Blog

By Cara Evans
Paragon President

We’re excited to announce the newest addition to Paragon’s Pro Track: Pro-Advanced Stylist.

This Mentor-supported program was designed for working groomers who want to continue growing their skills, improve efficiency, increase confidence, and elevate the quality of their work.

For years, groomers seeking continuing education have largely had the same options: attend a trade show, participate in a seminar, watch online content, or pursue breed certification programs.

While those opportunities provide tremendous value, they often leave groomers with an important question:

“How do I apply this to the dogs already on my table?”

That’s the question Pro-Advanced Stylist was built to answer.

Built Around Real Grooming Challenges

Professional groomers face a unique challenge. The learning never stops.

As trends evolve, coat types become more complex, client expectations continue to rise, and schedules become increasingly demanding, groomers need to continuously improve while still managing a full workload.

Many groomers find themselves asking:

• Why does this groom take me so long?
• How can I improve my finishes?
• Why do I struggle with certain Doodle coat types?
• How do I become more efficient without sacrificing quality?
• How can I create results that keep clients coming back?
• What separates a good groom from a great one?
• How do I continue growing when I feel stuck?
• How do I meet and exceed unique client requests and expectations?

Pro-Advanced Stylist was designed to help answer those questions.

Learn Where You Work

Unlike many continuing education opportunities, Pro-Advanced Stylist is built around the dogs already on your schedule.

Pro learners don’t need access to specialty breeds or competition dogs to benefit from the program. Instead, they learn practical techniques, problem-solving skills, and advanced concepts that can be applied immediately to everyday grooming situations.

Through Mentor coaching, hands-on assignments, and guided practice,Pro learners develop skills that help them:

• Improve efficiency and time management
• Better understand coat types and grooming challenges
• Create cleaner, more polished finishes
• Strengthen problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Improve consistency from dog to dog
• Enhance client communication and trust
• Add artistry and creativity to everyday pet trims
• Continue growing professionally without leaving the workplace

Simply put, the things learned on Monday can improve Tuesday’s grooms.

More Than Grooming Skills

Pro-Advanced Stylist isn’t just about learning new techniques. It’s about helping groomers build sustainable, rewarding careers. For some, that means finding new inspiration and reigniting their passion for grooming.

For others, it means becoming more efficient, improving client retention, creating more consistent results, or building greater confidence behind the table.

The skills developed through continuing education often impact far more than the groom itself. They influence the client experience, rebooking rates, referrals, confidence, and overall career satisfaction. They even influence how you feel about your work days before they begin – do you look at tomorrow’s schedule with ease and confidence, or with scaries and an undertone of anxiousness?

Who Is Pro – Advanced Stylist For?

This program was created for:

• Experienced groomers looking to elevate their skills
• Groomers who want more confidence
• Groomers who feel they’ve plateaued
• Groomers seeking greater efficiency
• Groomers looking to improve client retention
• Groomers who want to add polish and artistry to their work
• Groomers searching for new inspiration and professional growth
• Salon owners looking to invest in the development of their teams

Whether you’re looking to solve a specific challenge, improve your daily grooms, or simply discover what’s next in your grooming journey, Pro-Advanced Stylist was designed with you in mind.

Enrollment opens August 3, 2026.

We can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish next.

How Do I Know Which One to Take?

After talking to many groomers who are sole proprietors, I have found that one of the biggest struggles is knowing how to charge appropriately. Common questions include:

• Am I charging enough?
• How do I know what I should be charging?
• What is average?

As a fellow groomer, I can attest to the fact that most groomers do not get into grooming because they love numbers. We become groomers because we love dogs. We enjoy the creativity, the relationships with our clients, and the satisfaction of sending a dog home looking and feeling its best.

But if you own your own business, understanding your numbers is just as important as understanding coat types, proper prep work, and safe handling. The good news is that you do not need an accounting degree to determine whether your pricing is supporting your business goals. You also do not need to overthink it.

Start With Time

One of the biggest mistakes groomers make when pricing is focusing only on breeds.

A Shih Tzu that comes in every six weeks is very different from a Shih Tzu that has not been groomed in six months. The same is true for Doodles, short-coated bath dogs, and almost every other coat type.

Instead of asking, “What breed is this dog?” start by asking, “How long does this groom take me to complete?”

