Dog Groomer CV Example
A dog groomer CV should showcase your grooming techniques, breed knowledge, and ability to handle dogs of all temperaments while delivering a high-quality finish that satisfies pet owners.
Recommended template: CreativePro
Key Skills to Include
Quick Tips
- Include any City & Guilds or other professional grooming qualifications.
- Highlight the number of dogs you groom daily and the breeds you specialise in.
- Demonstrate your ability to handle anxious or difficult dogs with patience.
- Mention any business development achievements if you run your own grooming service.
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Upgrade to ProHow to Write Your Dog Groomer CV
A dog groomer CV should demonstrate both your technical grooming skills and your ability to handle dogs safely and compassionately. Employers and clients want to see that you can deliver consistent, high-quality grooming results while managing the behavioural challenges that come with working with animals. Whether you work in a salon or run a mobile service, your CV should showcase your qualifications, breed knowledge, and client-building abilities.
CV Structure
Use a reverse-chronological format with a clear profile, work experience, skills, and qualifications section. For each role, mention the type of grooming environment, the volume of dogs groomed, and the breeds you worked with. Include specific achievements such as client base growth, rebooking rates, or competition results. If you are self-employed, treat your business as a role and describe the services you offer and results you have achieved.
CV Format
Choose a professional but approachable template. Dog grooming is a client-facing profession, so your CV should reflect your personality while remaining clean and well-organised. Use bullet points for easy scanning and keep the document to one or two pages. Consider including a link to your social media portfolio or website if you have one.
CV Profile Examples
Experienced Dog Groomer
City & Guilds qualified dog groomer with six years of experience in high-street salon and mobile grooming environments, routinely grooming eight to ten dogs per day across all breed types. Skilled in breed-standard trims, hand stripping, and creative styling with a gentle, patient approach to anxious or reactive dogs. Maintains a loyal client base with a rebooking rate exceeding 90%.
Mobile Dog Groomer
Self-employed mobile dog groomer with four years of experience providing a door-to-door grooming service across Greater Manchester. Proficient in full groom services including bathing, clipping, scissoring, and nail trimming for over 40 regular clients per week. Passionate about low-stress handling techniques and creating a calm grooming experience for every dog.
Junior Dog Groomer
Enthusiastic dog groomer with Level 3 Dog Grooming certification and one year of salon experience working alongside senior groomers on a wide variety of breeds. Skilled in bathing, drying, brushing, and basic clip work, with a developing knowledge of breed-specific styling standards. Keen to advance grooming skills through continued practice and professional development courses.
Summarise your qualifications, years of experience, and the volume of dogs you groom. Mention the environments you have worked in and highlight a key achievement such as your rebooking rate or competition success.
Key Skills for Your Dog Groomer CV
Breed-Specific Grooming
Styling dogs according to Kennel Club breed standards including terrier hand stripping and poodle scissoring.
Clipping & Scissoring
Using professional-grade clippers and scissors to achieve clean, even finishes on a variety of coat types.
Bathing & Drying
Thoroughly washing and drying dogs using appropriate shampoos, conditioners, and professional dryers.
Nail Trimming
Safely trimming nails to the correct length, including handling sensitive dogs with care and patience.
De-Matting Techniques
Carefully removing mats and tangles from neglected coats while minimising discomfort to the dog.
Skin & Coat Assessment
Identifying skin conditions, parasites, or coat abnormalities and advising owners on appropriate action.
Dog Handling
Safely managing dogs of all sizes and temperaments throughout the grooming process using calm, positive techniques.
Customer Service
Building rapport with dog owners, discussing grooming preferences, and providing aftercare advice to encourage rebooking.
Salon Hygiene
Maintaining clean, sanitised grooming stations and equipment in compliance with health and safety standards.
Work Experience Examples
For each role, include the setting, the number of dogs groomed per week, and the range of breeds and coat types you handle. List specific grooming techniques you are proficient in and any mentoring or training responsibilities. Include client feedback, business growth, or efficiency improvements as achievements.
Senior Dog Groomer
Bark & Shine Grooming Salon
Led grooming operations at a busy high-street salon in Leeds, grooming an average of 45 dogs per week across all coat types and breed standards.
Responsibilities
- Performed full groom services including bathing, blow-drying, clipping, scissoring, hand stripping, and nail trimming.
- Assessed each dog's coat condition and skin health, recommending appropriate shampoos, conditioners, and grooming schedules.
- Handled dogs of all temperaments, including anxious, elderly, and reactive animals, using low-stress handling techniques.
- Trained and mentored two junior groomers, providing guidance on technique, time management, and client communication.
- Managed appointment scheduling, ensuring efficient use of grooming stations and minimal client wait times.
Achievements
- Built a personal client base of over 120 regular customers with a 92% rebooking rate, generating consistent revenue for the salon.
- Reduced average groom time by 15 minutes per dog through improved workflow and tool maintenance practices.
- Won Best in Show at the regional grooming competition for scissored poodle trim in 2023.
Dog Groomer
Happy Tails Mobile Grooming
Provided a mobile grooming service across South Yorkshire, visiting clients' homes to deliver full and part groom services in a purpose-built grooming van.
Responsibilities
- Delivered full grooms, bath and tidy services, and puppy introductions in a mobile grooming environment.
- Maintained all grooming equipment including clippers, blades, scissors, and the van's water and drying systems.
- Communicated with dog owners about their preferences, coat maintenance advice, and recommended grooming intervals.
- Managed all aspects of the mobile business including bookings, route planning, and stock ordering.
Achievements
- Grew the client base from 15 to 60 regular clients within 18 months through word-of-mouth referrals and social media marketing.
- Maintained a 5-star rating across 85 Google reviews through consistently high-quality grooming and client care.
Education & Qualifications
Lead with your professional grooming qualification such as City & Guilds or iPET Network. Include any continuing professional development courses in areas like hand stripping, Asian fusion styling, or canine first aid. Mention relevant school qualifications if you are early in your career.
City & Guilds Level 3 Dog Grooming
Industry-recognised qualification covering breed-standard grooming techniques and salon management skills.
iPET Network Level 3 Diploma
Comprehensive dog grooming diploma covering practical skills, anatomy, and customer service.
Canine First Aid Certificate
Practical training in recognising canine emergencies and providing first aid in a grooming environment.
Hand Stripping Masterclass
Advanced training in traditional hand stripping techniques for terrier and wire-coated breeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications should I list on a dog groomer CV?
How do I show experience if I am a new dog groomer?
Should I include client testimonials on my dog groomer CV?
How important is breed knowledge on a dog groomer CV?
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