Dog Grooming Schools in West Virginia

Dog groomers in West Virginia are called upon to ensure that dogs are well cared for in terms of physical appearance and hygiene. Even for those with a love for dogs and an affinity for grooming, it may take some time to cultivate the skills needed to become a successful professional dog groomer.

The guide below seeks to simplify the process by introducing candidates to the major requirements as early as possible. We analyze the educational specifications and options for comprehensive training.

We also provide an overview of possible credentialing organizations for credibility and professional opportunities before revealing some top training programs for candidates to consider.

How to Become a Dog Groomer in West Virginia

Residents of West Virginia may follow the considerations below to start their dog grooming careers.

Basic Preparations

Individuals must prepare for their dog grooming careers in West Virginia by understanding the scope of the job and gaining insights into the training possibilities.

Candidates may also use this time to determine whether they would prefer a particular specialty area and would like to start their own business or work for existing agencies.

Completing a Program

Aiming dog groomers must complete a training program to acquire relevant skills. However, more than having natural skills is required, as advancements in the field require candidates to keep up with them to carry out their professional duties.

A dog grooming salon can offer a training program for individuals who want to learn on the job. Some of these programs will also have a classroom element to introduce students to the fundamentals before working with actual dogs.

Additionally, many dog groomer training programs can be completed online.

Real-World Experience

Individuals who complete their dog grooming training online must receive further training in the real world to be confident in their capabilities. Some training programs have a network of dog grooming salons where candidates are attached for real-world experience.

In other cases, graduates may have to find an on-the-job learning opportunity independently.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• How to become a dog obedience trainer in West Virginia

Top Dog Grooming Schools in West Virginia

Candidates may consider the training programs below for top-class education.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Dog groomer schools in Pennsylvania

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The National Dog Grooming Association of America (NDGAA) offers a National Certified Master Groomer credential, perfect for candidates who want to become certified dog groomers in West Virginia. International Professional Groomers, Inc. also has highly rated credentials.

Why do candidates choose to become certified as dog groomers in West Virginia? Is it because it is compulsory? Well, no. Being licensed or certified is not compulsory in the state.

Dog groomers become certified because doing so can increase their credibility, make them more appealing to employers and customers, and allow them to join a network of certified professionals. Certification also facilitates continuing education and advanced skill acquisition.

Anyone who would like to be certified by the above organizations must be willing to pass a professional examination and maintain their credentials periodically.

Salary & Career Outlook

Dog groomers in West Virginia are well-rewarded and can earn an annual average salary of $63,331 or more. However, before they can do this, they must have worked up to being among the highest-paid in the state.

Lower-earning professionals typically achieve this by improving their credentials, experience level, focus areas, and business strategy. A dog groomer’s location in West Virginia will also influence their earnings at the end of the year.

Before looking into specific locations, it is worth mentioning that most dog groomers in the state will be among the median earners, taking home an annual average salary of $39,618. The lowest-paid will still be able to manage an annual average salary of $24,785.

Now, the most profitable locations include Huntington, where dog groomers in West Virginia make an annual average salary of $50,941, and Charleston, where the annual average salary is $44,499.