Working as a dog groomer in Arkansas means daily interactions with a variety of people and animals.
This is a perfect job for someone who for some reason cannot have their own pets.
Read on to find out what education you need for this job!
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Dog Groomer Job Description and Duties in Arkansas
By grooming a dog you don’t only make it look nicer, but you also promote its health.
For instance, overgrown nails can make it difficult to walk and run properly.
You may also discover health issues at the skin level before it becomes a real threat for the animal’s health.
Pet and dog groomers have the following daily tasks:
- Inspect the dog’s skin
- Cut, clip, and style a dog’s coat
- Bath dogs
- Clip a dog’s nails
- Interact with the owners of the pet
- Know the hygienic care for each dog breed
- Brush its teeth
- Know how to restrain the animal
- Calm the pet, if needed
- Identify problem areas
The following tasks are part of your duties as well:
- 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 Arkansas
Every occupation or job has specific requirements.
Being a dog lover is one of the requirements that shouldn’t even be mentioned for a dog groomer.
Dog lovers have the advantage that they can understand better how to act and behave around these animals than someone used to cats.
you’re also expected to have certain personality traits as well.
These are the most common:
- Good or excellent communication skills
- Patience
- Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
- Ability to stand for an extended time
- Detail-oriented
- Ability to work with both hands
- Willingness to continue to learn
Dog Groomers’ Education and Certification in Arkansas
In Arkansas, you don’t need to hold a license or certification to become a dog groomer.
Getting certified will have its benefits, including being to get hired faster.
Receiving some training in the field ensures you know all the proper techniques and you can handle all sorts of dogs.
Dog Groomers’ Education
The education of a pet groomer lasts for a few months.
The duration doesn’t change if you choose an online program.
What you need to know is that these courses require more practice than theory learning.
This means that you’ll have to find a way to complete your practical training if you choose an online class.
Most of the classes have the following curriculum:
- 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
It’s important for a dog groomer to know how to take care of cats as well.
Cats are often brought in for fur shaving and claw trimming.
Most practices dealing with animals or pets will expect the groomer to be able to handle other types of animals besides dogs, as well.
Dog Groomers’ Certification
In most cases, individuals receive a certificate at the end of the training period.
They usually have to pass an exam for this.
Those who want to start a business will need a business license.
Generally, a business license is obtained after passing the Arkansas jurisprudence exam.
Dog Groomers’ Employment and Salary in Arkansas
It’s well known that your salary will differ from one facility to the other.
This is because not all locations are good for business.
Furthermore, not all facilities where dog grooming services are offered, are for profit.
Speaking of this, here are some of the facilities where you could find a pet grooming job:
- Dog rescues
- Veterinary clinics
- Pet grooming salons
- Pet shops
- Dog daycare centers
If you turn this occupation into a business you run, your income will also be different.
The table below shows the average salary in the major cities across Arkansas.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Dog Groomers in Arkansas
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Little Rock | $33,201 |
| Fort Smith | $31,301 |
| North Little Rock | $33,201 |
| Fayetteville | $32,601 |
| Jonesboro | $33,001 |
| Pine Bluff | $32,101 |
| Springdale | $32,601 |
| Conway | $32,901 |
| Rogers | $32,401 |
| Hot Springs | $32,901 |
Regional Salary in Arkansas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO | 570 | $31,190 | $15 | $36,880 | $27,110 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | 110 | $28,460 | $13.68 | $35,640 | $23,130 |
| Hot Springs, AR | 230 | $29,920 | $14.38 | $46,650 | $23,550 |
| Jonesboro, AR | 100 | $29,440 | $14.15 | $34,850 | $26,440 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 580 | $30,630 | $14.72 | $37,200 | $26,440 |
| Pine Bluff, AR | 50 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Expect to earn less if you only work part-time.
While this way you won’t earn as much as a full-time dog groomer, you may have another full-time job that is your main source of income.
Additional Information for Dog Groomers in Arkansas
Use the sites of these organizations for more information regarding being a pet groomer in Arkansas:
- Humane Society of North Central Arkansas
- National Dog Groomers Association of America
- Humane Society of Pulaski County
- International Professional Groomers, Inc.
- Northeast Arkansas Humane Society
These organizations can help you find training courses, job opportunities, and other means of improving your skills as a dog groomer.
