Dog Groomer Resume examples & templates
Copyable Dog Groomer Resume examples
Ever wondered why some dogs at the park look runway-ready while others... well, let's just say they've seen better days? Behind those perfectly groomed pups is a skilled professional with scissors, shampoo, and an uncanny ability to calm a nervous Shih Tzu. Dog grooming isn't just about making pets look cute (though that's definitely a perk!) – it's a blend of artistry, animal psychology, and technical skill that keeps our four-legged friends healthy and happy.
The pet care industry is booming, with Americans spending a record $136.8 billion on their pets in 2022 – and grooming services are taking a bigger slice of that pie each year. Mobile grooming services have jumped by 31% since 2020, as pet parents seek convenient, stress-free options for their furry family members. Beyond the bathing and haircuts, today's groomers are often the first to spot skin issues, ear infections, or other health concerns. With pet ownership continuing to rise (especially among millennials who treat their dogs like children), the future looks bright for skilled groomers who can combine technical expertise with genuine compassion for animals.
Junior Dog Groomer Resume Example
JAMIE RIVERA
(555) 871-4992 | jamie.rivera@email.com | linkedin.com/in/jamierivera | Portland, OR 97205
Certified dog groomer with 1+ year of hands-on experience in pet salons and mobile grooming. Quick learner who builds genuine rapport with both pets and their owners. Known for gentle handling techniques that keep animals calm during grooming sessions. Seeking to grow my skills in specialized breed cuts while maintaining high standards of pet care and safety.
EXPERIENCE
Junior Dog Groomer – Paws & Relax Pet Salon, Portland, OR
June 2022 – Present
- Groom 6-8 dogs daily including bathing, drying, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and breed-specific haircuts
- Maintain 92% client return rate by providing consistent quality grooming and personalized service
- Handle special requests for senior dogs and pets with anxiety, using gentle techniques to minimize stress
- Assist in monthly inventory management of shampoos, conditioners, and grooming supplies
- Document pet behavior patterns and health concerns in client files for future reference
Grooming Assistant – Happy Tails Mobile Grooming, Portland, OR
January 2022 – May 2022
- Assisted lead groomer with bathing, drying, and basic prep work for 10-12 dogs per day
- Learned proper handling techniques for dogs of various sizes, temperaments, and breeds
- Maintained cleanliness of grooming equipment between appointments to ensure sanitation
- Helped schedule follow-up appointments and built initial customer service skills
Pet Care Associate (Part-time) – Woof & Whiskers Pet Supply, Portland, OR
May 2021 – December 2021
- Provided basic nail trims and ear cleaning services as part of in-store grooming station
- Advised customers on proper grooming products based on coat type and skin sensitivities
- Maintained clean and sanitized work area in compliance with store protocols
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION
Professional Dog Groomer Certificate
Northwest School of Animal Care, Portland, OR
Completed December 2021
Pet First Aid & CPR Certification
Pet Tech, Online
February 2022
High School Diploma
Roosevelt High School, Portland, OR
Graduated June 2020
SKILLS
- Breed-specific styling (working on terrier patterns!)
- Handling of anxious/senior pets
- Bath & brushing techniques
- Nail trimming & ear cleaning
- Grooming tool maintenance
- Flea & tick identification
- Basic coat pattern recognition
- Client communication
- Appointment scheduling
- Sanitation protocols
- POS system operation
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Volunteer monthly at Oregon Humane Society providing grooming services for shelter dogs (Sept 2022-Present)
Currently own 3 dogs of different breeds (Shih Tzu, Border Collie mix, and Poodle) – perfect for practicing different grooming techniques!
Mid-level Dog Groomer Resume Example
Melissa Thornton
Denver, CO 80210 • (720) 555-8429 • melissa.thornton@email.com • linkedin.com/in/melissathornton
Certified dog groomer with 6+ years of hands-on experience working with diverse breeds and temperaments. Known for creating calm grooming environments that reduce stress for anxious pets. Specialize in breed-specific cuts and handling techniques for senior and special needs dogs. Built loyal client base at current salon through attention to detail and excellent pet parent communication.
