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As a dog lover, you have several career options in front of you.
One of the easiest one to get into is that for a dog groomer.
If you live in Massachusetts and you’re interested in this occupation, then this guide is for you!
Article Table of Contents
Ideal Candidates
The perfect person for the doesn’t only love dogs or animals in general, but also like cutting or styling hair, or making things with their hands.
Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
You should also possess qualities like:
- Patience
- Ability to stand
- Compassion
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Liking to socialize
Dog Groomer Duties And Responsibilities
All jobs have duties and responsibilities, and that of a dog groomer is no different.
Dog groomers ensure the animals leave their practice perfectly clean and looking their best.
These professionals also contribute to the overall health of the pets they groom.
The most common duties include:
- Controlling the animal
- Ensuring the workplace is clean and tidy
- Clip the pets’ nails
- Bathe, dry, style the animal’s fur
- Shape or color the fur according to the breed standards or according to the owner’s request
- Color the nails of the pet
Depending on where you work, you’ll have to groom more types of animals, sometimes wild animals.
Training and Certification in Massachusetts
Training is necessary for those who never dealt with this aspect of caring for an animal.
Through training, you’ll also be able to earn a certification which will make you appear more credible.
Additionally, a program will also give you the needed tools to run a successful pet grooming business.
Through most training programs you’ll learn about:
- Working with different dog breeds
- Most common grooming techniques
- Running a pet grooming business
- Working with cats
- Pet calming techniques
There are several training choices in Massachusetts, with the most common one being through an apprenticeship.
At the end of most classes, you’ll have to pass an exam to earn the certificate.
One of the most reputable certifications in the United States is the one issued by the National Dog Grooming Association of America.
You’ll discover that the best pet groomers never stop learning and improving their skills.
They do this either by ensuring they master the grooming process for a single breed of dog or cat, and never stopping grooming pets.
By doing so, they also increase their revenue.
Employment and Salary Information
You’ll see that many of your classmates either already have a job in the field or are seeking employment even before graduating.
Don’t let the opportunity pass you by, and apply with any of the following:
- Pet clinics
- Pet stores
- Vet clinics
- Kennels
- Humane societies
- Private grooming salons
Additionally, you can be your own boss, and start freelancing and then open a salon.
In Massachusetts, dog groomers earn on average $37,751 per year.
Higher average salaries are earned in cities like Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, and Lynn.
The best aspect of this occupation is that you can even set your preferred working days and hours, as well.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Boston | $39,164 |
| Worcester | $36,537 |
| Springfield | $36,259 |
| Cambridge | $39,164 |
| Lowell | $37,821 |
| Brockton | $37,578 |
| New Bedford | $36,572 |
| Quincy | $39,164 |
| Lynn | $39,164 |
| Fall River | $36,572 |
Regional Salary in Massachusetts
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town, MA | 290 | $38,480 | $18.5 | $45,630 | $34,220 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | 6,020 | $37,550 | $18.05 | $44,510 | $31,610 |
| New Bedford, MA | 100 | $37,750 | $18.15 | $48,970 | $31,200 |
| Pittsfield, MA | 80 | $34,080 | $16.39 | $39,480 | $31,200 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 570 | $36,620 | $17.6 | $43,340 | $31,200 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 520 | $36,730 | $17.66 | $44,270 | $31,200 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Dog Grooming Schools in Massachusetts
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| North Shore Community College | 1 Ferncroft Road, Danvers, MA 01923 | 978-762-4000 |
| Norma’s Corner Dog Care Center | 18 Main St, Townsend, MA 01469, |
Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
Additional Information
The National Dog Grooming Association of America usually requires an active membership after earning their certification.
You maintain it by ensuring you participate in the various presentations, workshops, and other events the Association will announce.
The Association can also give more details regarding the process of becoming a successful pet groomer.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dog / Pet Groomer
Dog Grooming by State
It is really nice to learn how to groom an animal with love, respect and responsability.Thank you for all the information.