Do you like working with animals? If so, you could easily become a dog groomer in Florida.
But, before that, you should know what you need to do in order to get hired.
So, read on for some tips and info!
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Dog Groomer Job Description and Duties in Florida
As a dog groomer, there are many tasks you have to complete on a daily basis.
The most common tasks include:
- 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
Other job responsibilities 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 Florida
If you want to build a strong career in the field, you should enjoy being around animals and particularly dogs all day.
You will also need some particular skills before looking for a job.
For instance, you need to know how to communicate with the dog owner.
You also need to know how to keep the animal calm and relaxed while providing services.
Sometimes, you might need to answer the owner’s questions and give them tips.
So, some extra skills you need to have are patience and empathy.
Dog Groomers’ Education and Certification in Florida
Dog groomers in Florida are not required to have a particular certification or training.
However, if you do get certified, you will have more advantages.
One of these is finding a good job faster, as most companies that hire prefer dog groomers with a certification.
Dog Groomers’ Education
In Florida, you should first try to find a school of your choice and select a training program.
This will help you develop the required skills to become a successful dog groomer.
During training, you will take classes of theory but also practice.
The dog grooming programs generally focus on practice as you need some experience to get hired.
The training programs generally include the next subjects:
- 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
Sometimes, you may be asked to offer services to cats as well.
So, you should have an idea of how cats behave and learn how to communicate with them.
Dog Groomers’ Certification
After you complete your training program, you will need to pass an exam.
Once you do so, your dog groomer license will be sent by mail.
You will not need any other certification to work as a dog groomer.
However, you do need a commercial license if you plan on opening your own dog grooming business.
This license has different requirements, so you need to check out the laws at the federal and state level.
Dog Groomers’ Employment and Salary in Florida
In Florida, you will be able to find an entry-level job in any facility in your area.
Some of these facilities are:
- Dog rescues
- Veterinary clinics
- Pet grooming salons
- Pet shops
- Dog daycare centers
The yearly salary you will earn as a dog groomer depends on a few different factors.
For starters, you will earn a higher salary if you live in a metropolitan area and not in a rural region.
You will also have a better salary if you can show a dog grooming certification and have some years of experience.
If you run your own business instead of being hired by a company, your salary will also be higher.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Dog Groomers in Florida
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Jacksonville | $34,001 |
| Miami | $34,901 |
| Tampa | $34,101 |
| St. Petersburg | $34,101 |
| Hialeah | $34,601 |
| Orlando | $34,101 |
| Fort Lauderdale | $34,801 |
| Tallahassee | $32,501 |
| Hollywood | $34,801 |
| Pembroke Pines | $34,601 |
Regional Salary in Florida
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | 550 | $32,120 | $15.44 | $41,210 | $24,670 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | 280 | $31,420 | $15.11 | $37,280 | $24,520 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | 440 | $30,460 | $14.65 | $38,820 | $22,880 |
| Gainesville, FL | 200 | $30,880 | $14.85 | $38,450 | $23,800 |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | 70 | $29,570 | $14.22 | $41,660 | $22,880 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 1,440 | $32,000 | $15.39 | $42,550 | $24,560 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | 370 | $31,490 | $15.14 | $45,090 | $23,850 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | 4,460 | $36,300 | $17.45 | $48,810 | $27,510 |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL | 310 | $34,010 | $16.35 | $46,610 | $27,550 |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL | 880 | $32,120 | $15.44 | $43,010 | $24,730 |
| Ocala, FL | 700 | $32,490 | $15.62 | $43,820 | $27,190 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | 2,190 | $32,160 | $15.46 | $45,760 | $25,240 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | 510 | $32,150 | $15.46 | $45,600 | $24,090 |
| Panama City, FL | 160 | $30,740 | $14.78 | $38,220 | $23,610 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL | 290 | $30,130 | $14.48 | $37,740 | $23,000 |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | 320 | $34,710 | $16.69 | $50,190 | $24,960 |
| Punta Gorda, FL | 150 | $31,180 | $14.99 | $36,280 | $24,220 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL | 210 | $29,680 | $14.27 | $36,110 | $23,960 |
| Sebring, FL | 80 | $29,510 | $14.19 | $35,180 | $22,880 |
| Tallahassee, FL | 240 | $29,110 | $13.99 | $37,470 | $22,940 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | 2,490 | $32,240 | $15.5 | $42,940 | $26,080 |
| The Villages, FL | 60 | $30,160 | $14.5 | $41,790 | $23,960 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
If you cannot work full-time as a dog groomer, you should know that part-time jobs are also available.
However, you will earn less this way compared to those who work full time.
Additional Information for Dog Groomers in Florida
Dog groomers have to keep in touch with the industry changes and requirements.
To do so, you can have a look at the resources below:
- Florida Dog Groomers Jobs
- Florida Humane Society
- STARelief and Pet Assistance
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
- National Dog Groomers Association of America