EXPERIENCE
Lead Dog Groomer | Pawfection Pet Salon | Denver, CO | March 2021 – Present
- Manage 4-6 daily full-service grooms including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts, nail trimming, and ear cleaning
- Train and mentor 3 junior groomers on safety protocols and breed-specific styling techniques
- Increased client retention by 31% through implementation of detailed grooming notes system
- Handle special needs and senior dogs requiring extra care, patience, and modified techniques
- Maintain detailed records for 175+ regular clients including coat conditions, behavioral notes, and owner preferences
Dog Groomer | Bark Avenue | Boulder, CO | June 2019 – February 2021
- Performed 6-8 complete grooms daily for dogs of all sizes and breeds
- Specialized in hand-scissoring techniques for poodles and bichon frises
- Created a “Puppy’s First Groom” program that brought in 27 new clients over 6 months
- Managed salon operations during manager’s absence, including scheduling and client communications
Grooming Assistant | Happy Tails Pet Supply | Fort Collins, CO | August 2017 – May 2019
- Assisted lead groomers with bathing, brushing, and prep work for 10-15 dogs daily
- Developed expertise in de-matting techniques for long-haired breeds
- Maintained clean, sanitized work environment according to health department standards
- Completed 300-hour apprenticeship program while earning certification
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION
National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA)
Certified Master Groomer, 2020
Colorado School of Animal Grooming
Professional Dog Grooming Certificate, 2017
300 hours of classroom and hands-on training
Pet CPR & First Aid Certification
PetTech, Renewed 2022
SKILLS
- Breed-specific styling & AKC standards
- Hand-scissoring techniques
- De-shedding treatments
- Special needs & senior dog handling
- Clipper maintenance & blade selection
- Pet skin condition identification
- Animal behavior & stress recognition
- Salon management software (123Pet)
- Client communication & education
- Safe handling & restraint techniques
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Available for weekend appointments • Comfortable with cats and small mammals • Volunteer groomer at Denver Animal Shelter (monthly since 2019)
Senior / Experienced Dog Groomer Resume Example
Samantha “Sam” Cooper
Portland, OR 97205 • (503) 555-8742 • scooper.groomer@email.com • linkedin.com/in/samcoopergroomer
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Dedicated Dog Groomer with over 11 years of hands-on experience in pet salons and mobile grooming services. Known for handling challenging breeds and anxious pets with patience and skill. Built a loyal client base of 200+ regular customers who specifically request my services. Proficient in both traditional and modern grooming techniques with specialized training in elderly and special needs dog care.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Lead Groomer & Training Supervisor | Pawfection Mobile Grooming, Portland, OR | April 2019 – Present
- Manage a team of 6 groomers and 3 bathers while maintaining a personal client load of 35+ dogs weekly
- Decreased appointment cancellations by 27% by implementing a text reminder system and flexible booking options
- Created and delivered comprehensive training for new hires, reducing onboarding time from 4 weeks to 17 days
- Specialize in grooming elderly and special needs dogs, developing modified techniques for pets with mobility issues
- Introduced eco-friendly, hypoallergenic products that boosted client satisfaction ratings to 4.9/5 stars
Senior Groomer | Furry Friends Pet Salon, Portland, OR | June 2015 – March 2019
- Handled 8-12 full grooms daily, specializing in breed-specific cuts for poodles, schnauzers, and bichon frises
- Maintained a 94% client retention rate through personalized service and consistent quality
- Pioneered the salon’s “Gentle Grooming” program for anxious and rescue dogs, which became their top requested service
- Trained and mentored 7 junior groomers in proper handling techniques and breed-specific styling
- Implemented a digital record-keeping system that reduced booking errors by 31%
Dog Groomer | PetSmart, Beaverton, OR | March 2012 – May 2015
- Performed 6-8 complete grooms daily including bathing, drying, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and styling
- Consistently exceeded monthly sales targets by an average of 22% through add-on services
- Earned “Groomer of the Month” recognition 8 times for quality work and customer satisfaction
- Developed expertise in de-matting techniques that minimized stress for both pets and owners
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) – Certified Master Groomer, 2017
Northwest School of Animal Massage – Small Animal Massage Level 1 Certification, 2019
Pet CPR & First Aid Certification – PetTech, Renewed 2023
Oregon Academy of Canine Grooming – Professional Dog Groomer Certificate, 2012
Associates Degree in Animal Science – Portland Community College, 2011
SKILLS
- Breed-specific styling & hand-scissoring
- Handling difficult/aggressive dogs
- De-matting & de-shedding techniques
- Pet health issue identification
- Grooming tool maintenance
- Specialized care for elderly/arthritic dogs
- Salon management & scheduling
- Staff training & development
- Client communication & retention
- Asian Fusion styling techniques
- Dog behavior assessment
PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT PROFICIENCY
- Andis UltraEdge AGC Super 2-Speed Clippers
- Wahl KM10 Clipper
- Chris Christensen shears & brushes
- HV dryers & stand dryers
- Mobile grooming van equipment & generators
How to Write a Dog Groomer Resume
Introduction
Creating a standout dog groomer resume isn't just about listing where you've worked—it's about showcasing your unique blend of technical skills, animal handling expertise, and client service abilities. I've helped dozens of groomers land jobs at everything from high-end boutique salons to nationwide pet retailers, and I've noticed the resumes that get callbacks share certain qualities. This guide will walk you through crafting a resume that makes salon managers want to meet you (almost as much as the pups want to see you!).
