Dog Groomer Resume Guide

Dog groomers are responsible for cleaning and styling dogs’ fur, trimming nails, brushing teeth, and providing other basic care. They also check for any skin problems or parasites that need to be addressed. Additionally, they may provide advice on nutrition and grooming techniques to dog owners.

Your skills in grooming dogs are unparalleled, and any pet-related business would benefit from having you on their team. But potential employers don’t know about your expertise yet; to get them interested in what you have to offer, create a resume that stands out.

This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating a top-notch resume. We first show you a complete example and then break down what each resume section should look like.

Dog Groomer Resume

Table of Contents

The guide is divided into sections for your convenience. You can read it from beginning to end or use the table of contents below to jump to a specific part.

Dog Groomer Resume Sample

Abel Spencer
Dog Groomer

[email protected]
355-184-1438
linkedin.com/in/abel-spencer

Summary

Skilled dog groomer with 3+ years of experience providing superior pet grooming services to a wide variety of breed types and sizes. Looking for an opportunity at ABC Grooming Salon, where I can use my expertise in canine care to increase customer satisfaction and promote lasting loyalty. Awarded “Groomer of the Year” from XYZ Dog Training Center after achieving 95% client satisfaction rate during first year on the job.

Experience

Dog Groomer, Employer A
Springfield, Jan 2018 – Present

  • Optimized client satisfaction by grooming over 200 canine companions every week, successfully meeting their individual needs and breed standards.
  • Prepared the salon for each appointment, setting up necessary tools and equipment while adhering to safety protocols; reduced time spent on preparations from 45 minutes to 25 minutes per client visit.
  • Proficiently handled all types of dogs including short-haired breeds (Chihuahuas), long-haired breeds (Golden Retrievers) as well as large & small breeds with different temperaments; achieved a 95% customer retention rate within 6 months of employment.
  • Groomed a variety of dog coats using clippers, trimmers and scissors according to breed guidelines; regularly received outstanding feedback from customers regarding coat appearance after completing services such as trimming fur around sensitive areas or removing tangles in the undercoat area.
  • Mentored new groomers on proper techniques when bathing pets, draining ears correctly and brushing teeth without causing discomfort; decreased learning curve for junior staff members by 30%.

Dog Groomer, Employer B
Huntington Beach, Mar 2012 – Dec 2017

  • Utilized a variety of grooming techniques and tools, such as clippers, scissors, combs and brushes to groom over 80 dogs per week; increased customer satisfaction by 16%.
  • Walked dogs regularly for exercise sessions prior to grooming appointments; trained 6 puppies on basic commands like sitting & staying in the last 3 months.
  • Demonstrated excellent knowledge of canine anatomy when inspecting animals for any skin issues or coat problems during consultations with owners.
  • Effectively managed all bathing requirements while minimizing water wasteage (down 12%); handled multiple breeds at once with ease, ensuring that each dog was given individual attention throughout the session.
  • Facilitated pet-owner bonding time through one-on-one conversations regarding proper care instructions post appointment; saw an increase in repeat customers after implementation of this method within 2 months.

Skills

  • Dog Grooming
  • Time Management
  • Dogs
  • Pets
  • Animal Welfare
  • Animal Behavior
  • Dog Training
  • Data Entry
  • Teamwork

Education

Certificate in Dog Grooming
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

Certifications

Certified Professional Groomer
National Dog Groomers Association of
May 2017

1. Summary / Objective

The summary/objective at the top of your resume is like a trailer – it gives the employer an overview of who you are and why you excel as a dog groomer. In this section, highlight your best qualities; for example, mention how many years of experience grooming dogs you have, any certifications or awards related to pet care that you possess, and how customers often comment on the quality of work that they receive from you.

Below are some resume summary examples:

Diligent dog groomer with 3+ years of experience in providing top-tier grooming services for a wide range of breeds. Experienced in styling, bathing, clipping nails and cleaning ears to provide the highest level of customer satisfaction. At XYZ Pet Grooming Salon, improved efficiency by 20% while delivering excellent services to customers. Passionate about animals and driven to keep them healthy and happy!

