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What does a Pet Stylist do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A pet stylist is a professional who offers grooming services for pets. They may work in a salon, or they may be self-employed. Pet stylists typically have experience working with a variety of animals, and they are familiar with the different types of fur and skin. They use their knowledge to provide the best possible grooming experience for each pet.

Pet Stylist job duties include:

  • Greeting customers and their pets
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Consulting with customers about their pet’s grooming needs
  • Bathing, drying, and brushing pets
  • Trimming and clipping pets’ fur
  • Shaving pets
  • Dyeing pets’ fur
  • Cleaning pets’ ears
  • Expressing pets’ anal glands
  • Applying flea/tick preventatives

Pet Stylist Job Requirements

A pet stylist, also called a pet groomer, is someone who cleans and styles the fur of animals. Most pet stylists work in animal shelters, kennels, or grooming salons. Some may also work in veterinary clinics or pet stores. To become a pet stylist, you will need at least a high school diploma. Many stylists also complete a formal training program at a vocational school or community college. Some states require pet stylists to be licensed or certified. To maintain their skills and knowledge, pet stylists must stay up-to-date on the latest grooming techniques and products.

Pet Stylist Skills

  • Patience
  • Gentle
  • Communication
  • Creativity
  • Detail Oriented
  • Organization
  • Passionate
  • Physical Strength
  • Flexibility
  • Dexterity
  • Artistic

Related: Top Pet Stylist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Pet Stylist

A pet stylist is someone who grooms and styles pets. They may work in a grooming salon, or they may be self-employed. Some pet stylists specialize in one type of animal, such as dogs or cats, while others groom a variety of animals.

To become a pet stylist, you will need to have a love for animals and an eye for detail. You will also need to be able to work with your hands and have good manual dexterity. Some grooming schools offer certification programs that can give you the skills and knowledge you need to start your career.

If you are interested in becoming a pet stylist, the first step is to research the different schools that offer certification programs. Once you have found a school that you are interested in attending, you will need to complete an application and submit any required transcripts or other documentation.

After you have been accepted into a grooming program, you will take classes on topics such as animal anatomy, grooming techniques, and safety procedures. You will also have the opportunity to participate in hands-on training with live animals. Upon completion of your program, you will receive a certificate or diploma that will allow you to start your career as a pet stylist.

Related: Pet Stylist Resume Example

Related: Pet Stylist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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