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: Pet Groomers and Animal Care Workers (6483) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Pet Groomers and Animal Care Workers (G923) 
• 2011 NOC: Pet groomers and animal care workers (6563) 
• 2016 NOC: Pet groomers and animal care workers (6563) 

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
• bath, cut, comb, style and blow-dry pets' coats 
• trim nails 
• clean pets' ears
• suppress anal glands if required
• maintain grooming equipment.

Pet groomers sometimes use special shampoos to destroy insect pests. They also may order grooming supplies and advise customers regarding pet grooming.

This is physically demanding work that 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 insect pests such as fleas, ticks, lice and mites. 

Pet groomers work indoors. Some evening or weekend work may be required to cater to the needs of pet owners who cannot bring their pets in for grooming on weekdays. Self-employed pet groomers often work long hours.

Pet groomers need the following characteristics:

• physically fit and in good health
• not allergic to or afraid of dogs or cats
• quick reflexes 
• an interest in animals, the ability to work with them and a willingness to clean up after them
• artistic interest in grooming styles
• the ability to maintain control but at the same time be gentle, quiet and patient with animals
• the ability to deal with pet owners tactfully and gain their trust.

They should enjoy having clear rules and guidelines for their work and caring for animals.

Pet groomers work in grooming salons, veterinary clinics and kennels. Some are self-employed and work from their own 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 time or full time work as a bather and dryer during busy times such as the spring and summer or holiday periods when 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.

Pet groomers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 6563: Pet groomers and animal care workers. In Alberta, 85% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Other Services (PDF)
• Retail Trade (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 4,300 Albertans are employed in the Pet groomers and animal care workers occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 1.8% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 77 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As pet groomers form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for pet groomers. 

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