If you like helping animals to look their best you’ll probably make a good pet groomer.
Read this article to find out if you really are meant to be a dog stylist in New Jersey!
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Dog Groomer Job Description and Duties in New Jersey
If you aren’t sure about what this job is all about, we have you covered!
These are the services these professionals offer daily:
- Cutting, clipping, and styling a dog’s coat
- Bathing dogs
- Clipping a dog’s nails
- Interacting with dog owners
- Knowing the hygienic care for each dog breed
- Teeth brushing
- Knowing how to restrain animals
- Calming the dogs
- Identify problem areas
Next are some actions that will also be your responsibility to complete:
- Cleaning and maintenance of your workplace
- Cleaning and maintaining your tools
- Knowing which tools to use for what task
- Safely operating the tools
- Staying updated with styling trends
- Staying informed on the industry changes
Expect to receive other tasks than the ones mentioned here, as well as having to work with a variety of animals.
Dog Groomer Job Requirements in New Jersey
There is a specific kind of person needed for dog grooming positions.
For instance, the ideal candidate has very good interpersonal skills because they will interact with a multitude of different people.
They are not just pet owners but also co-workers and even delivery personnel.
Being a calm, patient, and empathetic person will help you better handle difficult customers and pets.
For the animals that get easily scared those traits will also be helpful.
You may have to lift heavier pets on the table if you don’t have some stairs to help them get there on their own.
Physical strength is needed for that as well as for when trying to handle and control more aggressive and strong animals.
Most pet stylists work standing and get vaccinated against rabies too.
Dog Groomers’ Education and Certification in New Jersey
Individuals from New Jersey who want to become dog groomers don’t need to earn a license.
They are better candidates if they have a high school diploma or a GED, as well as a dog groomer certificate.
Dog Groomers’ Education
There are many training programs across New Jersey for those who want to become pet stylists.
One of the best programs is the one recognized by the National Dog Groomers Association of America.
Most courses last for at least two months and they’re also quite affordable.
Online instruction is also possible, though you need many practice hours as well to graduate.
Here’s the structure of such a course:
- Introduction to Pet Grooming
- Introduction to Dogs and Cats
- Pre-Grooming Procedures
- Dog Grooming, Part 1
- Dog Grooming, Part 2
- Dog Grooming, Part 3
- Dog Personalities and Behavior
- Cat Grooming
- Business Practices
Most establishments have cats as the second most popular pet for grooming.
Dog Groomers’ Certification
When the training is completed, you’ll have to pass an exam.
These exams have a theory and a practice part, and you’ll receive the certification if you pass both parts.
It’s highly likely that you’ll have to renew your credential but check with the institution first.
Continuing your education is not mandatory, but doing so gives you the opportunity to earn more diplomas.
If you want to run a salon, you must check the rules and regulations in your jurisdiction and earn the appropriate licenses.
Dog Groomers’ Employment and Salary in New Jersey
You can find a job here:
- Dog rescues
- Veterinary clinics
- Pet grooming salons
- Pet shops
- Dog daycare centers
As far as your salary goes, it varies on many different factors.
These include the type of employment you have, your experience, and the number of diplomas you have.
In New Jersey, you can expect a salary of about $38,844 per year.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Dog Groomers in New Jersey
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Newark | $40,901 |
| Jersey City | $43,101 |
| Paterson | $41,301 |
| Elizabeth | $40,901 |
| Edison | $40,201 |
| Woodbridge | $40,201 |
| Dover | $41,101 |
| Lakewood | $40,301 |
| Trenton | $38,801 |
| Camden | $38,401 |
Regional Salary in New Jersey
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | 250 | $31,860 | $15.32 | $37,530 | $27,040 |
| Ocean City, NJ | 100 | $34,740 | $16.7 | $44,590 | $27,560 |
| Trenton, NJ | 290 | $32,750 | $15.74 | $43,150 | $27,040 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ | 60 | $32,350 | $15.55 | $44,090 | $27,040 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for Dog Groomers in New Jersey
And now you know what it takes to be a stylist.
Should you need further help, especially with finding a job, use these organizations:
- North Jersey Humane Society
- Humane Society of Atlantic County
- Associated Humane Society of New Jersey
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
- National Dog Groomers Association of America