Driven dog groomer and pet stylist with 4+ years of experience in a fast-paced salon environment. At ABC Grooming Salon, provided high quality styling services to over 150 clients a week. Expertise in grooming all breeds using the latest techniques while adhering to health standards and safety protocols. Maintained top customer satisfaction ratings by providing personalized service for each client’s needs.

Accomplished dog groomer with 5+ years’ experience providing professional pet grooming services to a range of breeds. Skilled in bathing, trimming, and styling dog coats according to breed standards and customer requests. Achieved 97% satisfaction rate from customers at ABC Dog Grooming Salon for consistently delivering quality results on time. Seeking to join XYZ Pet Salon as an experienced groomer.

Well-rounded dog groomer with 5+ years of experience in providing a range of services including bathing, brushing, nail trimming and styling. At ABC Pet Grooming Salon, managed day-to-day operations while ensuring customer satisfaction and safety standards were met at all times. Dedicated to building strong relationships between dogs and their owners through positive reinforcement techniques.

Committed and experienced dog groomer with 5+ years of experience providing quality grooming services. Possesses a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of canine breeds, behaviors, and health requirements. Certified in pet first aid/CPR through ABC Animal Services. Seeking to bring my skills to XYZ Pet Grooming for the benefit of both customers and their furry companions alike.

Proficient and compassionate dog groomer with 7+ years of experience in the grooming industry. Possess exceptional skills in coat maintenance, skin care, nail trimming, and bathing practices for different breeds. At ABC Pet Spa achieved a 50% increase in customer satisfaction ratings by providing high-quality services to clients’ pets while ensuring their safety at all times.

Detail-oriented dog groomer with 5+ years of experience working in a pet grooming salon. Skilled at handling difficult dogs, providing quality haircuts and styling services, and ensuring customer satisfaction. At XYZ Salon, developed an innovative system for cutting fur that improved accuracy by 20%. Looking to contribute my expertise in animal care to ABC Pet Grooming.

Talented dog groomer with 5+ years of experience in the pet care industry. Passionate about providing a safe and comfortable grooming environment for pets, while educating owners on proper maintenance techniques. Eager to join ABC Pet Spa as a groomer and contribute to an extraordinary customer service experience for clients and their furry friends alike.

2. Experience / Employment

The work history/experience section of your resume should be written in reverse chronological order, with the most recent job listed first. Stick to bullet points when writing this section; it makes it easier for readers to quickly digest what you have done and achieved.

When describing your work experience, provide detail about what you did and the results obtained. For example, instead of saying “Groomed dogs,” you could say something like “Professionally groomed 25+ dogs per week according to breed standards while ensuring a safe environment.”

To write effective bullet points, begin with a strong verb or adverb. Industry specific verbs to use are:

  • Bathed
  • Brushed
  • Clipped
  • Trimmed
  • Styled
  • Nailed
  • Groomed
  • Cleaned
  • Sanitized
  • Examined
  • Monitored
  • Walked
  • Socialized

Other general verbs you can use are:

  • Achieved
  • Advised
  • Assessed
  • Compiled
  • Coordinated
  • Demonstrated
  • Developed
  • Expedited
  • Facilitated
  • Formulated
  • Improved
  • Introduced
  • Mentored
  • Optimized
  • Participated
  • Prepared
  • Presented
  • Reduced
  • Reorganized
  • Represented
  • Revised
  • Spearheaded
  • Streamlined
  • Structured
  • Utilized

Below are some example bullet points:

