How to Become a Dog Groomer in Kentucky?

How to Become a Dog Groomer in Kentucky? (Expert Guide)

You can build your career and an immense love for dogs by choosing dog grooming as your profession. Becoming a dog groomer is the right decision for a person who loves being around dogs.

Luckily, Kentucky is a place where you can make your dog grooming dream come true. This place has seen a tremendous rise in pet population. Nearly every home has a dog as a family member. If you’re planning to go for a dog grooming career, you need the right guidance.

Dog Groomer Job Responsibilities & Duties

Not everyone is built to become a dog groomer in Kentucky. This career demands a lot of dedication, communication, and hard work. Mastering a dog grooming domain means understanding the following dog grooming job description & duties:

• Know how to perform cutting, clipping, and shearing techniques.
• Able to fulfill the dog owner’s grooming requirements.
• Bath each dog breed according to the grooming and health of the dog.
• Dog nail clipping and grinding.
• Able to brush the teeth of dogs in the recommended manner.
• Knowledge about ear, eye, and anal glands cleaning and maintenance.
• Provide consultation to the dog owners and identify the skin problems in dogs.
• Good client communication & interaction skills.
• Ample knowledge of grooming and hygienic needs.
• Thorough understanding of the grooming requirements for each dog breed.

Additionally, the dog groomer is required to perform the following management tasks in Kentucky:

• Complete restraining and handling knowledge.
• Ability to execute calming techniques for dogs.
• Knowledge about the different dog hair and coat styles.
• Ability to operate all the grooming tools and equipment.
• Maintaining the cleanliness of the grooming place and tools.
• Have an interest in the latest grooming and hair styling trends in dogs.
• Data entry and maintaining records of the clients and dogs.
• Schedule appointments and take follow-ups of the groomed dogs.

Education & Qualification Criteria for Dog Groomers in Kentucky

Unlike registered veterinarians, there is no fixed education qualification to become a dog groomer. In Kentucky, there is no specific license issued to the dog groomers. Neither you need a bachelor's degree in veterinary sciences to become a dog groomer.

However, you need to invest your time in learning and getting a dog groomer certificate. The best way is to enroll yourself in a dog grooming and training institution. To achieve that certificate, the accredited programs will allow you to explore all the dog grooming domains.

Additionally, you will experience hands-on practice in dog grooming. The dog grooming programs include certain coursework including grooming and assessing dogs’ behavior. You’ll go through the common grooming techniques and how to communicate with the clients.

Dog Grooming Certification in Kentucky

After completing your coursework, you’re required to pass a standard certification. The exam will assess your complete knowledge regarding the timely completion of dog grooming. The practical portion of the exam will assess your grooming techniques and how you apply them.

After passing the exam, a certificate will be issued by The National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA). This certificate is the basic requirement of every organization or clinic offering a dog groomer job in Kentucky.

The license issued by the NDGAA after passing the exam is used as an individual practice certificate. If you’re planning to establish and run your own dog grooming business, you need to apply for a commercial dog groomer license from the Kentucky One Stop Business Portal.

Always ensure that you are well aware of the laws in Kentucky regarding the dog grooming practice. The dog groomer certificate has a validity of one year and you need to renew the license each year by paying a renewal fee.

Enrolling in a Dog Grooming Program in Kentucky

The most important part of becoming a dog groomer is to enroll in a dog grooming program. In Kentucky, several popular grooming schools are available. All of the schools are affordable and offer the best-in-class dog grooming courses.

You can avail of the enrolling opportunity at Nah Academy located at 857 Lane Allen Road Lexington, Kentucky. On the other hand, Murray Dog Grooming School at 603 S. Fourth St. Murray, KY is a great place to polish your dog grooming profession.

Job Opportunities & Salary for Dog Groomers in Kentucky

If you become a dog groomer in Kentucky, there are many respectable organizations you can go for. It is easy for a dog groomer to get hired in Kentucky because of high dog groomer demands.

You’ll be able to get job opportunities in many veterinary facilities including dog rescue centers and registered veterinary clinics. Almost every veterinary clinic has a separate dog grooming section where you can build your career.

Additionally, several dog grooming saloons are spread across the whole of Kentucky. These saloons usually have vacancies for dog groomers to handle the high clientage. On the other hand, many dog daycare and home services require dog groomers at their organizations.

The average annual salary of a dog groomer in Kentucky is around $33000. If you have ample investment to start your own dog grooming business, you can flourish even more. Starting a dog groomer service will allow you to build your clientage.