Dog Grooming Schools in Minnesota

There are several factors to consider when starting a career as a dog groomer in Minnesota. Not only do candidates have to worry about the basic prerequisites to get as prepared as possible for their education, but they also have to figure out the best training programs to acquire relevant training.

We have compiled the comprehensive guide below to help all interested candidates in the state easily fulfill their expected requirements. We hope the journey becomes much easier and more enjoyable by becoming familiar with these considerations.

We also hope that resources in the guide — such as Minnesota’s top destinations for dog grooming training and salary figures — will help encourage candidates and nudge them toward making the right decision.

How to Become a Dog Groomer in Minnesota

The following steps are needed to start a successful dog grooming career in Minnesota.

Step 1: High School Diploma or GED

Anyone looking to become a dog groomer in Minnesota will have an easier journey if they have a high school diploma or a GED. This is not because the state makes it compulsory but because training programs and employers can ask for such qualifications.

Having it ready usually turns out to be very valuable during such times.

Step 2: Taking a Course

Generally, there are two aspects to a dog grooming training program operating at a high educational standard. The first aspect is the theoretical approach, where candidates learn the basics of cleaning, styling, and skin issue identification.

Many of these can be learned in the classroom or through online materials, where candidates can proceed at their own pace. Typically, it is only when a candidate has understood the theoretical principles behind the grooming techniques they will be using that they can then go on to practice what they have been taught.

Step 3: Hands-On Training

The second aspect of a high-quality dog grooming training curriculum is the practical/hands-on approach. Here, candidates are expected to use everything they have been taught.

Hands-on training for dog groomers may be available through grooming salons or other institutions dedicated to such training arrangements.

In an upcoming section, we explore some of the prominent dog grooming training programs for candidates in Minnesota to consider.

Explore other careers with similar paths:

• Become a veterinary assistant in Minnesota

Top Dog Grooming Schools in Minnesota

Below are some notable dog grooming training programs for interested candidates in Minnesota.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Dog Grooming Schools in Wisconsin

Licensure and Certification Requirements

Prospective dog groomers in Minnesota who have completed the steps above may go on to secure job placement at an existing grooming salon or start their own business.

The state does not expect individuals to obtain a license before securing employment as dog groomers. Still, they will have to go through the regular processes involved in incorporating a business in the state if they want to run their own pet grooming business.

Candidates may also consider acquiring relevant dog grooming certifications for more career opportunities and better chances for career growth. The National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) and the International Society of Canine Cosmetologists (ISCC) are among the top professional organizations to consider for the most reputable credentials.

Salary & Career Outlook

Dog groomers in Minnesota take home an annual average salary of $43,808 — as long as they can make it among the midpoint of earners in the state. This is because it is also possible to earn lower than the average and, for instance, fall into the category of the bottom 10% who take home an annual average salary of $30,961.

As for the highest-paid dog groomers in Minnesota, their average salary is closer to around $61,986 every year.

As with most professions, the location within a dog groomer’s state will influence how much they make at the end of the year. Minneapolis has the highest-paying dog groomers in Minnesota, with an average annual salary of $61,182.

The rest of the top five are Woodbury, with an annual average salary of $58,590; Saint Louis Park, with an annual average salary of $57,072; Saint Paul, with an annual average salary of $55,719; and Blaine, with an annual average salary of $53,722.