  • Presented professional grooming services to over 200 canine customers, substantially increasing profits by 25% within the first two quarters.
  • Reduced customer wait times by 30%, through reorganizing service scheduling and streamlining appointment processes.
  • Advised clients on best practices for long-term pet health care; recommended specific products that increased company revenue by $8,000 in 2020 alone.
  • Reorganized storage spaces of brushes, combs and flea shampoos to improve efficiency when preparing pets for a groom; lowered setup time from 15 minutes per pet to 10 minutes an average of 4 days a week during peak season.
  • Substantially improved overall hygiene standards at the shop; reduced incidents of skin allergies among dogs due to insufficient cleaning procedures by 50%.
  • Socialized with over 50 dogs per week and provided them with necessary comfort during the grooming process, reducing fear and anxiety by 25%.
  • Spearheaded a successful client referral program that increased dog grooming appointments by 30% in 6 months.
  • Introduced new hygiene protocols for bathing and trimming which saved up to 20 minutes of groomer time per session on average.
  • Brushed out knots from pet fur using special techniques such as mat splitting, thinning shears & clipper work; successfully achieved desired looks while avoiding injury to pets at all times.
  • Resourcefully solved customer complaints related to haircuts or other services offered; improved customer satisfaction ratings by 15%.
  • Nailed over 500 canine haircuts and styling per month with a 98% accuracy rate, ensuring that all customers were completely satisfied.
  • Styled various breeds of dogs using trimmers, scissors, clippers & shears for both show and pet cuts; reduced grooming time by 15 minutes on average per session.
  • Monitored the health condition of each dog before starting any grooming procedure to ensure the safety of animals at all times; identified fleas/ticks in over 50 animals which led to successful treatment plans being implemented.
  • Bathed and conditioned up to 70 dogs weekly while also cleaning their ears & trimming nails without any incidents or injuries reported during services provided.
  • Efficiently managed stock levels for shampoos, combs & brushes used throughout daily operations while providing customer service with enthusiasm and a cheerful attitude when interacting with clients’ pets.
  • Meticulously groomed and trimmed the fur of over 50 dogs a day, ensuring that all grooming practices met breed standards.
  • Developed customized hair care plans for each dog based on their unique coat type and condition; reduced grooming time per pet by 30 minutes on average.
  • Expedited bathing processes to accommodate higher client volume while maintaining safety protocols at all times; increased total daily revenue from $500 to $800 within six months.
  • Administered medicated shampoos or ointments as needed, preventing further skin irritation in pets with sensitive coats or allergies issues; successfully treated 95% of cases with no repeat visits required.
  • Cleaned the salon thoroughly after every session to ensure a hygienic environment for both customers and animals alike, reducing health risks associated with bacteria buildup by 40%.
  • Actively groomed over 80 dogs per week, ensuring that their coats were clean and tangle-free through thorough brushing, shampooing and conditioning services.
  • Streamlined the grooming process by introducing new products to reduce drying time by 30%, resulting in a 25% increase in customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Represented the company at pet shows & events throughout the region; successfully marketed various brands of dog food & accessories while demonstrating proper handling techniques for an additional 15 customers each month.
  • Examined all pets prior to grooming sessions for any signs of skin disorders or parasites; administered appropriate treatments as needed while keeping detailed records of findings on file with each pet’s profile.
  • Improved overall sanitation levels in store by regularly cleaning all equipment used daily such as brushes, combs, scissors and clippers; reduced risk associated with cross contamination between animals by 20%.
  • Sanitized grooming equipment between each client visit, ensuring that hygiene standards were maintained and reducing the risk of skin infections or other health issues in dogs.
  • Reliably groomed over 45+ dogs a day, bathing them with shampoo and conditioner while brushing out mats from their coats; achieved an increase of 10% in repeat business within 3 months.
  • Structured salon appointments to minimize wait times for clients, allowing customers to pick up their pets after 2 hours on average; reduced appointment cancellation rate by 15%.
  • Achieved successful outcomes when clipping nails & trimming fur using thinning shears and electric clippers according to breed-specific instructions provided by owners/veterinarians; created a portfolio showcasing before/after pictures of various dog trims completed successfully under time constraints (+90 minutes).
  • Participated in professional development workshops related to pet care topics such as animal nutrition, proper coat maintenance & wellness checks which helped improve overall customer satisfaction ratings by 20%.
  • Confidently groomed over 150 dogs per week, clipping fur and nails, bathing them in accordance with breed standards to ensure a clean and healthy coat.
  • Formulated efficient procedures for grooming multiple breeds of all sizes while ensuring their safety; decreased the average grooming time by 20 minutes per dog on average.
  • Compiled detailed records of each customer’s preferences including cut length, shampoo type, brushing frequency and other pet care instructions; reduced miscommunication errors by 25%.
  • Coordinated appointments with clients for regular maintenance or special requests such as nail trimming or flea treatments; built up an extensive clientele base that generated $5K+ in revenue every month.
  • Clipped fur from sensitive areas around eyes & ears using professional-grade tools according to breed specifications without any incident of discomfort or harm to the animals under my care during my tenure at the groomers shop.

