws Grooming Salon | January 2022 – Present
- Perform 25-30 full grooming services weekly for dogs ranging from toy breeds to large working dogs
- Specialise in hand-stripping for terrier breeds, maintaining breed standards for show dogs and pet clients
- Increased salon revenue by 35% through upselling premium services and retail products
- Mentor 2 junior groomers in advanced techniques, improving overall team efficiency by 20%
- Maintain 98% client retention rate through exceptional service and personalised grooming plans
- Handle anxious and aggressive dogs using positive reinforcement techniques, reducing stress-related incidents by 60%
- Collaborate with veterinary professionals to identify skin conditions and health concerns early
Pet Groomer | Happy Tails Mobile Grooming | March 2020 – December 2021
- Provided in-home grooming services to 15-20 clients weekly across Sydney metropolitan area
- Operated mobile grooming van independently, managing scheduling, equipment maintenance, and client communications
- Built client base from 0 to 80 regular customers within 18 months through referrals and social media marketing
- Performed breed-specific cuts including Poodle clips, Golden Retriever trims, and creative styling
- Administered basic health checks, identifying 12 cases requiring veterinary attention
- Achieved average service rating of 4.9/5 stars across Google Reviews and Facebook testimonials
Grooming Assistant | Barkley’s Pet Spa | June 2019 – February 2020
- Assisted senior groomers with bathing, drying, and basic trimming for 40+ dogs weekly
- Managed appointment scheduling and client check-in/check-out processes
- Maintained grooming equipment and salon cleanliness to meet health and safety standards
- Developed expertise in handling different temperaments while ensuring animal comfort and safety
- Completed 200+ hours of hands-on training in breed-specific grooming techniques
- Received “Rising Star” award for exceptional customer service and learning aptitude
EDUCATION
Certificate III in Animal Care Services | TAFE NSW | 2019
Specialisation: Pet Grooming and Animal Welfare
Professional Pet Grooming Diploma | National Dog Grooming School of Australia | 2018
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
- International Professional Groomers (IPG) Certification – Level 3 (2023)
- Creative Grooming Specialist Certificate (2022)
- Canine First Aid & CPR Certification (Current)
- Cat Grooming Specialist Certification (2021)
- Hand-Stripping Masterclass – Terrier Breeds (2023)
- Animal Behaviour Workshop – Stress-Free Handling (2022)
ACHIEVEMENTS & RECOGNITION
- Winner – “Best Creative Groom” Sydney Pet Expo 2023
- Finalist – Australian Professional Grooming Competition 2022
- Featured in “Australian Dog Lover” Magazine (September 2022)
- 5-Star Google Reviews (47 reviews) with 100% recommendation rate
- Instagram following of 3,500+ showcasing grooming transformations
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- International Professional Groomers Association (2020 – Present)
- Australian National Dog Groomers Association (2019 – Present)
- Pet Industry Association of Australia – Associate Member
What is The Best Format for a Pet Groomer Resume?
The reverse chronological format works exceptionally well for Pet Groomer resumes as it demonstrates your progression in grooming skills and showcases how your experience has evolved from basic techniques to advanced specialisations. This format is particularly effective in the pet services industry where hands-on experience and skill development are highly valued by Australian employers.
Font and Formatting Guidelines:
- Heading Font: Use 14-16pt for your name, 11-12pt for section headings
- Body Text: Maintain 10-11pt for clear readability by salon owners and managers
- Font Choice: Clean fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica work best for professional presentation
- Margins: Keep 1-inch margins on all sides for balanced layout
- White Space: Include adequate spacing between sections for easy scanning
- File Type: Always save as PDF to maintain formatting consistency across devices
Essential Resume Sections:
Header: Include your full name, suburb and state, mobile number, professional email address, LinkedIn profile, and portfolio links (Instagram or website showcasing your grooming work).
Professional Summary: A compelling 3-4 line overview that immediately showcases your grooming experience, specialisations, and passion for animal welfare.
Experience: Your grooming-related work history in reverse chronological order, emphasising specific breeds worked with, techniques mastered, and client satisfaction achievements.
Education: Relevant qualifications including grooming certifications, animal care training, and ongoing professional development.
