If you love animals you know it’s important for them to look good and be happy.
A dog groomer in Virginia can help achieve this, while also promoting the pets’ health.
If you want to know more about this occupation, or even becoming one yourself, read this guide!
Page Navigation
Dog Groomer Job Description and Duties in Virginia
Not everyone knows what this job entails, no pun intended.
First, there are 2 types of tasks to be completed daily:
- Those that are related to the animals
- Those that relate to the workplace
These ones involve directly the animal:
- 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
These are related to the job itself:
- 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
No matter where you work, additional tasks are always to be expected.
Dog Groomer Job Requirements in Virginia
According to the laws in Virginia, you don’t have to meet any set of special requirements to become or get hired as a dog groomer.
When searching for a job, however, you’ll generally be asked for:
- Being over 18 years of age
- Having a high school diploma or GED
- Having some experience in working with animals
- Clean criminal record
For this position, the ideal candidates need:
- Patience
- Kindness
- Empathy
- Calm
- Attention to details
- Good communication skills
- Physically strong
- Self-control
These are traits can be of great help in a variety of situation, but especially when dealing with more difficult pet owners or animals who get easily scared.
Dog Groomers’ Education and Certification in Virginia
There’s no need to become certified in Virginia, however doing so, will improve your career prospects.
Dog Groomers’ Education
Graduating from some training course in dog grooming will definitely give you an advantage when seeking a position.
There are many classes available, both online and offline, but the one to choose needs a focus on the practice period.
Don’t miss out on a course with accreditation from the National Dog Groomers Association of America, as this one is one of the most prestigious.
Duration is not an issue, for most classes last for approximately two months.
Those who can make an effort to pay the tuition all at once may benefit from a discount.
This is the structure of a pet styling training gprogram:
- 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
Dog Groomers’ Certification
To become certified you’ll need to pass the certification exam.
Usually, this means you’ll first sign up for it by providing some document and paying a fee.
Most certificates must be renewed through a request and an additional fee.
Those who want to work on their own or open a salon will need a business license.
This credential normally requires passing the jurisprudence exam.
If you also sell products in your salon, an additional permit is needed.
Dog Groomers’ Employment and Salary in Virginia
Most dog groomers work in places such as the following:
- Dog rescues
- Veterinary clinics
- Pet grooming salons
- Pet shops
- Dog daycare centers
There are many factors influencing how much you’ll earn, particularly the type of employment you have.
Salaries are higher in cities like Arlington and Alexandria.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Dog Groomers in Virginia
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $34,301 |
| Norfolk | $33,801 |
| Chesapeake | $33,701 |
| Richmond | $35,801 |
| Newport News | $33,601 |
| Hampton | $33,601 |
| Alexandria | $39,901 |
| Portsmouth | $33,801 |
| Roanoke | $33,201 |
| Lynchburg | $33,001 |
Regional Salary in Virginia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | 130 | $29,860 | $14.35 | $41,600 | $24,960 |
| Charlottesville, VA | 320 | $32,600 | $15.67 | $43,460 | $25,870 |
| Harrisonburg, VA | 130 | $32,420 | $15.59 | $44,990 | $25,630 |
| Lynchburg, VA | 210 | $29,110 | $14 | $36,450 | $24,960 |
| Richmond, VA | 1,360 | $31,760 | $15.27 | $39,000 | $25,680 |
| Roanoke, VA | 320 | $29,390 | $14.13 | $36,060 | $24,960 |
| Staunton-Waynesboro, VA | 100 | $30,850 | $14.83 | $41,250 | $24,960 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | 1,860 | $30,910 | $14.86 | $37,110 | $24,960 |
| Winchester, VA-WV | 140 | $32,920 | $15.83 | $47,160 | $25,440 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for Dog Groomers in Virginia
Depending on your aspirations, you may want to continue your education and improve your skills for a more successful career.
Here is where you can find resources for this:
- National Dog Groomers Association of America
- The Humane Society of the U.S./Virginia
- International Professional Groomers
- The National Association of Professional Creative Groomers
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
- Humane Society of Fairfax County
You may even find a better job through one of these organizations.
Those earning the certificate from the NDGAA are also supposed to become members of the Association.
