Dog Grooming Schools in South Carolina

South Carolina is home to several pets and wonderful dogs, all of which are constantly in need of grooming. As more pet owners realize the benefits of professional grooming for their fur babies, the demand for dog groomers continues to rise nationwide.

This presents a wonderful opportunity for individuals in the state who love making dogs look and feel good. Such individuals will also be glad to know that becoming a dog groomer in South Carolina is as straightforward as possible.

To make their journey more favorable, we have provided below all the considerations that candidates must know to feel confident. The guide includes basic prerequisites, educational requirements, and possible certification alternatives.

How to Become a Dog Groomer in South Carolina

Candidates must follow the steps below to start their dog grooming career in South Carolina.

Enrolling in a Training Program

Some of the best dog groomers have enrolled in and graduated from a reputable dog grooming course in South Carolina. As we will see later, the state is home to several such programs.

Some are offered online in a self-paced approach, while others have a strict completion time. It is common to see top-quality dog grooming training programs organized by real-world businesses and salons.

One of the advantages of attending such a program is that students here can learn in an actual dog grooming environment. Yes, they will still get a great deal of theoretical training, but they will also be able to learn via a hands-on approach.

Acquiring Experience on the Job

Dog grooming programs offered by salons are great for hands-on training, but those who enroll in a regular course offered by a training destination without a salon still have to acquire hands-on training.

One of the ways to do this, for instance, is to attend a hybrid online program where candidates complete the first part of their training (the theoretical part) online while securing a placement at a salon for the practical, hands-on aspect of their education.

Becoming Certified

Future dog groomers in South Carolina may choose to become certified to make job placement opportunities easier. Certification also opens the door for professional networking and other benefits.

Below, we discuss the possible certification options for dog groomers in South Carolina.

Explore other careers with similar paths:

• Become a veterinary assistant in South Carolina

Top Dog Grooming Schools in South Carolina

Here are some prominent dog grooming schools for candidates in South Carolina.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Dog Grooming Schools in North Carolina

Licensure and Certification Requirements

Certification is optional for dog groomers in South Carolina. However, as mentioned above, it offers several benefits. The following are some of the most relevant organizations offering highly respected credentials for dog groomers in the state and across the country.

• National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) offers Certified Master Groomer (CMG) and Certified Professional Groomer (CPG) designations.
• The International Society of Canine Cosmetologists (ISCC) offers Certified Professional Groomer (CPG) and Certified Master Groomer (CMG) designations.

To be certified by either of these organizations, candidates must complete training modules and pass both practical and written exams. The International Professional Groomers, Inc. (IPG) is another prominent option.

Salary & Career Outlook

A dog groomer in South Carolina who has just begun their career may fall among the average earners in the state, taking home an annual salary of around $53,207. They may also fall among the bottom 10%, taking home an annual average salary of $33,866.

As time goes on, however, it is possible to earn as high as $83,592 in annual average salary as a dog groomer in South Carolina. This will make such dog groomers fall among the top 10% in the state.

Time, however, is not the only factor that can help a dog groomer earn more salary during their careers. Working in favorable locations also plays a part.

In South Carolina, dog and pet groomers who work in Hilton Head Island are the highest-paid, taking home an annual average salary of $81,736.

Other notable cities include Bluffton, with an annual average salary of $74,487; and Greenville, with an annual average salary of $69,609. Dog groomers in Charleston take home an annual average salary of $55,111.