Other Sections: Core competencies, certifications, professional memberships, and achievements that demonstrate your expertise and industry recognition.
What Experience Should be on Your Pet Groomer Resume?
Your experience section should highlight your hands-on grooming skills, demonstrate your ability to work with various breeds and temperaments, and showcase measurable results that prove your value to potential employers. Focus on experiences that show your technical proficiency, customer service excellence, and commitment to animal welfare and safety.
Prioritise experiences that demonstrate:
- Volume and variety of animals groomed (breeds, sizes, temperaments)
- Specific grooming techniques and specialisations mastered
- Client satisfaction and retention achievements
- Business impact (revenue generation, efficiency improvements)
- Animal safety record and handling expertise
- Team collaboration and mentoring capabilities
- Problem-solving with difficult animals or challenging requests
Correct Example:
Pet Groomer | Elite Canine Spa | 2021 – Present
- Perform 20-25 full grooming services daily for dogs ranging from Chihuahuas to Great Danes, maintaining breed standards and client preferences
- Specialise in Poodle and Doodle grooming, mastering 8 different clip styles including Continental, English Saddle, and Teddy Bear cuts
- Increased average service value by 25% through consultative approach and premium add-on services like nail art and cologne treatments
- Handle reactive and fearful dogs using positive reinforcement techniques, achieving 95% success rate with previously “difficult” clients
- Maintain detailed grooming records for 200+ regular clients, tracking coat conditions, preferences, and health observations
- Collaborate with local veterinarians, referring 15+ cases of skin conditions and health concerns for early intervention
- Train 3 apprentice groomers in safety protocols and breed-specific techniques
Incorrect Example:
Pet Groomer | Elite Canine Spa | 2021 – Present
- Groomed dogs every day
- Cut different types of dog hair
- Made dogs look nice
- Worked with customers
- Helped other staff when needed
- Did whatever the boss asked
Entry-Level Pet Groomer Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level positions, emphasise your training, volunteer experience with animals, any apprenticeship or work experience programs, and transferable skills from customer service or retail roles. Highlight your passion for animals, attention to detail, and commitment to learning advanced grooming techniques.
Correct Example:
Grooming Trainee | Paws & Claws Academy | 2024 – Present
- Complete 400-hour hands-on training program covering basic to intermediate grooming techniques for 15+ dog breeds
- Practice bathing, blow-drying, nail trimming, and basic scissor work under supervision of master groomers
- Assist with 50+ grooming appointments weekly, focusing on animal comfort and safety protocols
- Achieve 98% accuracy in breed identification and coat type assessment during practical examinations
- Maintain detailed training logs documenting progress in specific techniques and breed requirements
Volunteer Animal Carer | RSPCA NSW | 2023 – Present
- Provide basic grooming and hygiene care for 20+ shelter dogs weekly, preparing them for adoption
- Assist with bathing, brushing, and nail trimming for dogs with various temperaments and backgrounds
- Document behavioural observations and grooming needs for veterinary and adoption teams
- Participate in 40 hours of animal handling and welfare training
Incorrect Example:
Pet Shop Worker | Local Pet Store | 2023 – 2024
- Worked in pet shop
- Liked working with animals
- Helped customers sometimes
- Cleaned cages and areas
- Always showed up to work
How to Write the Education Section for your Pet Groomer Resume
Education is crucial for Pet Groomer positions in Australia, as formal training demonstrates your understanding of animal anatomy, grooming techniques, and safety protocols that employers require. Professional grooming certifications, animal care qualifications, and ongoing education in breed-specific techniques significantly enhance your credibility and marketability in the competitive pet services industry.
For recent graduates, expand this section to include practical training hours, specific breeds studied, and any specialisations completed during your coursework. Experienced groomers should focus on advanced certifications and continuing education that keeps them current with industry trends and techniques.
