Do you want to have a lucrative and stable job in a field you love?
If so, you could consider becoming a dog groomer in New Mexico.
All you need to do is read on in order to find out more about the requirements for this job.
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Dog Groomer Job Description and Duties in New Mexico
Dog groomers provide grooming services to dogs and other pets.
You will have several job duties to finish daily, and some of 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 New Mexico
The most significant aspect before looking for a job is to be sure you love dogs and animals in general.
For example, you might have to provide grooming services to cats as well.
For that, you should educate yourself on cat behavior.
There are many other skills you should have, including communication skills.
As a dog groomer, you should be able to put the animals at ease and make sure they are relaxed.
You should know how to communicate with their owners and explain the grooming process.
Some other skills you should have are patience and empathy.
Dog Groomers’ Education and Certification in New Mexico
In New Mexico, you are not forced to get a dog grooming license in order to look for work.
In spite of this, the most important companies in this state would rather hire dog groomers who are certified.
So, if you want to get a certification, you need to fulfill some requirements.
Dog Groomers’ Education
To get the license you need, first, you have to choose a school and a dog grooming training program.
There are a few schools in New Mexico that offer dog grooming programs.
Your training program needs to be accredited.
The training programs for dog groomers in New Mexico feature the following 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
The training program you enroll in will mix hours of theory and practice, with a focus on practice.
This will give you some practical experience that will help in your job search.
Dog Groomers’ Certification
You can only get certified after you pass a certification exam.
If you want to work for a company, this is the only certification you might need.
But, to start a dog grooming company, another certification is required.
To get it, you have to learn the regulations at the federal and state level.
Dog Groomers’ Employment and Salary in New Mexico
After you pass the dog grooming certification test, you will soon get your dog grooming certification.
So, you can get work at a facility you prefer.
Some of the pet grooming facilities in New Mexico include:
- Dog rescues
- Veterinary clinics
- Pet grooming salons
- Pet shops
- Dog daycare centers
Perhaps you are wondering what is the salary that dog groomers earn in this state.
The more experience you have, the higher your salary will be.
You will also get paid more if you live in a large area instead of a rural one.
If you have some experience with animals, your wages will also be higher.
This is also the case for dog grooming company owners.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Dog Groomers in New Mexico
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $33,601 |
| Las Cruces | $30,501 |
| Santa Fe | $33,901 |
| Rio Rancho | $33,501 |
| Roswell | $31,501 |
| Farmington | $33,201 |
| Alamogordo | $32,001 |
| Clovis | $32,301 |
| Hobbs | $32,001 |
| Carlsbad | $31,501 |
Regional Salary in New Mexico
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 930 | $32,860 | $15.8 | $42,130 | $25,240 |
| Farmington, NM | 70 | $30,290 | $14.56 | $35,310 | $25,240 |
| Las Cruces, NM | 170 | $29,130 | $14.01 | $33,950 | $24,960 |
| Santa Fe, NM | 240 | $33,620 | $16.17 | $37,050 | $29,660 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
In New Mexico, an option is to get a part-time job if you cannot work full time.
But, you will have a lower salary if you don’t work full time.
Additional Information for Dog Groomers in New Mexico
To know whether there are any industry and licensing requirements changes, have a look at the below resources:
- National Dog Groomers Association of America
- Healthcare-Salaries.com: Dog Groomer Salary Information
- International Association of Professional Groomers
