Dog Grooming Schools in South Dakota

Aspiring dog groomers in South Dakota will be glad that the article below explores everything they need to remember when starting a career in the state. They will learn the key steps in the process, which aspects to focus on, and their alternatives regarding important considerations such as educational institutions and training arrangements.

The article also showcases a few certification possibilities for dog groomers leveraging professional credentials for career opportunities. Candidates will also discover specific training programs with good reputations and projected annual average salaries based on their career journey.

How to Become a Dog Groomer in South Dakota

Aspiring dog groomers in South Dakota should follow the steps below to start their careers correctly.

Preparing for Training

To prepare for their official training, aspiring dog groomers in South Dakota may start by interacting with actual dogs in their vicinity. It is important to become comfortable around all breeds of dogs and understand what the prospective duties of a dog groomer may entail.

Completing Training

Training for a dog grooming career involves classroom education and real-world practice.

• Classroom Training - Many online courses and in-person arrangements will begin their dog grooming curriculum with exclusive theoretical instructions. Most of these programs can be completed in a few weeks or at least a few months.

Afterward, candidates can move on to the next step: receiving hands-on training.

• Hands-On Training—A dog grooming education is not complete until students are comfortable performing the tasks in an actual work environment. Dog grooming salons commonly offer a training program that allows candidates to work as apprentices until they are confident in their real-world skills.

Online programs leverage connections with certified dog groomers in South Dakota to allow candidates to develop real-world expertise.

Starting a Career

After training, individuals may apply for positions at existing dog grooming agencies and salons. Those who want to start their own business may launch a mobile grooming station using a van or a residential vehicle.

Dog groomers who start their businesses may use technological advancements and social media to reach new customers and build a successful brand.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• How to become a dog obedience trainer in South Dakota

Top Dog Grooming Schools in South Dakota

Individuals may consider any of the programs below to start a dog grooming career in South Dakota.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Dog groomer schools in Nebraska

Licensure & Certification Requirements

South Dakota only requires dog groomers to register or receive a license before they can start working legally. However, individuals here should pursue certification to enjoy career opportunities.

The process begins with choosing a certification organization and passing the relevant examination. After passing the certification examination, candidates officially become certified, but they must maintain their credentials periodically through continuing education.

The most popular certification organizations for dog groomers in South Dakota are the National Dog Grooming Association of America (NDGAA) and the International Professional Groomers, Inc.

Salary & Career Outlook

According to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate at which dog groomers are employed in South Dakota and the rest of the country will continue to increase in the coming years. Advancements in technology and increased pet spending will be among the factors driving this growth.

For current workers, the average salary in South Dakota is $34,995 for the lowest-paid, $83,495 for the highest-paid, and $54,055 for the median earners. Factors ranging from experience and credentials to business strategy and location contribute to the disparity.

Some strategic locations to work as a dog groomer in South Dakota include Sioux Falls, with an annual average salary of $67,087, and Rapid City, where dog groomers manage an annual average salary of $62,227.