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If you always wanted to groom dogs perhaps a job as a pet groomer is something you should consider.
This article will present the information you need to get started in the State of Colorado.
Article Table of Contents
Requirements
The job of a dog groomer is a good choice for someone who likes animals.
This person needs to have a few other qualities as well.
Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
They include:
- Ability to stand for longer periods
- Willingness to improve their skills
- Having good communication skills
- Being a compassionate person
- Physically strong, to be able to handle larger dogs
- Being a generally calm and patient person
Luckily, there are no requirements related to being licensed or undergoing special training.
Those who get trained as professional pet groomers have better income and better employment options.
Job Description and Duties
Dog and pet groomers in general, play an important role in the overall health of the animals they service.
These groomers will many times work with other types of animals as well, with cats being the second most popular type of pet needing grooming.
The tasks you’re expected to perform include the following:
- Bath the animals
- Cut the animals’ fur
- Control the animal without hurting it
- Style their coats
- Clip off the nails
- Maintain your workplace
- Maintain the tools you use
Some owners will want their pets styled in certain ways, and as a groomer, it is your job to complete the request.
It will also be your duty to learn how to use a variety of tools:
- Electric shears
- Barbers’ shears
- Combs and brushes
- Hair driers
- Nail clippers
Education and Licensing
In Colorado, anyone can become a dog and pet groomer, even if they don’t have a high school diploma or even a GED.
As mentioned, not even special training is needed, however, it is good to enroll in such a program.
Depending on the provider of the program, you’ll have to meet certain enrolling requirements.
Additionally, you will have to complete the various assignments, pass some tests, and participate in the practice hours, once accepted.
The classes will cover a variety of topics, such as:
- Introduction to pet grooming
- Pet grooming preparation procedures
- Dog grooming based on breed
- Cat grooming
- Best tools to use for certain jobs
- Bet business practices
Everyone attending will have to pass a final test at the end of the program, to be awarded a certificate.
Some programs can be found online and some of them don’t take more than 2 months to complete.
It is also quite common for some providers to offer nail clippers to those who enroll.
Salary Information
It’s not uncommon for future professionals to start looking for a job while they are still training.
The following businesses are in highest need of pet groomers:
- Pet grooming salons
- Vet offices
- Animal shelters
In Colorado dog groomers currently earn an average salary of $34,594 per year, though several factors will affect it.
You can earn more in larger cities like Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Thornton, and Westminster.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Denver | $35,090 |
| Colorado Springs | $34,535 |
| Aurora | $35,067 |
| Fort Collins | $33,778 |
| Thornton | $35,090 |
| Arvada | $35,090 |
| Westminster | $35,090 |
| Pueblo | $32,179 |
| Boulder | $35,600 |
| Greeley | $33,922 |
Regional Salary in Colorado
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | 470 | $37,330 | $17.95 | $47,990 | $30,620 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 810 | $35,770 | $17.2 | $47,920 | $29,470 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | 3,700 | $36,940 | $17.76 | $46,130 | $30,680 |
| Fort Collins, CO | 430 | $35,060 | $16.85 | $46,770 | $29,100 |
| Grand Junction, CO | 130 | $33,880 | $16.29 | $48,860 | $28,830 |
| Greeley, CO | 250 | $35,540 | $17.09 | $49,780 | $29,280 |
| Pueblo, CO | 120 | $34,190 | $16.44 | $46,060 | $28,510 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Dog Grooming Schools in Colorado
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Classy Pet Grooming School | 1542 West Eisenhower Blvd Loveland CO 80537 |
| Critter Clips Dog Grooming School | 2873 Dublin Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80918 |
| Dogs’ Own Grooming School, Loveland | 224 East 29th St Loveland, CO 80538 |
Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
Additional Information
It’s not uncommon for some pet groomers to have another job on top of this one.
Other people might run an individual pet store and salon as their full-time occupation.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dog / Pet Groomer
Dog Grooming by State
I trained with Petsmart in 2005. My training was extensive. Not only hands on but lots of book work and tests. I spent a lot of hours grooming before I got my certification. I have a friend who had a different, not so great, experience with her training at Petsmart. It depends on who the instructor is. I just retired due to an injury but I was still using skills I learned in my training and I have passed them on to many future stylists, some becoming master groomers.
No petsmart and petco are not adequate programs when trying to learn just grooming. The corporate side of things muddies your learning experience.
Is there any way I could take the classes in person ?
Both Petsmart and Petco have adequate programs for training pet groomers.