Dreaming of turning your passion for pets into a thriving grooming career? Whether you’re planning to work at a salon or start your own grooming business in 2025, there are a few key things you need to know when it comes to licensing, certifications, and business requirements. Let’s break it all down so you can get started with confidence!
Licensing
When you’re thinking about becoming a pet groomer, you might find yourself a little confused when it comes to licensing requirements. Here’s the thing: right now, there are no national or state licensing requirements to become a dog or pet groomer in the U.S. That said, some local counties do have specific rules, especially when it comes to selling pet products or zoning regulations for your business.
If you decide to open your own grooming business, a business license will most likely be required—even for mobile grooming. Depending on your location, you may also need to follow specific sanitation guidelines, verify that pets are vaccinated, and ensure you’re using safe equipment. Plus, as a groomer, you’ll need to be familiar with and follow local and state animal welfare laws.
Liability insurance isn’t a must, but many groomers choose to carry it to protect both themselves and their business.
Certifications
Now, even though licensing isn’t a requirement, there are certifications available that could help boost your career and improve your pet grooming facility’s credibility. These aren’t mandatory, but they’re definitely worth considering. For example, in California, there’s an Animal Behavior College program where aspiring groomers can receive industry training and mentorship. The program can be completed in about 12 months.
Available Programs
1. AKC Dog Grooming Institute
The AKC Dog Grooming Institute offers a series of certifications to help groomers grow professionally. These programs focus on essential grooming skills, with core courses covering safety and proper handling. As you progress, you can specialize in different areas, earning certifications such as the S.A.F.E. certificate or even the prestigious AKC Master Groomer title. This is a great option for groomers looking to build expertise and credibility in the industry.
2. National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA)
The National Dog Groomers Association of America offers certifications that are recognized across the country. By following the curriculum from the AKC Dog Grooming Institute, NDGAA provides specialized certifications for grooming various dog breeds, including groups like Sporting, Non-Sporting, and Terrier. This can be a great opportunity for groomers wanting to demonstrate their knowledge of breed-specific grooming.
3. International Professional Groomers, Inc. (IPG)
The International Professional Groomers offers a global option for pet grooming. With members in over 35 countries, IPG provides virtual certification opportunities, including their Safety Certification, Advanced Certification, and Master Groomer levels. IPG also offers certifications for grooming salons and training facilities, making it a comprehensive option for professionals seeking international recognition.
4. International Society of Canine Cosmetologists (ISCC)
The International Society of Canine Cosmetologists offers additional learning opportunities, including continuing education and testing for various certifications. Whether you’re interested in canine and feline grooming or becoming a Master Pet Stylist, the ISCC offers valuable programs that will allow you to stay updated on best practices within the grooming industry.
5. Paragon School of Pet Grooming
For those seeking formal education, the Paragon School of Pet and Grooming is another great option for industry training. Paragon offers a variety of courses, from entry-level grooming to advanced pet stylist training. With virtual courses and mentorship programs, students can learn the essentials of grooming while building skills in a hands-on environment. If you want to expand your expertise even further, Learn2GroomDogs.com is an extension of Paragon and offers online seminars to help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques.
Smooth Out Your Journey to Starting a Grooming Business
If you’re looking to start your own grooming business, let us help! At DaySmart Pet, we offer an easy-to-use management solution for pet groomers that simplifies scheduling, payments, client communication, and day-to-day operations.
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