Do you love pampering your pets? Were you always at your best friend’s house growing up because she had the cutest puppy? Do you catch yourself watching grooming competitions (and silently judging them, too)? You might be a dog groomer!
Wait… you’re not a groomer? Have you ever thought about becoming one? The skills and characteristics of a great groomer can be learned, but some people are just born with them! If you’ve been thinking about a career change or looking for something new, consider whether dog grooming sounds like something you’d enjoy.
To help you with that decision, here are eight signs that you’re destined to become a professional groomer!
1. You love pets!
This is pretty obvious. A dog groomer must love pets… but a lot of people love pets. Does that mean that everyone is cut out to become a groomer?
Absolutely not!
Contrary to popular belief, it’s more than just brushing hair and applying pretty bows. On top of having a passion for animals, you also need to be patient and flexible. Every dog is different! Knowing how to respond to their behaviors during a grooming session is definitely one of the most difficult parts of the job. If you pride yourself on having a special bond with most dogs and love contributing to the health and well-being of any furry animal who walks through the door, this career might just be for you!
2. You’re also a people person
Just because you’d be working on dogs doesn’t mean you’re not going to be interacting with their human companions! In fact, you’ll be working closely with all kinds of pet owners since they are the ones who know the details behind their pet’s specific needs. Great customer service skills are a must! Between the client’s personal relationship with the pet and your professional expertise, you’re sure to provide their pets with a great grooming experience.
If interacting with many people on a daily basis isn’t something you enjoy, try to work on that skill before you start your grooming career.
3. You’re a great communicator
Groomers need great communication skills. You’ll have to be able to communicate clearly with both pets and their owners. If you’re a good listener who finds relaying information easy, you’ll do well. Groomers must listen very carefully to what their clients want, but also be intuitive to the dog’s needs. If you’re already an effective communicator, you’re a step ahead![] [/]
4. You take pride in small details
Grooming live animals is different than working on inanimate objects. Putting in the extra time and effort can make a difference in the pet’s wellbeing and overall experience. Clients are paying for quality services and they’ll expect that quality to apply to every little aspect. Taking great care and paying attention to what the clients want and what the pet needs communicates a sense of pride in your work that clients will love seeing.
5. You’re creative
While elaborate creative pet grooming is a thing, there are also less outrageous ways to incorporate creativity in grooming. Bandanas, bows, haircuts— there’s definitely room for creativity in this industry! Especially with haircuts, you’ll need to make sure that you can adapt a breed cut to a pet’s lifestyle. If you’re already a crafty person with a fun, creative flair, your innovation will be just what clients are looking for!
6. You know how to get things done
Productivity is important in any line of work, but it’s especially crucial when you have a strict timeline. If you’re the kind of person who sets goals, meets them quickly without rushing, and generally manages your time well, you’ll be a step ahead when it comes to grooming. You’ll likely have multiple appointments a day, and making sure you get your grooming done before the owners come back to pick up their pets is a necessity. Being able to manage your time is a part of any groomer’s everyday routine.
7. You’re passionate and energetic
Enthusiasm is contagious. It makes even the most tedious aspects of dog grooming a lot more fun! Clients are drawn to energetic groomers whose passion and professionalism is obvious. If you’re a positive person who enjoys sharing what you love with the people around you, you’ll do well at keeping your clients at ease while you’re working on their much-loved pets. They’ll take your passion as a sign of dedication!
8. You’re very patient
Grooming dogs can be fun, but it’s still work! Even in the most stressful situations, groomers must be patient with their clients and the pets in front of them! You’ll do well if you’re the one who usually stays calm and practical where other people might get annoyed or overwhelmed. They say that patience is a virtue, and that certainly holds true in dog grooming!
Check it out!
If you’ve been contemplating a career in grooming for a while, why not take the plunge and actually see if it’s right for you? Research courses and certifications, and set yourself some new goals. If you thought “this is me” for every item on this list, then you’re already on your way!
So are YOU meant to be a dog groomer? Let us know in the comments!
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You are a pet lover and a people person. It might be a sign that you will be a dog groomer.
Absolutely – these are definitely two things that are clear signs that one might thrive as a professional dog groomer! <3 Thanks so much for reading!
All the best,
The QC Team