Pet Groomer

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

• 6483: Pet Groomers and Animal Care Workers

2006 NOC-S

• G923: Pet Groomers and Animal Care Workers

2011 NOC

• 6563: Pet groomers and animal care workers

2016 NOC

• 6563: Pet groomers and animal care workers

2021 NOC

• 65220: Pet groomers and animal care workers

2023 OaSIS

• 65220.00: Pet groomers and animal care workers

Duties vary from one position to another but, in general, pet groomers:

• Answer inquiries from the public
• Schedule appointments and record owner information
• Record each pet’s name, sex, age, breed, and disposition, and any information about health problems
• Discuss grooming requirements and desired styles with pet owners
• Select appropriate shampoos and conditioners for different skin and coat types
• Bathe, cut, comb, style, and blow dry pets’ coats
• Trim pets’ nails
• Clean pets’ ears
• Suppress anal glands, if required
• Maintain grooming equipment

Pet groomers sometimes use special shampoos to destroy external parasites. They also may order grooming supplies and advise customers about pet grooming.

This physically demanding work may involve:

• Restraining animals
• Lifting and carrying animals and cages weighing up to 20 kilograms
• Repetitive movements that can lead to strain injuries
• Being bitten or scratched

The work also involves:

• Getting dirty or wet
• Being exposed to unpleasant odours
• Being exposed to parasites such as fleas, ticks, lice, and mites

Pet groomers work indoors. They may need to work evenings or weekends to accommodate the needs of pet owners. Self-employed pet groomers often work long hours.

Pet groomers work in grooming salons, veterinary clinics, and kennels. Some are self-employed and work from their own homes or travel to clients’ homes. Those employed in salons may be required to supply their own equipment.

One way to get started in this field is to obtain part- or full-time work as a bather and dryer during busy times. For example, during the spring and summer or holiday periods, many employers require additional staff.

Advancement opportunities are limited. With experience and small-business management skills, pet groomers may become salon managers or start their own businesses.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

In the 6563: Pet groomers and animal care workers occupational group, 82.6% of people work in:

• Other Services
• Retail Trade

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

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Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

• Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
• Location in Alberta
• Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
• Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
• Size of the occupation
• Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 6563: Pet groomers and animal care workers occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.7% from 2021 to 2025. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 61 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.