How to Become a Dog Groomer in Maine

More people are getting new pets in Maine, which means they will also need grooming.

If you are compassionate and love animals, getting into the dog grooming industry could be a good idea.

Read on to learn more info if you are interested in a career in the field.

Job Requirements in Maine

An individual who wants to pursue a dog grooming career needs to have some skills.

Make sure:

• You are a patient person
• You have good communication skills
• You can work well with others
• You are sociable
• You enjoy working with animals

Job Description and Duties

Some of the daily job duties you will need to complete include:

• Cut the dog’s nails
• Bathe the dog
• Style the dog’s fur
• Know how to keep the dog in a calm mood
• Standing on your feet for hours at a time
• Know what the dog you are grooming is meant to look like
• Know what tools should be used and when
• Clean the ears of the dog

You will also have to ensure your work area is clean, by tidying it up before and after a dog arrives.

Cats also need grooming.

Cat grooming entails:

• Cutting the cat’s nails
• Bathing the cat
• Brushing the cat’s fur
• Shaving the cat
• Style the cat’s coat
• Clean the cat’s ears

There are many pet owners who want a certain appearance for their animal.

As a groomer, you’ll have to meet these demands as this is where your success comes from.

Education and Licensing in Maine

Although a dog grooming certification is not required, getting one will increase your chances of getting hired.

There are several ways in which you can get a certification.

One of them is getting hired and learning the needed skills on the job.

However, the most common method is to enroll in a trade school and attend a program.

A training program can last for only 2 months, and some are available online.

If you want to get a specialization or diploma, you may have to study for half a year to a year.

In order to get into your program, you need to have a high school diploma or a GED.

At the end of your course, you will need to pass some licensing exams that assess your skills.

After passing them, you will receive your certification and can start looking for a job.

Some of the subjects you will study during the program include:

• Introduction to Pet Grooming
• Introduction to Dogs and Cats
• Pre-Grooming Procedures
• Dog Grooming
• Dog Personalities and Behavior
• Cat Grooming
• Business Practices

Salary Information in Maine

In Maine, dog groomers can get hired in various facilities.

Some of these include vet clinics, pet salons, or bigger chain pet stores.

The more experience you have, the more your salary will increase as well.

You can also increase your income if you work with less common breeds of animals.

The cities where salaries are higher on average include Sanford, Portland, and South Portland.

Regional Salary in Maine

Dog Grooming Schools in Maine

Additional Information

This occupation is one that can be performed during your spare time.

You can even be employed in a different, unrelated position, but run a pet grooming business in the weekend.

The main advantage of this occupation is that it can be learned by anyone, of any age and regardless of their background.

Dog Grooming by State