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23 December 2012

Life As A Pet Groomer

By Rafael Kopas


When time comes to choose what type of career path one wishes to pursue, there are many things that will need to be considered. The best opportunities are always those that follow into an area that one enjoys because it makes facing work a pleasure each day. For instance, if someone has an affinity for animals and loves to comfort and soothe them, then pet groomer could be a great choice.

There is so much more to this job than simply bathing and trimming animals. Those in this profession are often the pet's first line of defense when it comes to locating potential health risks like bad teeth, ear infections or skin problems. These positions are often needed in pet stores, rescue shelters, vet offices and grooming shops.

Becoming qualified to do this job is easier than most because the industry does not yet have any standardized regulations. There are online courses available as well as some schools offering specialized training. Most people in this field, however, choose to get their training on the job, starting as a shampooer and learning the skills by being apprenticed to someone more experienced.

It takes more than being able to drag a brush through some unruly fur or having the ability to snip the ends of some nails to be considered adequate for this job. If one is not compassionate and able to connect with animals on a very basic level, it would be very hard to be successful in this field. One must have the trust of the pet in order to do well.

The earliest skills learned are basic shampooing and brushing to make sure the fur is smooth and manageable. If any infestations of ticks or fleas are noticed, they are reported to the vet and the owner and usually treated right away. After shampooing, knowing how to properly blow dry the animal and clean its ears are also important.

Knowing the best way to cut an animals hair is a sure sign of recognizing a talented groomer. One with advanced skills will be able to simply look at the dogs body and instinctively know the best pattern by which to trim that particular breed. This is rarely a natural ability but with a bit of experience, it can become almost second nature.

Knowing how to tend to some of the basic hygienic needs of different pets is also part of the job. Many times a client will want the full treatment for their companions which will mean not only the wash, dry and cut, but nails being trimmed and teeth being cleaned. This is a skill that will be learned over time and not something that beginners are expected to handle.

For one who is very comfortable working with animals and would like a job doing so, pet groomer could be an excellent career choice. It is a great way to express creativity and to care for the furry companions of other people. The qualifications are lenient and the requirements are easy to obtain so this is a job that could be started either through apprenticeship and without years of classroom study.




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