How to Become a Dog Groomer in Alaska

Becoming a dog groomer in Alaska could be the first step into a veterinary-related career.

Read this article to find out what kind of education you need and your approximate salary!

Dog Groomer Job Description and Duties in Alaska

A pet groomer has an important role in the health of an animal.

The groomer can discover issues at the pet’s skin-level that could lead to a serious illness.

The rule of thumb is that a job description includes your duties and responsibilities.

These may include:

• Inspecting the dog’s skin
• 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

The following can also be part of your duties:

• 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 Alaska

Being a dog lover or owner is very important when choosing a career like a dog groomer.

This is because you’ll have a better understanding of the animal’s behavior.

For this job, you’ll also need certain skills and personality traits.

Good or excellent communication skills are some of the most important to have.

They’re helpful when communicating with certain clients and explaining to them easy-care procedures they can perform at home.

Patience is also good to have when the owner is impatient, angry, or upset, or when the animal misbehaves.

Dog Groomers’ Education and Certification in Alaska

To start a career as a dog groomer, you are not required to have certification, but it is strongly advised.

For this, you need to attend a training course.

Usually, training courses have requirements you must meet upon enrolling.

At the same time, whatever education you have will usually be enough.

Dog Groomers’ Education

Perhaps Alaska is not the best place to train as a pet groomer.

If you have a hard time finding a program near you, check for an online training program.

The duration of a program is around a couple of months.

You will need to find a way to complete the practice aspect, on which this job relies heavily.

Most of the programs are organized around 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

Many employers will expect dog groomers to be familiar with the grooming of cats as well.

Dog Groomers’ Certification

At the end of most training programs, you’ll have to take an exam.

Those who pass are issued certifications.

You’ll need a special certificate if you want to start a business in the dog grooming field.

Knowing the laws at the federal and state level is the best way to get started.

You can earn a variety of other diplomas as well, depending on the skills you want to develop.

For instance, you can become specialized in grooming certain breeds of dogs, and a certificate will prove this knowledge.

Dog Groomers’ Employment and Salary in Alaska

One can’t think of how much they’ll earn without knowing where they’ll be able to work.

These are some of the facilities in need of dog groomers:

• Dog rescues
• Veterinary clinics
• Pet grooming salons
• Pet shops
• Dog daycare centers

There are many people who become dog groomers because they want to work on their own.

Who you work for will greatly influence your income.

Additionally, the city you work in will also have an impact on your finances.

Regional Salary in Alaska

Unlike many other occupations, this one can be performed alongside another.

This means you can work part-time, thus earn generally less.

Additional Information for Dog Groomers in Alaska

These organizations can be useful resources when seeking a job or needing specific information related to the industry:

• Alaska SPCA
• National Dog Groomers Association of America
• Gastineau Humane Society
• International Professional Groomers, Inc.
• Ketchikan Humane Society

These organizations may also organize workshops and other courses where you can further hone your dog grooming skills.