Dog Groomer Resume Examples

RF By Renzo Feroci · Updated September 27, 2026

A strong dog groomer resume shows more than just your love for animals. Employers want to see your hands-on grooming skills, attention to detail, and ability to keep pets safe and comfortable. On this page, you will find a real dog groomer resume example for every experience level, plus proven dog groomer resume skills and summary ideas you can use to stand out.

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Dog Groomer resume example

Three ready-to-use examples by experience level. Pick the closest and make it yours.

Emily Carson

Entry Level Dog Groomer

[email protected] · 555-123-4567 · Columbus, OH

Summary

Motivated entry level dog groomer with hands-on experience in bathing, brushing, and basic grooming. Skilled in animal handling and customer service, with a strong focus on pet safety and maintaining a clean grooming area.

Experience

Dog Groomer Assistant

Happy Paws Pet Salon

June 2022 to Present

Bathe and brush up to 12 dogs per shift, ensuring all pets are comfortable and safe
Maintained grooming area cleanliness, passing all sanitation checks with no violations
Assisted head groomer with breed-specific grooming styles and basic obedience handling
Communicated with clients about grooming needs, leading to a 95% satisfaction rate

Kennel Technician

PetSmart

March 2021 to May 2022

Handled daily care for 20+ dogs, including feeding, bathing, and basic grooming
Kept kennels organized and sanitized, reducing cleaning time by 20%
Supported team with animal handling during busy weekend shifts

Education

High School Diploma, General Studies

Central Ohio High School

Courses

Pet Stylist Apprentice Program, PetSmart
Driver's License, Ohio BMV

Skills

Grooming Skills

Animal HandlingDog GroomingBathingBrushingAnimal Grooming

Customer Service

Customer ServiceClient Communication

Workplace Skills

Attention to DetailReliabilityTeamwork

Why this example works

This entry level dog groomer resume example highlights hands-on experience, customer service, and a strong focus on cleanliness and safety. It uses real numbers to show impact and includes relevant certifications.

Use this example

Illustrative sample for a Dog Groomer resume.

Why These Dog Groomer Resume Examples Work

Each dog groomer resume example here is tailored to real job requirements. You will see clear, measurable achievements, like the number of pets groomed per day or improvements in customer satisfaction. The skills and certifications match what employers actually ask for, and every summary is focused on the value you bring to a grooming team.

Dog Groomer resume summary examples

Entry

Reliable and motivated entry level dog groomer with hands-on experience in bathing, brushing, and basic grooming for dogs of all sizes. Skilled in animal handling and customer service, with a strong focus on pet safety and maintaining a clean work environment.

Mid

Detail-oriented pet groomer with three years of experience delivering breed-specific cuts and excellent customer service. Adept at using clippers, grooming tables, and dryers to provide high-quality grooming services while building strong client relationships.

Senior

Experienced dog groomer and team lead with over seven years in busy grooming salons and mobile pet grooming. Expert in advanced haircutting, staff training, and client communication. Known for improving grooming efficiency and customer satisfaction scores.

Skills to put on a Dog Groomer resume

Lead with the must-haves, add the recommended skills you have, and sprinkle in optional ones as bonuses.

Recommended common; add the ones you know

Animal HandlingDog GroomingBathingCustomer ServiceEar CleaningNail TrimmingAnimal Grooming

Optional nice-to-have extras

Bathing SystemBladesBrushingCat GroomingClippersDog HandlingDog TrainingDryersGland CleaningGrooming Tables

Soft skills employers value

CommunicationAttention to DetailCustomer ServiceTeamworkTime ManagementPhysical StaminaReliabilityEmpathy

Dog Groomer resume bullet points

Rewrite these in your own words with your own numbers.

Groomed an average of 10 dogs per day, maintaining a 98% customer satisfaction rating.
Reduced grooming time per dog by 15 minutes through improved bathing and brushing techniques.
Trained three new staff members on safe animal handling and grooming standards.
Maintained a spotless grooming area, passing all sanitation inspections with zero violations.
Increased repeat client bookings by 30% through personalized service and follow-up calls.
Handled large and anxious dogs safely, resulting in zero incidents over 12 months.

How to write a Dog Groomer resume

1Start With a Focused Summary
Write a dog groomer resume summary that highlights your experience, key skills, and what makes you a great fit for the role. Mention your customer service approach and any certifications.
2Showcase Your Dog Groomer Resume Skills
List skills like animal handling, bathing, brushing, and customer service. Include tools you use, such as clippers, dryers, and grooming tables. Employers want to see both technical and soft skills.
3Quantify Your Achievements
Use numbers to show your impact. For example, mention how many pets you groom per day, improvements in client satisfaction, or how you helped keep the salon running smoothly.
4Highlight Certifications and Training
Add any grooming certifications, pet stylist programs, or relevant licenses. These show your commitment to professional standards and safety.
5Keep It Clean and Organized
Use clear headings and bullet points. Make sure your resume is easy to read and free of errors, attention to detail matters in grooming and on your resume.

What to emphasize by experience level

entry

If you are new to grooming, focus on your animal handling, bathing, and customer service skills. Show that you understand grooming standards and can keep the work area clean and safe. Mention any training or certifications, even if you are still completing them. Employers value reliability and a willingness to learn.

mid

At the mid level, highlight your experience with breed-specific cuts, advanced grooming tools, and building client relationships. Show how you have improved efficiency or customer satisfaction. Employers look for groomers who can work independently and help train others.

senior

Senior groomers should emphasize leadership, staff training, and process improvements. Highlight your track record in managing busy salons or mobile grooming operations. Show how you have raised standards, mentored junior staff, or increased client retention.

Dog Groomer salary

Most dog groomer roles offer hourly pay, with typical rates between $16 and $22 per hour (USD). Your pay may increase with experience, certifications, or if you take on more responsibility in a salon or mobile grooming business.

Typical pay

$16-$22/hour

(USD) · per hour

What moves your offer

Seniority, location, and in-demand skills like Animal Handling and Dog Grooming push toward the top of the range.

Education & experience level

Typical education Most Dog Groomer roles look for a High school diploma, though many listings don't require a formal degree.

Experience level Openings most often target Entry-level candidates, and also include Entry-level.

Dog Groomer resume FAQ

What should I put in my dog groomer resume summary?

Mention your years of experience, key grooming skills, and your approach to animal care and customer service. If you have certifications, include them in your summary.

Which dog groomer resume skills do employers want?

Employers look for animal handling, bathing, brushing, haircutting, customer service, and attention to detail. Skills with grooming tools and strong communication are also important.

How do I show achievements on a dog groomer resume?

Use numbers to show your impact, such as how many pets you groom per day or improvements in client satisfaction. Mention any awards or positive feedback from clients.

Do I need a certification to be a dog groomer?

Certification is not always required, but it can help you get hired or earn higher pay. Many groomers complete a grooming certification or apprentice program.

What education do I need for a dog groomer job?

Most roles require a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional training or certification in grooming is a plus.

How can I make my entry level dog groomer resume stand out?

Highlight your animal handling skills, reliability, and willingness to learn. Include any volunteer work with animals or customer service experience.

Should I include customer service experience on my groomer resume?

Yes. Customer service is a key part of grooming jobs, since you will be working directly with pet owners.

What certifications look best on a pet groomer resume?

Certifications from the National Dog Groomers Association of America, National Cat Groomers Institute, or a professional grooming school are highly valued.

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