by 
Being a dog groomer means being someone who enjoys working with animals in general, and dogs in particular.
This occupation is one that gives many opportunities for earning more money on the side or even developing a career.
With this guide, you’ll learn more about this trade as well as what you need to do to get started on this path.
Article Table of Contents
Requirements and Ideal Candidate
Besides loving animals or dogs, there are a few other requirements you must meet before getting started.
Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
These include:
- Being a patient person
- Having good communication skills
- Liking to socialize
- Being a compassionate person
There are many owners of cats or other animals who need or want their pets groomed.
A dog groomer generally has to perform this job.
Job Description and Responsibilities
The main job of a dog groomer relates to:
- Cutting a dog’s nails
- Trimming a dog’s coat
- Cleaning the dog’s ears
- Removing knotted hair
- Giving a bath to the animal
All of these are procedures that help maintain the animal’s health.
Most animals must be controlled while these actions are performed, and the groomer needs to know the proper methods of subduing the animal.
This procedure is very important because the animal can get injured while the groomer uses tools or products such as:
- Shears, electric or manual
- Nail clippers
- Scissors
- Shampoo and other styling products
A pet groomer also has to learn ahead of time whether the animal:
- Gets easily scared
- Has any allergies
- Has any injuries that may not be seen by just looking
Training and Certification
There is no need to hold a license or certification as a dog groomer in Arkansas, as neither the state nor the Federation asks for it.
Holding a certification only proves that you learned:
- How to handle various breeds of dogs and cats
- How to use the various tools needed for each type of job
This diploma also shows potential employers that you’re serious about the job and that it’s not just a hobby.
Pet groomers don’t need any special knowledge before enrolling in a Pet Grooming Certificate program.
The most popular training program lasts for about two months and can even be completed online.
The program will cover topics such as:
- Preparatory measures
- Dog grooming
- Cat grooming
- Business practices
Once you finish all the modules, you must pass a test, and only after you’ll receive your certification.
Finding Employment and Salary Details
Finding a job as a god or pet groomer is rather easy as many establishments seek such professionals.
Some of these companies are:
- Veterinarian offices
- Pet stores
- Humane societies
Little Rock and North Little Rock are currently the cities where dog groomers earn the most in Arkansas.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Little Rock | $32,249 |
| Fort Smith | $30,173 |
| Fayetteville | $31,273 |
| Springdale | $31,273 |
| Jonesboro | $31,912 |
| North Little Rock | $32,249 |
| Conway | $31,937 |
| Rogers | $31,086 |
| Bentonville | $31,023 |
| Pine Bluff | $31,055 |
Regional Salary in Arkansas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO | 570 | $31,190 | $15 | $36,880 | $27,110 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | 110 | $28,460 | $13.68 | $35,640 | $23,130 |
| Hot Springs, AR | 230 | $29,920 | $14.38 | $46,650 | $23,550 |
| Jonesboro, AR | 100 | $29,440 | $14.15 | $34,850 | $26,440 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 580 | $30,630 | $14.72 | $37,200 | $26,440 |
| Pine Bluff, AR | 50 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
These figures are influenced also by experience, competition, the type of business you work for, and whether this is a second or part-time job or not.
Dog Grooming Schools in Arkansas
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Arkansas Pet Grooming School | 511 E Cogbill Ave, Wynne, AR 72396 |
Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
Additional Information
You can only start a dog grooming business if you have a certification.
This occupation can be performed only during the weekend or when you have some spare time.
Many people become dog groomers at a later point in life, while others do it just as a hobby.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dog / Pet Groomer
Dog Grooming by State