Pet Groomer Resume Example [Education]
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Certificate III in Animal Care Services | TAFE Queensland | 2023
Specialisation: Companion Animal Grooming | GPA: 3.8/4.0
Practical Training: 300 hours hands-on experience with 25+ dog breeds
Professional Pet Grooming Certificate | Australian College of Pet Grooming | 2022
Focus: Breed Standards and Advanced Techniques | Distinction Grade
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
- International Professional Groomers Level 2 Certification (Current)
- Canine First Aid & CPR – PetTech Certification (2024)
- Cat Grooming Specialist Certificate (2023)
- Creative Grooming Workshop – Colour & Design (2024)
CONTINUING EDUCATION
- Advanced Scissor Techniques Masterclass – Joe Sanchez (2024)
- Asian Fusion Grooming Styles Workshop (2023)
- Behavioural Handling for Anxious Pets Seminar (2024)
How to Write the Skills Section for your Pet Groomer Resume
The skills section is vital for Pet Groomer resumes as it immediately showcases your technical abilities and personal qualities that salon owners seek. Include 8-12 relevant skills that balance hands-on grooming techniques with essential soft skills like patience, animal empathy, and customer service. Focus on skills that directly relate to grooming proficiency, animal safety, and client satisfaction in the Australian pet services market.
Pet Groomer Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
- Breed-specific clipping and styling techniques
- Hand-stripping and plucking methods
- Professional scissoring and thinning
- Nail trimming and grinding
- Ear cleaning and hair removal
- Coat conditioning and de-matting
- Creative and competitive grooming
- Cat grooming and handling
- Clipper maintenance and blade selection
- Skin and coat health assessment
- Bathing and drying techniques
- Show grooming preparation
Pet Groomer Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
- Animal empathy and intuition
- Patience with anxious or difficult pets
- Excellent customer service and communication
- Attention to detail and artistic flair
- Physical stamina and dexterity
- Problem-solving and adaptability
- Time management and efficiency
- Professional boundaries and pet safety focus
- Stress management in challenging situations
- Continuous learning mindset
How to pick the best Pet Groomer skills:
- Match specific breed requirements – Research the clientele of target employers to highlight relevant breed expertise
- Emphasise safety and welfare skills – Demonstrate your commitment to animal wellbeing and injury prevention
- Include business-relevant abilities – Show skills that contribute to salon profitability and client retention
- Balance technical and interpersonal skills – Combine grooming expertise with customer service and animal handling abilities
- Highlight unique specialisations – Include niche skills like creative grooming or specific breed expertise that set you apart
- Stay current with trends – Include knowledge of latest grooming styles and techniques popular in Australian markets
Pet Groomer Resume Examples [Skills]
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Breed-Specific Grooming – Expert in 20+ breed standards including Poodles, Schnauzers, and Terriers
- Hand-Stripping Mastery – Certified in traditional techniques for Wire Fox Terriers and Airedales
- Anxious Pet Handling – Successfully groomed 95% of “difficult” cases using positive reinforcement methods
- Creative Styling – Award-winning colour work and artistic cuts, featured in industry publications
- Client Consultation – Built loyal customer base through personalised grooming plans and expert advice
- Health Assessment – Identified early signs of skin conditions in 50+ cases, facilitating veterinary intervention
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Pet Groomer Resume?
Additional sections can significantly strengthen your Pet Groomer resume by showcasing your passion for the industry, ongoing professional development, and unique qualifications that differentiate you from other candidates. These sections are particularly valuable in the pet services industry where creativity, specialisation, and industry engagement are highly prized by Australian employers.
Valuable bonus sections include:
Certifications & Awards: Industry recognition, competition wins, and advanced certifications demonstrate your excellence and commitment to professional growth.
Portfolio/Social Media: Links to Instagram accounts, websites, or online portfolios showcasing your grooming transformations and creative work.
Professional Memberships: Associations like the International Professional Groomers or Australian National Dog Groomers Association show industry commitment.
Specialisations: Unique skills like cat grooming, creative competitions, or specific breed expertise that may be rare in your local market.
Volunteer Work: Animal rescue work, shelter grooming, or community events demonstrate your genuine care for animal welfare.
Media & Recognition: Features in pet magazines, local newspaper articles, or social media recognition for your work.
