The state of Hawaii is a wonderful place to become a dog groomer. There is more than enough demand in the area, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projection for the upcoming decade is incredibly positive.
What’s more, dog groomers in the state also make an annual average salary that surpasses most states in mainland USA. All in all, most experts believe there is no better time than now to start a dog grooming career in Hawaii.
If you are interested, you’ll be glad to know that the guide below contains everything you need to know to get up and running with as little hindrance as possible.
Steps to Become a Dog Groomer in Hawaii
The following are steps in kick-starting a career as a dog groomer in Hawaii.
Securing Admission into a Training Program
Before enrolling in a dog grooming training program, candidates must ensure that the state approves their desired alternative and can offer high-quality education.
Candidates must also consider the track record of their desired training program and their graduate success rate. It is also advisable to secure admission into a training program that offers job placement assistance upon graduation.
Graduating from a Training Program
Once admission is secured, the next step is to pay close attention to the classes and hands-on training sessions. Most dog grooming training programs in Hawaii can be completed in a few weeks at the minimum and a few months in the most extensive cases.
Candidates may also enroll in an online training program if they have other commitments.
Among the focus topics at most dog grooming training programs are styling, cleaning, dog breed identification, and characteristics.
Acquiring Hands-On Experience
Hands-on training for dog groomers can be divided into two distinct aspects. The first is the hands-on experience acquired during training (usually towards the later stages), while the second is the real-world experience acquired before actual employment.
Both help dog groomers consolidate their skills and acquire the confidence to practice what they have been taught.
Certification & Employment
A dog groomer in Hawaii may obtain certification to stand out and prove their skills to customers and potential employers. They may also do so to enjoy other networking opportunities and continuing education.
Once certification has been obtained, candidates may secure employment at a dog grooming salon or even build their own salons and mobile stations.
Consider careers with similar paths:
State Licensing and Certification Requirements
While no state agencies are setting licensing requirements for dog groomers in Hawaii, individuals may look to the National Dog Groomers Association of America for a well-respected credential to verify their skills and take advantage of other professional opportunities.
Candidates may complete the association’s workshops and demonstrate their skills by passing the written and practical examinations. Once they do so, they will be issued their Certified Dog Groomer credential.
As an alternative, candidates may also consider a similar credential offered by the International Professional Groomers, Inc.
Salary and Job Outlook
An average dog groomer in Hawaii (regarding salary) earns around $32,347 yearly, which is in line with the average for other states. For those considered among the highest paid in the state, the expected salary returns every year climb to around $40,000.
To improve their salaries, dog groomers in Hawaii may want to optimize factors such as experience, location, credentials, and specific employment and business type establishment.
As for location, dog groomers in Hilo earn an annual average salary of $44,454, while those in Honolulu earn an annual average salary of $43,995.
Top Dog Grooming Schools in Hawaii
Below are some of the most prominent dog grooming training programs in Hawaii.
Animal Behavior College
Animal Behavior College offers a certified pet grooming program in Hawaii. The program has locations in Honolulu, East Honolulu, Pearl City Hilo, Waipahu, and Kailua.
Students will receive a chunk of their training online before acquiring real-world training through externships. This option is perfect for those who desire much flexibility and may have other commitments keeping them busy.
Live Love Pet
Live Love Pet in Honolulu is another wonderful destination to receive rigorous training as an aspiring dog groomer in Hawaii. The institution offers grooming training for various dog breeds and pets.
Pets in the City
Lastly, aspiring dog groomers in the state may also consider Pets in the City, a very popular dog grooming station offering training for future dog groomers.
Like most dog grooming schools, candidates may enroll simply to learn how to style their dogs or for professional ambitions.
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