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In Arizona, the number of people owning dogs is rising, and as such, the demand for dog groomers is expected to grow as well.
Dogs need more grooming than other pets, and therefore, becoming a dog groomer could be a good idea.
If you live in Arizona and you want to enter this trade, continue reading this guide!
Article Table of Contents
Job Description and Duties
Pet groomers don’t only help animals look their best, but also to ensure they’re healthy.
Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
The most common tasks for these professionals to complete are:
- Combing, trimming and shaping a dog’s coat
- Cutting the animals’ nails
- Cleaning the animals’ ears
- Bathing the pet
Many dog groomers work with other types of animals as well.
Most often, cats are the most groomed pets after dogs.
Dogs come in many different shapes and sizes, and their fur and ears will look differently.
The coat will also have a different texture depending on the breed.
The groomer needs to know how to perform the operations safely, based on these characteristics.
Requirements
Many pet groomers love working with animals and socializing.
Therefore, having these attributes is generally the best indicator of an ideal candidate for the position.
Other requirements include:
- Being detail-oriented
- Having good communication skills
- Being accurate
- Being able to control the animal without hurting it
Education and Licensing
In Arizona, those who want to become pet groomers don’t have to meet any specific regulations, either at the state or at the federal level.
Most employers will prefer hiring certified dog groomers, therefore it is a good idea to undergo some training.
Just like hairdressers, pet groomers also need to know how to use the comb and scissors to style the animals’ coats.
The training programs teach the basics of how to do this, as well as other useful topics.
Training can even be done with online programs and they don’t even last for very long.
The topics you’ll study, include:
- Introduction to pet grooming
- Preparatory procedures
- Dog personalities and behavior
- Grooming dogs
- Grooming cats
- Practices for good business
Of course, you’ll also learn about what measures to take when the animal is aggressive or an accident happens during grooming.
One of the most popular learning curricula is offered through the Pet Grooming Certificate program, as many groomers graduated it.
This training can provide various tools, such as:
- Printed and digital materials to study from
- Nail clippers
At the end of this program, you’re expected to pass an examination.
Salary Information
The main employers of pet groomers are:
- Vet clinics,
- Pet stores
- Kennels
- Animal shelters
- Humane societies
In Phoenix, Peoria, and Glendale, dog groomers earn a higher average salary compared to the rest of the state.
Of course, other factors will impact your income, such as competition in the area and accumulated experience.
Currently, the average salary in this field in Arizona is $34,305 per year.
Being a dog groomer is not just a job, is a trade that can become a long-term career.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Phoenix | $34,382 |
| Tucson | $32,602 |
| Mesa | $33,726 |
| Chandler | $33,726 |
| Scottsdale | $33,726 |
| Glendale | $34,382 |
| Gilbert | $33,726 |
| Tempe | $33,726 |
| Peoria | $34,312 |
| Surprise | $33,841 |
Regional Salary in Arizona
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff, AZ | 140 | $35,740 | $17.18 | $42,990 | $30,810 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | 100 | $32,390 | $15.57 | $36,340 | $28,890 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | 3,730 | $35,120 | $16.89 | $41,300 | $30,800 |
| Prescott, AZ | 200 | $33,590 | $16.15 | $37,990 | $29,820 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | 50 | $32,990 | $15.86 | $36,980 | $29,210 |
| Tucson, AZ | 780 | $33,980 | $16.34 | $41,300 | $28,810 |
| Yuma, AZ | 70 | $32,460 | $15.61 | $35,100 | $28,810 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Dog Grooming Schools in Arizona
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Its A Dogs World | 3502 W Greenway rd.#11 Phoenix Az. 85053 |
Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
Additional Information
Dog groomers have the possibility of running their own businesses or have other jobs as well.
In Arizona, many pet groomers are women, however, there are more and more men entering it as well.
It’s recommended for future pet groomers to start searching for a job before graduating.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dog / Pet Groomer
Dog Grooming by State