Dog Grooming Schools in Vermont

Vermont has a growing market for dog groomers, and residents would do well to consider a career in this profession. As with any other occupation, anyone who wants to become a successful dog groomer must be well-prepared for their education and job placement.

We aim to help interested individuals attain this level of preparation by showcasing all the major requirements and considerations they need to know going into the process. To that end, we have discussed extensively below the educational options, certification requirements, training programs, and projected annual average salary for dog groomers in Vermont, among other important issues.

How to Become a Dog Groomer in Vermont

Successful dog groomers in Vermont often follow the steps below to start their careers.

Going through Formal Training

Prospective dog groomers in Vermont may receive their formal training in several ways. These include the following:

• Online—One of the most popular approaches to starting a dog grooming career in Vermont is to attend an online program. Naturally, people gravitate towards such programs because they offer a high level of convenience. Some even allow candidates to start and finish at their own pace.

Of course, the drawback is that candidates may not be able to learn directly under supervised instructors and may not be opportune to receive real-world training. However, most online programs pivot to a hybrid approach at the end of the training duration.

• In-person—Several training institutions offer in-person dog grooming training for interested candidates. Dog grooming salons are the most common providers of this kind of training.

A major advantage of this approach is that candidates will gain a theoretical and practical understanding of the field.

• Hybrid—In the hybrid approach to dog grooming education, candidates receive part of their training online but can receive further hands-on training in a work environment. Most programs achieve this through a network of certified dog groomers ready to help students develop the required work experience.

Securing Employment

Lastly, after fundamental training and practical training, candidates may go on to secure employment. However, fresh dog groomers may start their own business and avoid working under anyone after the apprenticeship period.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• How to become a dog obedience trainer in Vermont

Top Dog Grooming Schools in Vermont

The schools below offer top-class training for aspiring top dog groomers in Vermont.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Dog groomer schools in Massachusetts

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The first step to becoming certified as a professional dog groomer in Vermont is for candidates to choose their desired credentialing organization. Numerous options are available, each with its specialty credentials and prestige.

However, the National Dog Grooming Association of America is commonly regarded as the most highly rated and advantageous organization. International Professionals Groomers, Inc. is also very reputable.

After choosing a certification organization, candidates must meet its requirements for their chosen credential category. Most organizations typically require candidates to complete a specific training course and then pass a certification examination, which may include both a written and practical component.

Those who have completed these steps will become officially certified but must renew their credentials periodically. Certification is optional for dog groomers in Vermont.

Salary & Career Outlook

Vermont has an annual average salary of $33,758 for dog groomers who are just starting and are still in the state’s bottom 10% of earners. The state has an annual average salary of $50,465 for those among the median earners and an annual average salary of $75,441 for those who have made it to the top 10%.

A candidate’s specific location in the state will also determine their annual average salary to some extent. Currently, South Burlington and Burlington hold first and second place in Vermont when it comes to yearly returns for dog groomers, with annual average salaries of $63,335 and $53,869, respectively.

State residents looking to start dog grooming careers in the coming years will also be glad to know that the projections for the field are very favorable. The employment rate is expected to sustain its continual increase, as it has been doing in recent years.