Skilled pet groomers have innate artistic traits. Much like a sculptor transforming a rough hewn slab of marble fresh from the quarry into a finished polished statue, groomers style masterpieces from hairy dogs and even cats. Some purebred and mixed breed dogs require only bathing, drying and touchups. Others best illustrate the art of grooming requiring substantially more “finish work” such as Poodles, Bichon Frises, to name just two purebreds. There are many more including mixed breeds such as the "Goldendoodle."

If you have a keen eye and enjoy color, design, modeling and using your hands you have some of the basic requirements to learn the art of grooming. There is another very important reality that comes with grooming pets. Your animal clients are not inanimate canvas or marble. Groomers are temporary caretakers of beloved animals. There are substantial responsibilities to respect the faith and trust placed in you by pet owners. Not only do they trust you to make their pets beautiful, but also to protect and maintain the well-being of their pets while separated from them. Professionals understand these responsibilities are not occasional and instead rest on their shoulders daily.
 

Abusive tendencies for heated reactions toward pets and people won't do. Animals will react to your emotions even when you are in control of your physical reactions. You must temper your reactions at all times without yelling, scolding or physical admonishment. You must handle stress well and be willing to work smarter. Is that you?

Do you fear household pets? It may sound incredible but we have interviewed a surprising number of grooming job applicants fearful of dogs and cats. Perhaps they have a romantic, unrealistic concept of the position. Some don't realize that it can years of experience to master pet grooming and handling. Practical experience in pet care services is great way to understand the demanding requirements of properly handling animals. We encourage career seekers to do volunteer work with shelters and trainers. Some grooming business owners have positions such as reception where you can observe pet care in action by professionals.

You must humanely handle behavioral pets with infinite patience. Groomers serve some behavioral pets that require muzzles and other restraint systems. Some pets bite. There are methods which safely protect both you and pets. If this worries you, training and experience may reverse your fears. Be honest. We want you to understand there is more to the art of grooming than the "art."

Are you allergic to pet dirt, dander and other contaminants? If so, you may them aggravated working as a pet groomer. Wise employers will ask about your allergies. Hair coats collect weeds, pollens, pests and dust then released by grooming. If you have these allergies but decide to persist in pet grooming, ask your physician to provide written medical clearance for prospective employers. A medical release may encourage an employer to hire you.

You may require inoculations, usually a tetanus booster. Employers may require drug tests too.

Although you may work in an air-conditioned environment, bathing and drying areas can become humid and warm. Without adequate air conditioning it can be very hot. Can you endure the heat?

Noise is a big factor is grooming workplaces. Blow dryers and interior vacuum systems make plenty of noise, and don't forget barking dogs. Design and floor plan workbooks available from Grooming Business in a Box™ can significantly lower sound levels.

Pet groomers clean up after pets. You should expect to clean up pet waste every workday. Job applicants new to pet care have even halted job interviews when they discovered we required everyone to help clean up pet waste! Did they think we hired someone dedicated to cleaning pet wastes? In fact, it's very important to clean up pet waste immediately. Pet owners don't want to see, smell or step-in pet waste. It's part of professional client services to maintain a fresh, sanitary environment at all times.

One more grooming routine causes some career seekers to shudder. How do you feel about blood? Not yours, the pets. There are blood vessels in pet nails. When cutting nails groomers avoid opening the "quick of the blood vessel," but it does happen. Groomers stock agents specially made to quickly stop nail bleeding. Does this bother you badly? Can you overcome it? If not, you won’t make a successful pet groomer until you do.

We have shared important and not so glamorous aspects of pet grooming. It would be unfair not to share these responsibilities with career seekers. Groomers deserve greater respect. Their work is not as simple as bathing animals, and having fun with clippers and scissors. Grooming pets is just as complicated as hairstyling for people, if not more so.

Click the Next bone now to learn more about the demands of pet grooming.