As a general guideline, a small dog on a regular grooming schedule should take about 45 to 55 minutes. Dogs with longer coats, more complicated trims, behavior challenges, or poor coat maintenance will require additional time.

Your time has value. Stop there and repeat this phrase out loud:

“My time has value!”

Understanding how much time each groom requires is one of the first steps in determining whether your pricing is working for your business and your income goals.

Know Your Cost of Doing Business

Next, take a look at your monthly expenses.

This includes everything it takes to operate your business:

• Rent
• Insurance
• Utilities
• Software
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Blade sharpening
• Equipment maintenance
• Bandanas, bows, and finishing products
• Continuing education

For this example, let’s assume your business expenses total $2,000 per month. That overhead is likely unrealistic in 2026, but for the sake of round numbers, we’ll use it here.

If you work five days per week, that is approximately 20 working days each month. When you divide $2,000 by 20 days, you find that it costs about $100 per day just to operate your business.

Before you pay yourself, before you buy groceries, and before you set aside money for savings or retirement, your business needs to generate enough revenue to cover that $100 each day.

Start With Your Income Goal

Now ask yourself another question: How much do I want to earn each year?

Let’s use $70,000 as an example.

A $70,000 annual income works out to roughly $5,800 per month.

When you add your $2,000 in monthly business expenses, your business needs to generate approximately $7,800 each month. Divide that by 20 working days and your daily revenue goal becomes about $390.

Many groomers have never worked through this exercise. Once they do, they begin to understand why their schedule may be full while their bank account feels empty.

What Does That Mean Per Dog?

Let’s say you groom five dogs each day.

• To generate $390 per day, your average ticket needs to be about $78.
• If you groom six dogs per day, your average ticket needs to be about $65.
• If you groom four dogs per day, your average ticket needs to be about $98.

When you break the numbers down this way, it becomes easier to evaluate whether your current pricing is helping you reach your goals.

Looking at Revenue Per Hour

Another useful exercise is calculating your hourly production. Many successful grooming businesses generate between $75 and $100 or more per grooming hour.

Notice that this is revenue, not take-home pay.

That revenue still has to cover products, equipment replacement, taxes, utilities, continuing education, and other business expenses.

For example, if your target is $80 per grooming hour:

• A groom that takes one hour should generate about $80.
• A groom that takes 90 minutes should generate about $120.
• A groom that takes two hours should generate about $160.

This is not a strict pricing formula. Rather, it is a way to evaluate whether the time you spend on a groom is producing enough revenue to support your business.

Pricing Has Changed Over Time

As a point of reference, a groomer I worked with in Western Pennsylvania charged approximately $32 for a small dog groom about 18 years ago.

Today, that same groom costs around $65 to $70.

At first glance, that may seem like a significant increase. However, rent, insurance, utilities, products, equipment, and the overall cost of living have all increased during that same period.

Grooming requires skill, experience, physical effort, and ongoing education. Your pricing should reflect the value you provide.

The Bottom Line

Instead of asking what everyone else is charging, ask yourself a few questions:

• How long does this groom take me?
• What does it cost me to operate my business?
• What income do I want to earn?
• Does my current pricing support those goals?

You do not need to love numbers. You simply need to understand enough of them to make informed decisions about your business. Your goal is not just to stay busy. Your goal is to build a business that supports you, your family, and the future you are working toward.

Happy Grooming,
Cara Evans
President, Paragon Pet School

From salon work and mobile grooming to entrepreneurship and specialty services, discover the many career opportunities available after graduating from grooming school.

Completing pet grooming school is an exciting milestone, but graduation is only the beginning of the journey. One of the greatest advantages of pursuing a career in professional pet grooming is the variety of paths available after training. Unlike professions with a single, rigid career track, grooming offers flexibility, creativity, and opportunities for long-term growth based on your interests, goals, and lifestyle preferences.

Many aspiring groomers enter school with one vision of their future, only to discover new opportunities as they gain hands-on experience and confidence. Some graduates thrive in the fast-paced environment of a grooming salon, while others are drawn to the flexibility of mobile grooming, the excitement of dog shows, or the independence of business ownership. Many professionals also discover specialized services that allow them to focus on areas they feel especially passionate about.

