For dog lovers in Georgia, a career as a pet groomer can be a dream come true. Not only do you get to work with an array of dogs in different breeds, but you also get to enjoy consistent demand for your expertise and an impressive salary to go with it.
Understanding the steps involved in starting your journey may be tricky, but that is precisely what this page seeks to remedy. Below, we have provided a comprehensive guide containing everything an aspiring dog groomer in Georgia needs to know to start their career correctly.
Here, they’ll discover the educational requirements, top schools in the area, licensing specifications, and the projected salary for an average dog groomer in Georgia.
Steps to Become a Dog Groomer in Georgia
Below is the most direct path to becoming a dog groomer in Georgia.
Step 1: The Prerequisites
Dog groomers in Georgia can only fulfill basic educational requirements after they can start working professionally. Some schools ask for a high school diploma or GED, but most don’t.
The most critical prerequisites involve having physical stamina, a love for dogs, patience, and creative thinking skills.
Step 2: Dog Grooming School
Naturally, the most important step in becoming a dog groomer is to receive an education at a noteworthy school. Here, candidates will learn key topics such as dog handling, bathing, styling, breed identification and breed history, safety, and tool handling.
Because dog grooming is highly hands-on, it is also imperative that students get to work with actual dogs during their training classes. As expected, most schools make provisions for such arrangements.
Step 3: Pursuing Certification
Once candidates have received their dog grooming training, they can seek employment. That said, it is proven that candidates have a higher chance of securing better employment opportunities if they pursue certification first.
Certification can also help with continuing education and networking. There are a few nationally recognized credentials to consider, and we will look at them in the upcoming section.
Step 4: Work Experience
Lastly, candidates should possess work experience, perhaps through an externship, before seeking employment. Those who attend training programs belonging to pet salons would have received much real-world experience before they graduate.
Consider exploring trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Like most states, Georgia does not have mandatory licensing requirements for dog groomers. This means practically anyone with the right training level can start working as a dog groomer in Georgia.
The state also does not have any mandatory certification requirements. However, concerning certification, many dog groomers in the state make the personal decision to pursue one anyway simply because of the advantages highlighted earlier.
One of the most prominent certification bodies widely recognized nationwide is the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA).
The association offers a National Certified Master Groomer credential that employers regard highly. Candidates seeking a different direction may also go for the certification provided by the International Professional Groomers, Inc.
Top Dog Grooming Schools in Georgia
Future dog groomers in Georgia may consider the following destinations for their education.
The Grooming School
The Grooming school has a location in Georgia where students can learn to become successful dog groomers through a flexible curriculum. The program lasts between 8 and 10 weeks. Accommodations accommodate those looking to attend night classes.
Focus topics include fur cuts, grooming standards, breed history, safety procedures, nail trims, and styling.
Dog School 101
Dog School 101 in Marietta is another quality destination to receive dog grooming training in Georgia. The academy boasts an outstanding faculty with experience in their field.
Classes last for three months, with admissions opening multiple times a year. As expected, candidates receive theoretical and practical training spanning various critical topics.
Consider exploring dog groomer schools in neighboring states:
Salary & Career Outlook
Dog groomers in Georgia earn an annual average salary of $51,198. Depending on factors such as experience, location, and establishment of employment, dog groomers in the state can scale their earnings above this figure.
Those among the top ten highest-paid dog groomers in Georgia will earn an annual average salary of up to $88,007. In contrast, those among the lowest paid will still manage an average yearly salary of $29,784.
The highest-paying cities for dog groomers in the state of Georgia include Snellville, with an annual average salary of $57,983; Atlanta, with an average annual wage of $54,112; and Johns Creek, with an average yearly salary of $52,926.
Marietta and Roswell complete the top five with annual average salaries of $52,600 and $51,722 respectively.
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