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Iowa has many pet owners so it comes as no wonder that there’s a big demand for groomers.
If you live in this state and want to become a dog groomer, continue reading this guide!
Article Table of Contents
Ideal Candidate
People who love animals as well as taking care of the animals’ appearance make ideal candidates for the position.
There are a few other requirements as well, and they include:
Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
- Patience
- Compassion
- Attention to details
- Good communication skills
- Good at socializing
- Able to work with several types of animals
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Pet groomers don’t only make the animals look their best, they can also detect early stages of various health problems.
At first sight, the duties of a dog groomer look basic:
- Bathing and drying
- Cutting and clipping the fur
- Cleaning ears and eyes
- Clipping the nails
However, the task of completing these actions safely can be complicated, as not all dogs are the same size, have the same hair structure, or even behave the same way within the breed.
The same procedures are done on cats as well, however, the methods might differ a little, compared to dogs.
The professional will also have to:
- Talk to the pet’s owner
- Control the animal
- Minimize the risk of accidents
Some pet owners might ask for tips on how to keep the animal clean between grooming sessions if their pets get easily dirty, such as those with light-colored fur.
Education and Licensing Process
Becoming a pet or dog groomer in Iowa has no educational requirements.
It is a good idea to have a high school diploma or GED, as well as getting a certification in the field.
The certification is earned after passing a test at the end of a training program.
As a general rule, these programs are pretty short as duration, as not many last for longer than 2 months.
Some of the institutions offering such classes also organize classes for pet training, so that’s where you can start searching for such classes.
Among the topics, you’ll study:
- Dog grooming based on breed
- Cat grooming
- Running a pet grooming business
- In-depth coat cutting techniques
However, even if you become certified, it doesn’t mean your learning will stop.
Pet groomers, just like hairdressers and cosmeticians, are expected to keep on learning about the latest trends and techniques in their field.
This also means improving your skills in using the tools of the trade.
Employment and Salary Information
Finding employment as a dog or pet groomer is relatively easy in Iowa.
You can apply at:
- Vet clinics
- Pet stores
- Dog kennels
You can even start an independent practice, with the right commercial licenses.
The average salary of these professionals in Iowa is around $33,206 per year.
Depending on where you live, how much you’ll earn will differ.
The cities with higher salaries include Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Ames.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Des Moines | $33,566 |
| Cedar Rapids | $32,921 |
| Davenport | $32,772 |
| Sioux City | $28,869 |
| Iowa City | $32,651 |
| Waterloo | $31,367 |
| Ames | $33,254 |
| West Des Moines | $33,566 |
| Council Bluffs | $32,805 |
| Ankeny | $33,566 |
Regional Salary in Iowa
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA | 200 | $41,080 | $19.75 | $53,310 | $23,070 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 250 | $30,390 | $14.61 | $35,540 | $21,800 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | 310 | $32,720 | $15.73 | $45,610 | $24,280 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | 980 | $32,700 | $15.72 | $43,460 | $22,840 |
| Dubuque, IA | 80 | $33,480 | $16.09 | $47,690 | $22,000 |
| Iowa City, IA | 280 | $36,540 | $17.57 | $53,520 | $22,070 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | 130 | $30,180 | $14.51 | $36,150 | $21,670 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | 680 | $31,360 | $15.08 | $33,850 | $23,150 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Dog Grooming Schools in Iowa
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Kirkwood Community College | 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-2068 |
| Terri's Pet Styling School | 3848 N. Division St. Davenport, IA 52806 |
| Iowa Lakes Community College | 2111 HWY 169 North Algona, Iowa 50511 |
Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
Additional Information
Dog groomers can have at least another job alongside this one, as additional income.
These organizations can offer more information:
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
- Animal Rescue League of Iowa
- Iowa Dog Grooming Services
- National Dog Groomers Association of America
- Iowa Dog Groomers
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dog / Pet Groomer
Dog Grooming by State