Pet Groomer Resume Examples [Other Sections]
Correct Example:
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
- Winner – “Best in Show Grooming” Australian Pet Expo 2024
- Featured Groomer – “Modern Dog Australia” Magazine (March 2024)
- Social Media Recognition – 5,000+ Instagram followers showcasing grooming artistry
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Volunteer Groomer | Second Chance Animal Rescue | 2023 – Present
- Provide monthly pro-bono grooming services for 15-20 rescue dogs awaiting adoption
- Train volunteer handlers in basic grooming maintenance between professional sessions
- Collaborate with adoption coordinators to present dogs at their best for potential families
SPECIALISATIONS
- Asian Fusion Grooming Styles – Certified in Japanese and Korean cutting techniques
- Show Dog Preparation – Ring-ready grooming for conformation competitors
- Senior Pet Care – Specialised techniques for elderly and mobility-impaired animals
Incorrect Example:
INTERESTS
- Love animals
- Watch dog shows on TV
- Post pictures of pets online
- Go to pet shops
- Have my own dog
Tip: Include relevant personal experiences like breeding dogs, participating in dog shows as an owner/handler, or maintaining social media accounts dedicated to pet care. These demonstrate your deep involvement in the pet community beyond just professional grooming.
How to write a Pet Groomer Resume Objective or Resume Summary
A compelling professional summary immediately communicates your grooming expertise, passion for animal welfare, and unique value proposition to potential employers. This 3-4 line section should highlight your most relevant experience, specialisations, and what sets you apart in the competitive pet grooming market. Focus on your technical skills, breed expertise, client satisfaction record, and commitment to animal safety and comfort.
Key elements to include:
- Years of experience and types of settings (salon, mobile, show preparation)
- Specific breed expertise and advanced techniques mastered
- Client satisfaction achievements and business impact
- Unique specialisations or certifications that differentiate you
- Philosophy of animal care and grooming approach
Pet Groomer Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Creative and skilled Pet Groomer with 6+ years of experience transforming dogs and cats across all breed groups, from toy breeds to giant working dogs. Certified in advanced hand-stripping techniques and creative competition grooming with award recognition at state level. Proven ability to handle anxious and reactive animals while maintaining 99% client retention rate through exceptional service and personalised care plans. Seeking to bring artistic flair and technical expertise to a progressive grooming salon focused on premium pet care services.
Incorrect Example:
Animal lover looking for work as a Pet Groomer. I have some training and really enjoy working with dogs and cats. I’m good at cutting hair and making pets look nice. I’m hardworking and reliable and would like to work for a good pet salon. Available to start work immediately.
For entry-level candidates, focus on your formal training, passion for animal welfare, and eagerness to develop your skills in a professional setting.
Entry-Level Pet Groomer Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Newly certified Pet Groomer with Certificate III in Animal Care Services and 300+ hours of hands-on training experience with diverse dog breeds. Demonstrated proficiency in basic grooming techniques during practical placements, receiving commendation for gentle handling approach and attention to breed standards. Passionate about animal welfare with 2 years of volunteer experience at local rescue organisation. Eager to develop advanced skills while contributing to a team-focused grooming salon that values quality care and client satisfaction.
Incorrect Example:
Recent grooming school graduate looking for first job. I completed my certificate and did well in classes. I love animals and have always been good with pets. I’m enthusiastic and ready to learn everything about professional grooming from experienced staff.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Pet Groomer Resume
LinkedIn has become increasingly important for pet grooming professionals in Australia, with many high-end salons, mobile grooming services, and pet care businesses using the platform to discover talented groomers. Your LinkedIn profile should complement your resume while showcasing your grooming portfolio, industry connections, and engagement with the pet care community.
Maintaining consistency between your resume and LinkedIn profile is essential for building credibility with potential employers who often research candidates across multiple platforms. Your LinkedIn profile allows for more creative expression of your grooming philosophy and provides opportunities to showcase your work through images and videos while connecting with other industry professionals.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Pet Groomers
Your LinkedIn headline should immediately communicate your grooming credentials, specialisations, and unique selling points to salon owners and pet service managers searching for qualified professionals.
