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How to Become a Dog Groomer: Australian Careers in Animal Care

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What is a Dog Groomer?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Dog Groomer?

A dog groomer cleans, styles and cares for dogs to keep them healthy and looking their best. They bathe, dry, brush and cut dogs’ coats. They also clip nails, clean ears and check for skin problems.

Dog groomers work with all breeds. Each breed has its own coat type and grooming needs. Groomers learn to read a dog’s behaviour and handle anxious or difficult dogs with care.

Work settings vary. Dog groomers can work in pet salons, veterinary clinics and mobile grooming vans. Some run their own businesses.

Around 5,700 people work as pet groomers in Australia (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). The field is 87% female, with a median age of 38. Demand is rated as moderate and growing alongside rising pet ownership.

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Career snapshots For Dog Groomers

Dog grooming is a growing field in Australia’s pet care sector. Around 5,700 people work as pet groomers in Australia (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). The field is 87% female, with a median age of 38 years. Only 35% of groomers work full-time; most prefer part-time or casual hours. Average weekly pay is $1,280 (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Future demand is rated as steady, with pet ownership and pet care spending on the rise.

What will I do?

Dog groomers care for the health and appearance of dogs through a range of hands-on tasks. Their work takes them from busy salon floors to mobile vans and vet clinics. A good groomer combines technical skill with a genuine love of animals.

  • Bathing: wash dogs with breed-appropriate shampoos and conditioners to clean the coat and support skin health.
  • Drying: dry dogs with towels and blow dryers, making sure each pet is warm and comfortable.
  • Brushing and combing: remove tangles, mats and loose fur to keep the coat healthy and knot-free.
  • Coat cutting and styling: trim and style fur using clippers and scissors to meet breed standards or owner preferences.
  • Nail clipping: clip nails to a safe length to prevent overgrowth, splitting and discomfort.
  • Ear cleaning: clean dogs’ ears to reduce the risk of infection and maintain hygiene.
  • Health checks: look for signs of skin conditions, parasites or injury and refer concerns to owners.
  • Customer service: discuss grooming preferences with pet owners, provide care advice and ensure satisfaction.
  • Equipment maintenance: clean and sanitise all tools after each use to meet hygiene standards.
  • Record keeping: note each pet’s grooming history, special needs and any health observations.

What skills do I need?

Dog groomers need a strong set of practical and people skills. On the practical side, they must know how to handle different breeds and use grooming tools safely. They need to bathe, dry, cut and style coats to a high standard.

Customer service matters too. Groomers talk to pet owners daily, listen to their preferences and build lasting client relationships. Patience is key, especially with anxious or reactive dogs. Good time management helps groomers keep a busy appointment schedule on track.

Skills/attributes

  • Animal care and breed knowledge
  • Bathing, drying and coat styling
  • Clipping and scissor technique
  • Nail trimming and ear cleaning
  • Safe handling of dogs of all sizes
  • Knowledge of grooming tools and equipment
  • Attention to detail
  • Customer service and communication
  • Patience and calm under pressure
  • Physical stamina
  • Time management and scheduling
  • Basic pet first aid
  • Hygiene and sanitation practices
  • Creativity in coat styling
  • Understanding of animal behaviour

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.