Becoming a dog groomer in Alabama is one way in which you can show how much you love these animals.
Additionally, this occupation can be a rewarding one as well as one where you won’t feel you’re working.
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Dog Groomer Job Description and Duties in Alabama
Your love for dogs as a groomer of this species will help these animals look and feel their best.
Generally speaking, the services you offer are part of the job description and your duties.
These include:
- Cutting, clipping, and styling a dog’s coat
- Bathing dogs
- Clipping a dog’s nails
- Interacting with dog owners
- Knowing the hygienic care for each dog breed
- Teeth brushing
- Knowing how to restrain animals
- Calming the dogs
- Identify problem areas
Your duties will also include:
- Cleaning and maintenance of your workplace
- Cleaning and maintaining your tools
- Knowing which tools to use for what task
- Safely operating the tools
- Staying updated with styling trends
- Staying informed on the industry changes
Dog Groomer Job Requirements in Alabama
A very important requirement for this occupation is being a dog lover.
Such a person will have a better understanding of a dog’s behavior and general personality, compared to someone who is more familiar with cats, for instance.
Individuals interested in becoming dog groomers need to also possess a series of skills and personality traits.
As already mentioned, having at the very least good communication skills is also important.
This will help you better explain the care techniques the dog’s owner can perform at home.
You’ll also be able to better understand some of the requests and explain if they’re appropriate or good for that specific animal or not, and why.
Patience is another important trait you should have since working with animals is not always easy.
Dog Groomers’ Education and Certification in Alabama
In Alabama, as in most other states, there are no laws requiring dog groomers to get an education or certification in the field.
As one could expect, by undergoing some training and earning a certification, you’ll be a more valuable candidate when seeking employment.
Dog Groomers’ Education
There are many places across Alabama where you can learn the trade.
The programs for a dog groomer usually cover these topics:
- Introduction to Pet Grooming
- Introduction to Dogs and Cats
- Pre-Grooming Procedures
- Dog Grooming, Part 1
- Dog Grooming, Part 2
- Dog Grooming, Part 3
- Dog Personalities and Behavior
- Cat Grooming
- Business Practices
These programs focus more on the practice aspect, as your eyes and hands are the ones needing training the most.
It’s important to know cat grooming because some employers will expect you to offer your services to cats as well.
Dog Groomers’ Certification
Most of the training programs available will make you sit through an exam.
Those who pass will be issued a certification, and this is all you need to start on your new career path.
If you want to start a dog grooming business, you’ll need to obtain a commercial license.
For this, reading the laws at the federal and state level concerning this topic is the best.
Dog Groomers’ Employment and Salary in Alabama
There are many facilities where you can find a job as a dog groomer.
These places include:
- Dog rescues
- Veterinary clinics
- Pet grooming salons
- Pet shops
- Dog daycare centers
As a dog groomer, you can even start a business by yourself if working for others doesn’t interest you.
Of course, where you’ll work will determine how much you’ll earn.
Even the location you work in will affect this aspect, as you can see from the table below.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Dog Groomers in Alabama
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Birmingham | $34,001 |
| Montgomery | $32,201 |
| Mobile | $33,201 |
| Huntsville | $33,901 |
| Tuscaloosa | $33,601 |
| Georgiana | $31,901 |
| Dothan | $31,701 |
| Decatur | $32,901 |
| Auburn | $32,401 |
| Gadsden | $33,701 |
Regional Salary in Alabama
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, AL | 60 | $26,020 | $12.51 | $28,910 | $20,060 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | 220 | $29,140 | $14.01 | $43,310 | $19,970 |
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | 1,230 | $27,440 | $13.19 | $34,530 | $18,680 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | 260 | $29,030 | $13.96 | $34,770 | $20,590 |
| Decatur, AL | 80 | $28,450 | $13.68 | $35,310 | $20,900 |
| Dothan, AL | 140 | $27,250 | $13.1 | $34,680 | $17,770 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | 110 | $27,090 | $13.03 | $34,090 | $19,100 |
| Gadsden, AL | 50 | $30,390 | $14.61 | $73,680 | $19,800 |
| Huntsville, AL | 460 | $28,840 | $13.87 | $35,610 | $21,640 |
| Mobile, AL | 310 | $27,310 | $13.13 | $34,640 | $20,360 |
| Montgomery, AL | 290 | $26,560 | $12.77 | $32,750 | $20,120 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 110 | $27,790 | $13.36 | $33,450 | $18,140 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
You may choose to perform this job as a secondary source of income, and only work when you have some spare time.
This means your income will be significantly lower than the values shown in the table above.
Additional Information for Dog Groomers in Alabama
When you need more information or news related to this industry, you can check out the following organizations:
- Greater Birmingham Humane Society
- National Dog Groomers Association of America
- Shelby Humane Society
- International Professional Groomers, Inc.
- Montgomery Humane Society
Participating in the workshops organized by these organizations and not only, you can develop other useful skills.
Additionally, you may also obtain further certifications and diplomas which can help you further your career and earn more.