Resume Structure and Format
Keep your resume clean and organized—just like your grooming station should be! Aim for 1-2 pages depending on your experience level. Newer groomers can stick to one page, while those with 5+ years might need two.
- Use clear section headings (Summary, Experience, Skills, Education)
- Choose a clean, readable font like Arial or Calibri in 10-12pt size
- Include plenty of white space—cramped text is as unwelcoming as a cramped kennel
- Save as a PDF to preserve formatting (unless the job posting specifically requests a different format)
- Name your file professionally: "JaneDoe_DogGroomer_Resume.pdf"
Profile/Summary Section
Your professional summary should be 3-4 sentences that capture your grooming experience, specialties, and what makes you different from other applicants. Think of it as your "30-second pitch" to a potential employer.
Skip the objective statement ("Seeking a position as a dog groomer...") and instead focus on what you bring to the table. Salon managers care more about your skills than your career goals.
Example: "Certified dog groomer with 4+ years handling breeds from Toy Poodles to Great Pyrenees. Specialized in hand-scissor finish work and managing challenging behaviors. Known for maintaining 92% client retention rate and building a loyal following of 73 regular customers at PetStyle Salon."
Professional Experience
This is where you'll spend most of your resume real estate. For each position, include:
- Company name, location, and dates employed
- Your title and core responsibilities
- Specific achievements backed by numbers when possible
- Breeds you regularly worked with (especially if you specialized)
- Grooming techniques you mastered
Instead of: "Groomed dogs"
Try: "Completed 8-12 full-service grooms daily, including breed-specific cuts for Bichons, Schnauzers, and Poodles using both clipper and scissor techniques."
Instead of: "Handled difficult dogs"
Try: "Developed reputation as the go-to groomer for anxious or senior dogs, reducing sedation referrals by 27% through patient handling and adaptive techniques."
Education and Certifications
List formal education first, followed by industry certifications and continuing education. Include:
- Grooming school or apprenticeship training
- Certifications (National Dog Groomers Association, IPG, etc.)
- First aid/CPR for pets
- Specialized training (hand stripping, creative grooming, etc.)
- Breed-specific workshops or seminars
Keywords and ATS Tips
Many larger employers use Applicant Tracking Systems to screen resumes before human eyes ever see them. Include these industry-specific keywords (where truthful):
- Breed-specific terms: "desheding," "hand stripping," "pattern setting"
- Equipment: "high-velocity dryer," "clipper maintenance," "shear types"
- Software: "appointment scheduling," "POS systems," "client database"
- Safety: "animal handling," "restraint techniques," "first aid"
- Client service: "client communication," "home care instructions," "retail recommendations"
Industry-specific Terms to Include
Drop in relevant grooming terminology that shows you know your stuff:
- Coat types: double-coated, wire-haired, silky, etc.
- Grooming styles: puppy cut, teddy bear trim, summer cut, show cut
- Techniques: line brushing, carding, mat removal, paw pad trimming
- Health awareness: ear plucking, anal gland expression, skin condition identification
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using generic descriptions that could apply to any service job
- Focusing only on routine tasks without highlighting special skills
- Forgetting to mention experience with specific breeds or coat types
- Omitting customer service skills (you're grooming pets AND managing pet parents!)
- Including irrelevant work history (that summer job at the ice cream shop probably doesn't matter)
Before/After Example
Before: "Responsible for grooming dogs and cats. Bathed and dried pets. Used clippers and scissors."
After: "Performed full-service grooming for 45+ regular clients, specializing in Poodle and Doodle cuts with scissor-finish work. Designed modified grooming approaches for senior pets, reducing table time by 31% while maintaining quality. Created before/after photo portfolio that helped increase new client bookings by 17% when displayed in salon reception area."
Related Resume Examples
Soft skills for your Dog Groomer resume
- Calm demeanor with anxious animals (reduced stress in 80% of difficult grooming sessions)
- Clear communication with pet owners about grooming options and health concerns
- Patience when working with challenging dogs or detailed styling requests
- Problem-solving skills for unexpected situations (matted fur, skin issues, nervous pets)
- Time management – handling 6-8 grooms daily while maintaining quality
- Tactful client conversations about pet behavioral issues or needed veterinary care
Hard skills for your Dog Groomer resume
- Specialized coat cutting techniques for 30+ dog breeds
- Use of professional clippers, shears, and thinning tools
- Pet first aid and CPR certification
- Medicated bathing procedures for skin conditions
- PetLinc scheduling software proficiency
- Identification and treatment of common parasites
- Hand-stripping techniques for wire-coated breeds
- Safe handling of senior and special needs dogs
- Maintenance and sanitization of grooming equipment