Read this article if you think that a job as a dog groomer in Pennsylvania could interest you.
This occupation can be satisfactory if you like working equally with animals and people.
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Dog Groomer Job Description and Duties in Pennsylvania
Perhaps not everyone knows what exactly a pet stylist is supposed to do.
These are the most common services:
- 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 the 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
When grooming a pet, you’ll have to complete several of the services.
Additionally, you might need to complete all the tasks once you’re done grooming a pet.
Dog Groomer Job Requirements in Pennsylvania
Knowing what the job is all about is of course important, but it’s more important to know what kind of person is ideal for such a position.
Since it’s not always easy to work with animals, the ideal candidate is kind, patient, and empathetic.
These traits will help her or him to deal better with fearful or otherwise more difficult pets.
A good deal of talk will take place daily as well, so better have good communication skills and be a social person!
Fear will make some pets less willing to want to get on the table, but a strong person can easily pick the animal up.
Angst can also make some animals be more aggressive, therefore more likely to bite or scratch.
Because of this, the majority of those working with animals get the anti-rabies vaccine, and so should you!
Dog Groomers’ Education and Certification in Pennsylvania
Just like in other states, you don’t need a license to work as a dog groomer in Pennsylvania.
You’ll generally need just a high school diploma or a GED, but many other pet stylists go get certified for better career opportunities.
Dog Groomers’ Education
Certification is only possible if you graduate from a training program, with the most prestigious of them being the one offered by the National Dog Grooming Association of America (or NDGAA).
If you can’t find a course NDGAA accredited in your vicinity, you can choose an online class.
The focus of the program should be the practice aspect.
Pay attention to the enrollment requirements.
Here are the classes you’ll attend once enrolled:
- 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
You’ll often have to groom cats as well, therefore special classes dedicated to cats are necessary.
Dog Groomers’ Certification
Having to pass a written and a practice exam is how you’ll get your certification.
Check with the Association if it needs to be renewed and which are the conditions to do so.
The process usually involves an application and an additional fee.
Pet groomers often choose to continue their education to earn more diplomas for a better salary.
Dog Groomers’ Employment and Salary in Pennsylvania
So, now with certification in hand, it’s time to search for a job.
You can start applying for one at the next facilities:
- Dog rescues
- Veterinary clinics
- Pet grooming salons
- Pet shops
- Dog daycare centers
In this state, the average salary a dog groomer earns is $35,063 per year.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Dog Groomers in Pennsylvania
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $38,401 |
| Pittsburgh | $35,301 |
| Allentown | $36,101 |
| Erie | $33,101 |
| Upper Darby | $38,401 |
| Reading | $35,701 |
| Scranton | $33,101 |
| Bethlehem | $36,101 |
| Lower Merion | $38,401 |
| Bensalem | $38,701 |
Regional Salary in Pennsylvania
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | 660 | $30,400 | $14.61 | $38,230 | $21,330 |
| Altoona, PA | 70 | $25,110 | $12.07 | $28,970 | $18,050 |
| Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA | 70 | $29,730 | $14.29 | $36,130 | $21,490 |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro, PA | 100 | $27,490 | $13.22 | $37,950 | $18,720 |
| East Stroudsburg, PA | 100 | $29,860 | $14.36 | $43,330 | $21,650 |
| Erie, PA | 210 | $28,000 | $13.46 | $35,560 | $18,640 |
| Gettysburg, PA | 60 | $30,470 | $14.65 | $37,720 | $21,880 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | 530 | $30,220 | $14.53 | $39,160 | $21,150 |
| Lancaster, PA | 430 | $31,030 | $14.92 | $39,140 | $22,360 |
| Lebanon, PA | 70 | $28,930 | $13.91 | $37,420 | $21,110 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 5,650 | $33,410 | $16.06 | $44,580 | $24,770 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 2,440 | $29,740 | $14.3 | $41,530 | $21,870 |
| Reading, PA | 300 | $29,020 | $13.95 | $36,270 | $21,520 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA | 320 | $28,970 | $13.93 | $36,490 | $20,980 |
| State College, PA | 100 | $29,040 | $13.96 | $41,690 | $21,290 |
| Williamsport, PA | 50 | $25,430 | $12.23 | $35,950 | $19,560 |
| York-Hanover, PA | 350 | $28,850 | $13.87 | $35,760 | $21,540 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
This number is influenced by the type of employment you have, such as full-time, part-time, self-employed.
Additional Information for Dog Groomers in Pennsylvania
It’s not impossible for regulations to change within industries.
These are some resources you can use for more than just staying informed on changes:
- Central PA Humane Society
- Western Pennsylvania Humane Society
- The PA humane society
- NDGAA
