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Pet Groomer

Pet groomers shampoo, clip, and groom dogs, cats, and other pets to improve and maintain their hygiene, comfort, and appearance.

Also Known As

Cat Groomer, Dog Groomer, Groomer

NOC Codes

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
Updated Mar 31, 2024

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.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

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.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Pet Groomers and Animal Care Workers

2006 NOC: 6483

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

Interest in comparing information to monitor and document animal behaviour, and to prepare food and feed animals, fish and birds at scheduled intervals

OBJECTIVE

Interest in assisting scientists and researchers in conducting laboratory tests with animals; and in using equipment for grooming animals

DIRECTIVE

Interest in handling and nurturing animals when grooming and when assisting breeders; and in training dogs to obey commands and perform specific duties in response to signals

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Pet groomers need:

  • Physical fitness and good health
  • Quick reflexes
  • An interest in animals
  • The ability to establish trust with animals quickly in order to work with them
  • A willingness to clean up after animals
  • Creative interest in grooming styles
  • The ability to maintain control of animals while also being gentle, quiet, and patient with them
  • The ability to understand animal body language and behaviour
  • The ability to interact with pet owners tactfully and gain their trust

Pet groomers should not be allergic to or afraid of the pets they groom. They should enjoy having clear rules and guidelines for their work, and constantly learning.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Pet groomers and animal care workers

2016 NOC: 6563

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 121 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 16, 2021 and Dec 02, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Attention to detail
Tasks: Nail clipping
Tasks: Ear cleaning
Tasks: Bathing/shampooing
Team player
Reliability
Dependability
Tasks: Teeth cleaning
Effective interpersonal skills
Tasks: Keep records of animals treated
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Minimum Education Varies

There are no minimum education requirements for pet groomers. However, pet groomers should have:

  • Grooming animals
  • Understanding various animals’ behaviour
  • Knowledge of different pet breeds, their characteristics, and requirements
  • A basic understanding of pet first aid
  • The ability to recognize when animals may need veterinary care

Previous animal-care experience is an asset.

Some salons provide private lessons or group training for pet groomers and some train newly hired groomers on the job. Prospective pet groomers are strongly advised to discuss their education options with several practising pet groomers before enrolling in a training program.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Robertson College - Calgary
Robertson College - Edmonton

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Certification Not Regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2024

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.

Pet groomers and animal care workers
2016 NOC: 6563

82.6% of people in this occupational group work in:

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 examples, see Note.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Pet groomers and animal care workers
2021 NOC: 65220
Lower
Demand
4,400
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

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 examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

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

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

Pet groomers and animal care workers
2016 NOC: 6563
2.7%
Annual Growth
(Above Average)
61
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

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 examples, see Note.

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

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Pet groomers’ earnings vary widely. Experienced independent groomers work on commission. Their incomes depend on their reputation for good work, their business and customer-service skills, and the number of pets they can groom in a day. Many grooming shops also pay staff as contractors (a 50% commission on average) rather than hiring them as employees.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Pet groomers and animal care workers

2016 NOC: 6563
Average Wage
$17.83
Per Hour
Average Salary
$24,871.00
Per Year
Average Hours
26.9
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.8
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 6563 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $15.00 $23.00 $16.45 $15.32
Overall $15.00 $26.25 $17.83 $16.20
Top $15.00 $31.25 $20.17 $18.00

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
69%
69%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
28%
28%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
10%
10%
Vacancy Rate
5%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Personal and Food Services

Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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