Dog groomer requirements? Is there a professional certification or license needed to be one?

[childlessdoglady]

I’ve been thinking about the process of becoming a dog groomer lately and was curious if there are any specific requirements for the job. Does anyone know if dog groomers need a professional certification or license to practice? I’ve taken my dog to several groomers, and it seems like some are certified while others aren’t. Is certification really necessary, or is it more of an optional thing? How can you tell if a groomer is properly trained? Would love to hear about your experiences or any insights you might have!

 

[Sadie Cornelius]

Currently, the dog grooming industry does not have any requirements for professional licenses and no states require a license to practice the profession. That could change though, as some states like Jew Jersey, introduced Bijou's Law in 2018, to require groomers be at least 18 years old, and pass a test by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, but the bill is still pending. If you are considering being a groomer for another company, you should make sure to do your research and find out if they have a good reputation and history of success. You might also consider doing your own training just to make sure you are setting yourself apart and have a solid understanding of how to be a good groomer. The AKC offers a S.A.F.E. Grooming Program you could look into. Hope that helps!