3. Skills

Two organizations that have advertised for a position with the same title may be searching for individuals whose skills are quite different. For instance, one may be looking for someone who is experienced in handling large breeds, while the other may prefer a candidate with knowledge of small dogs.

It’s important to tailor your skills section to each job you apply for so that it can pass through applicant tracking systems (computer programs used by many employers which scan resumes and filter out those they deem not to be a good match).

In addition, don’t just list the skills here; take some time to elaborate on them further in other sections such as the summary or experience.

Below is a list of common skills & terms:

  • Animal Behavior
  • Animal Nutrition
  • Animal Welfare
  • Cashiering
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Data Entry
  • Dog Behavior
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Walking
  • Dogs
  • Merchandising
  • Pet Sitting
  • Pets
  • Phone Etiquette
  • Small Business
  • Teamwork
  • Telephone Skills
  • Time Management

4. Education

Including an education section on your resume will depend on how far along you are in your career. If you just graduated and have no work experience, mention your education below the resume objective. However, if you have years of grooming experience to showcase, omitting the education section is perfectly fine.

If an education section is included, try to highlight courses or subjects related to dog grooming that may be relevant for the job position you are applying for.

Certificate in Dog Grooming
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

5. Certifications

Certifications are a great way to show potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge for a given job. It is important to include any certifications relevant to the position in your resume, as it will demonstrate your commitment and dedication towards professional development.

If you have taken courses or workshops related to the industry, make sure they are included too; this shows that you stay up-to-date with current trends and developments within your field.

Certified Professional Groomer
National Dog Groomers Association of
May 2017

6. Contact Info

Your name should be the first thing a reader sees when viewing your resume, so ensure its positioning is prominent. Your phone number should be written in the most commonly used format in your country/city/state, and your email address should be professional.

You can also choose to include a link to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or other online platforms relevant to your industry.

Finally, name your resume file appropriately to help hiring managers; for Abel Spencer, this would be Abel-Spencer-resume.pdf or Abel-Spencer-resume.docx.

7. Cover Letter

Cover letters are an important part of a job application. They provide recruiters with additional information that cannot be found in your resume, such as why you are the best candidate for the role and how it relates to your previous experience.

Cover letters typically consist of 2-4 paragraphs, depending on the hiring manager’s requirements. When writing one, make sure to highlight any relevant skills or experiences that demonstrate why you would be perfect for this position. Even though most jobs don’t require a cover letter submission, doing so is highly recommended if you want to improve your chances of getting hired!

Below is an example cover letter:

Dear Casimir,

I am interested in applying for the dog groomer position at your company. I have three years of experience working as a professional dog groomer and have a passion for animals that would make me an excellent fit for this role.

In my previous job, I was responsible for grooming up to 15 dogs per day. This included bathing, brushing, trimming nails, and cleaning ears. I always took the time to get to know each dog’s individual personality and needs so that I could provide the best possible service. My clients were always happy with the results, and I received many positive reviews.

I am confident that I can provide the same high level of service at your company. I am reliable, efficient, and have a great eye for detail which are all important qualities in a dog groomer. In addition, I am comfortable working long hours if needed and can handle multiple dogs at once without any problem.

I would love to come in for an interview so that we can discuss this opportunity further. Thank you for your time and consideration!

Sincerely,

Abel

Dog Groomer Resume Templates

Fossa
Cormorant
Kinkajou
Echidna
Quokka
Pika
Markhor
Jerboa
Lorikeet
Indri
Hoopoe
Dugong
Axolotl
Saola
Bonobo
Gharial
Rhea
Numbat
Ocelot