Pet Grooming: Job Prospects

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Pet Grooming is gaining popularity the world over. Even though pet grooming is totally a new concept in India, with the pet industry growing in India each year, pet grooming will definitely make its place in our country too. Pet lovers here are now ready to spend money for keeping their pets groomed and clean for pet shows. As more and more pet owners treat their pets as their family members and want them to have the best care, the demand for professional pet groomers have increased. Moreover, increased preference for exotic and foreign breeds with specific grooming requirements has led to a boost in the demand for pet grooming services. Hence job prospects in this field are likely to boom than earlier.

Groomers maintain the pets appearances. Work of groomer include an initial brush-out followed by a first clipping of hair or fur using electric clippers, combs, and grooming shears. The groomer then cuts the nails, cleans the ears, bathes, and blow-dries the animal, and ends with a final clipping and styling. Massaging and perfuming also are taken up by pet groomers. Pet groomers work with a variety of breeds and sizes. Some dogs are groomed as regularly as every four to six weeks, others perhaps once or twice a year. Groomers also schedule appointments, discuss pets' grooming needs with clients, and collect general information on the pets' health and behavior.

Pet groomers can work in kennels, veterinary clinics, animal shelters, or pet supply stores. They can also operate their own grooming business by starting a salon or parlour. Those starting their own business, should make sure that their spa is well equipped and must keep in close contact with local vets and pet shop owners, as they can refer their customers to pet grooming salons. Another option is to start boarding services for pets, as pet owners often look for a safe and hygienic environment to leave their pets, when they go out of town. Quite a few of them are coming up in urban cities, especially the metros where there is a demand for such boarding facilities.

Pet groomers can work independent or with others as employee of a grooming salon. Grooming pets for shows and competitions is an area where professionals can explore. Groomers after gaining experience can take up supervisory or managerial positions in large retail establishments or kennels. There is also the option to start a mobile pet spa business by attending home calls or providing door to door pet grooming service. Some could move into lecturing or training in animal grooming, or start their own pet grooming school.