If you are ready to work in a new field and have compassion for animals, try becoming a dog groomer in South Dakota.
This job can be very rewarding and offers stable employment.
But, what do you need to do first?
Check out our article below to learn more.
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Dog Groomer Job Description and Duties in South Dakota
Your work in the dog grooming field will be based on providing grooming services to dogs and other pets.
It is essential that you like dogs as you will be around them all day long.
Some job duties that need to be completed daily 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 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
Dog Groomer Job Requirements in South Dakota
While your job will mostly be based on providing services to dogs, you may also need to groom cats.
It is important that you know how to handle different species of animals and understand their behavior.
A dog groomer also needs to have solid communication skills.
This is what is commonly asked of this professional:
- Antirabies vaccine
- Patience
- Kindness
- Physical strength
- Detail-oriented
- Being calm
Dog Groomers’ Education and Certification in South Dakota
In this state, you don’t need to get a certification in order to get hired as a dog groomer.
Although certification is not required by law, quite a few employers require it.
This means that you will have a higher chance of getting hired if you are certified.
But, you first need to take some steps and get your license.
Dog Groomers’ Education
The first thing you need to do when looking to get certified is to look for a suitable training program.
This will help you develop the needed skills and get certified.
South Dakota offers a few different dog grooming training programs you can check out.
When you finish your training program, you will be given the option to take an exam.
Once you pass the exam, you will get your dog grooming certification.
In class, you will learn about the topics below:
- 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 dog grooming training program usually combines theory and clinical practice.
Dog Groomers’ Certification
If you wish to work in a dog grooming facility, this is the only certification you will need.
But, if you are interested in starting a dog grooming company, you need a commercial license.
This license requires knowledge about the laws at the federal and state level.
Dog Groomers’ Employment and Salary in South Dakota
After you finally got your dog grooming certification, the next step is to find a suitable job.
You can find work in a pet grooming facility like:
- Dog rescues
- Veterinary clinics
- Pet grooming salons
- Pet shops
- Dog daycare centers
You might want to know the median salaries for a dog groomer in South Dakota.
Your salary and career opportunities will depend on how much experience you have but also other factors.
For example, business owners earn more compared to dog groomers who are employed by a facility.
Some areas in South Dakota also offer better salaries.
Generally, you can expect to earn about $28,000 per year.
If you have a certification your salary can also increase.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Dog Groomers in South Dakota
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $32,201 |
| Rapid City | $31,101 |
| Aberdeen | $29,201 |
| Watertown | $31,701 |
| Brookings | $31,701 |
| Mitchell | $31,701 |
| Pierre | $29,801 |
| Yankton | $30,901 |
| Huron | $30,401 |
| Vermillion | $30,201 |
Regional Salary in South Dakota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD | 240 | $31,640 | $15.21 | $44,580 | $24,010 |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 320 | $33,010 | $15.87 | $44,580 | $25,440 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for Dog Groomers in South Dakota
You might need some additional resources to check out for updates.
The organizations you can reach out to in South Dakota include the following:
- Sioux Falls Humane Society
- Aberdeen Area Humane Society
- Dog Groomers.com South Dakota
- National Dog Groomers Association of America
The pet grooming industry in South Dakota will keep evolving over the next few years.
So, it is the right choice to find a suitable training program and get your certification.