Effective Examples:
- “Professional Pet Groomer | Poodle & Doodle Specialist | Creative Competition Winner | 6+ Years Experience”
- “Certified Dog & Cat Groomer | Hand-Stripping Expert | Show Dog Preparation | Award-Winning Stylist”
- “Mobile Pet Groomer | Anxious Pet Specialist | IPG Certified | Serving Sydney Metro Area”
Ineffective Examples:
- “Pet Groomer at ABC Salon”
- “Looking for opportunities in pet grooming”
- “Experienced animal lover seeking grooming work”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
While your resume summary is concise and achievement-focused, your LinkedIn summary can be more personal and story-driven. Use first person to share your journey into pet grooming, your philosophy about animal care, and specific examples of transformative work you’ve done (while maintaining client privacy).
LinkedIn allows 2,000 characters, so expand on your grooming approach with personality and passion. Share what drives you to excel in pet grooming, discuss your commitment to ongoing learning, and mention your connection to Australia’s pet community. Include keywords that employers commonly search for, such as “breed-specific grooming,” “animal handling,” “creative styling,” and “pet wellness.”
Australian pet business owners value creativity and genuine animal passion, so let your personality shine through while demonstrating your professional expertise and artistic capabilities.
Showcasing Pet Groomer Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s experience section allows more detailed descriptions than your resume. Expand on your grooming philosophy, describe challenging cases you’ve successfully handled, and explain your approach to building relationships with both pets and their owners. Use LinkedIn’s media feature to upload before-and-after photos of your grooming work, certificates, or videos of your techniques in action.
For each role, include 4-6 bullet points that provide context beyond your resume. Explain how you’ve developed expertise with specific breeds, describe collaborative work with veterinarians or pet behaviourists, and highlight your contributions to salon culture and client experience.
Use LinkedIn’s projects section to showcase competition entries, special events you’ve groomed for, or community work like rescue grooming that demonstrates your broader commitment to pet welfare.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Pet Groomers
Prioritise the 10 most relevant skills for Pet Groomer roles in Australia. Include technical skills like “Pet Grooming,” “Animal Handling,” “Breed-Specific Styling,” and “Creative Grooming” as your top skills. Add customer-focused skills like “Client Consultation,” “Pet Behaviour,” and “Customer Service.”
Actively seek endorsements from salon owners, fellow groomers, veterinarians, and satisfied clients who can vouch for your skills and professionalism. Consider taking relevant LinkedIn assessments where available.
Request recommendations from supervisors, colleagues, or clients who can speak to your grooming skills, animal handling abilities, and impact on their pets’ wellbeing. These testimonials are particularly valuable in the pet services industry where trust and expertise are paramount.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Pet Groomers
Optimise your profile for Australian pet business owners by using local terminology and referencing Australian breed standards, pet care regulations, and industry associations like the Pet Industry Association of Australia.
Join relevant LinkedIn groups such as “Australian Pet Industry Professionals,” “Professional Dog Groomers Worldwide,” and “Pet Business Owners Network” to stay connected with industry trends and networking opportunities. Share grooming tips, before-and-after transformations, and engage with content from pet industry leaders.
Follow Australian pet industry companies, grooming supply retailers, and industry publications. Engaging with their content demonstrates your ongoing education and commitment to staying current with trends and best practices.
Use your location strategically – many grooming businesses recruit across regions, especially for experienced groomers with specialised skills. Consider listing major cities where you’re willing to work, as high-end salons often seek talented groomers willing to relocate for the right opportunity.
Creating an exceptional Pet Groomer resume is your pathway to success in Australia’s thriving pet services industry. By implementing the strategies and examples outlined in this guide, you’ll develop a resume that showcases not only your technical grooming skills but also your passion for animal welfare and commitment to excellence that sets you apart from other candidates.
Remember that your resume is the foundation for demonstrating your grooming artistry and professional dedication. Complement your polished resume with a targeted cover letter that speaks to each salon’s specific clientele and service philosophy. To stay current with opportunities and industry trends, regularly browse Pet Groomer positions on specialist job boards and connect with local pet industry associations and RSPCA networks that may offer additional career development resources.
Your rewarding career in pet grooming awaits – use these proven techniques to create a compelling resume that opens doors to opportunities where you can combine your artistic talents with your love for animals, making pets look and feel their absolute best every day.
