Dog grooming is an excellent career choice for North Dakota residents who are passionate about dogs and have an affinity for good hygiene. In the guide below, we explore what aspiring dog groomers in the state need to know to make their career launch successful.
Before they’re done reading, interested individuals will understand how to prepare for their education, the kinds of training arrangements they may leverage for particular goals, and the compulsory and optional licensing and certification requirements.
Finally, the article also discusses the projected annual average income for dog groomers in North Dakota and highlights the specific factors that can alter these numbers.
How to Become a Dog Groomer in North Dakota
Candidates may follow the outline below to start their dog grooming careers in North Dakota.
Educational Requirements
North Dakota needs to establish basic educational requirements for dog groomer candidates. Most of the standards for the profession are set by employers and customers.
Currently, these parties prefer well-educated professionals.
Candidates can consider several training programs for their comprehensive dog grooming education.
Moreover, many programs even let candidates complete their training conveniently and flexibly through online learning resources. In an upcoming section, we will explore some of the best options for state residents to consider.
Work Experience
Work experience is vital for anyone looking to become a successful dog groomer. The profession is very hands-on, and individuals unfamiliar with working with dogs may become overwhelmed early in their careers.
This is why most training programs arrange for candidates to receive hands-on training and work experience before working full-time professionally. Candidates may also work as apprentices under certified dog groomers to cultivate real-world familiarity as quickly as possible.
Working & Starting a Business
After becoming familiar with their prospective duties in the real world, candidates may start working with an established dog grooming company or start their own business. The popular option is to utilize a mobile grooming station in a van or RV.
Explore careers with similar paths:
Top Dog Grooming Schools in North Dakota
The schools below offer high-quality training for prospective dog groomers in North Dakota.
Animal Behavior College
Fargo, ND Campus + Online
Animal Behavior College is one of the most popular providers of dog grooming training across the country.
Email: email@animalbehaviorcollege.com
Tuition
$3,299 - $6,195 per ProgramContact
(800) 795-3294
Email in Bio
Penn Foster Institute
Online, ND Online Only
Penn Foster Institute is another popular, excellent dog grooming training provider for candidates nationwide. However, this program takes place completely online.
Tuition
$699 - $799 per ProgramContact
(570) 961-4033
infoims@pennfoster.com
Explore nearby states for education and training:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Certified dog groomers in North Dakota are usually more employable than those not certified. Even customers searching for a dog groomer will most likely choose a certified professional over someone who is not.
This is why, despite its voluntary nature, most dog groomers in North Dakota are certified. Additionally, there are several certification options, but candidates must ensure they choose a nationally recognized credential with great esteem.
Currently, the National Dog Grooming Association of America (NDGAA) and the International Professional Groomers, Inc. are two of the most popular, highly respected organizations offering professional credentials for dog groomers in North Dakota and across the country.
Salary & Career Outlook
In North Dakota, the annual average salary of a dog groomer will depend on their experience level and business strategy. A candidate’s location in the state and professional credentials can also help them earn more.
Typically, candidates are just right in the median earning category, making an annual average salary of $40,528. However, relative to the above factors, they can end up with an annual average salary of $57,611 in the top 10% or an annual average salary of $28,510 if they are among the bottom 10%.
For those looking to leverage the power of location, Bismarck and Fargo are currently the places where residents of North Dakota earn the most annual income as dog groomers. Those who work here earn an annual average salary of $43,232 and $38,410, respectively.
Candidates have every reason to be optimistic about the future of this career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics maintains that the employment rate will continue increasing as pet-related spending increases.