At Paragon School of Pet Grooming, we believe one of the most exciting parts of entering this profession is the ability to build a career that reflects your unique strengths and ambitions. Whether you want to work directly with pet parents, pursue competitive grooming, or eventually open your own business, professional grooming education can provide the foundation needed to begin building a rewarding future.

Starting Your Career in a Grooming Salon

For many new graduates, working in a professional grooming salon is the most common and practical first step after grooming school. Salon environments provide valuable real-world experience, allowing groomers to continue strengthening their technical skills while learning how to manage appointments, communicate with clients, and work efficiently in a professional setting.

Salon grooming often exposes new groomers to a wide variety of breeds, coat types, temperaments, and grooming requests. This variety helps build confidence and versatility, especially during the early stages of a career. New professionals may begin with bathing and prep work before transitioning into full-service grooming as their skills develop.

Working in a salon can also create opportunities for mentorship and continued learning. Experienced groomers often share valuable techniques, efficiency tips, breed-specific styling knowledge, and handling strategies that help newer professionals grow. For many graduates, salon work becomes an important stepping stone that builds confidence and lays the groundwork for future career advancement.

Salon careers can vary widely depending on the environment. Some groomers choose independently owned salons that offer a personalized atmosphere and close client relationships, while others prefer larger grooming businesses that provide steady appointment volume and structured systems.

Mobile Grooming: Flexibility and Personalized Service

Mobile pet grooming has become increasingly popular as pet owners seek convenient, one-on-one grooming experiences for their dogs. Rather than working inside a traditional salon, mobile groomers travel directly to clients in fully equipped grooming vans or trailers.

This career path appeals to groomers who value independence, flexibility, and personalized client relationships. Mobile grooming appointments are often completed one-on-one, creating a quieter and less stimulating environment for pets that may experience anxiety in traditional salon settings.

For groomers, mobile work can offer greater schedule flexibility and increased autonomy. Professionals often have more control over appointment scheduling, service offerings, and daily workflows. Because appointments are individualized, groomers also have opportunities to build strong relationships with repeat clients and provide highly personalized care.

Mobile grooming can be especially rewarding for professionals who enjoy working independently and appreciate the opportunity to create a calmer experience for pets with special needs, senior dogs, or anxious temperaments.

Like any path, mobile grooming comes with unique responsibilities. Groomers must feel comfortable managing equipment, maintaining vehicle organization, coordinating travel schedules, and adapting to different environments throughout the day. However, many professionals find the flexibility and independence well worth the added responsibility.

Entrepreneurship: Building Your Own Grooming Business

For many groomers, entrepreneurship becomes a long-term career goal. After gaining experience and confidence in the field, some professionals decide to open their own salon, mobile grooming company, home-based business, or specialty pet care service.

Owning a business offers opportunities for independence, creativity, and financial growth while allowing groomers to shape the type of experience they want to provide for pets and their owners.

Entrepreneurial groomers have the ability to create business models that reflect their personal values and interests. Some choose boutique-style salons focused on luxury experiences, while others prioritize convenience, fear-free grooming practices, breed expertise, or wellness-focused care.

Business ownership also allows groomers to establish their own schedules, pricing structures, team culture, and service offerings. For professionals who enjoy leadership, problem-solving, and long-term growth planning, entrepreneurship can become one of the most fulfilling career paths in the grooming industry.

Of course, building a business requires more than technical grooming skills. Entrepreneurs often develop knowledge in customer service, scheduling, marketing, budgeting, operations, and team management. Many successful grooming business owners begin by gaining experience in salons before transitioning into ownership when they feel prepared. For a headstart, visit Build a Better Grooming Buisness Toolbox resources.

At Paragon School of Pet Grooming, we encourage students to view grooming as a profession with room to grow. Whether entrepreneurship is an immediate goal or a future aspiration, building strong technical skills and professional confidence early can help create a stronger foundation for long-term success.

Show Grooming: Working With Competitive Dogs

For groomers with an interest in breed standards, precision styling, and advanced grooming techniques, show grooming offers a unique and highly specialized path.

Show groomers work with dogs preparing for conformation competitions and breed events, where appearance and adherence to breed standards are critically important. Grooming for competition often involves detailed preparation, specialized coat care, hand scissoring, hand stripping, advanced finishing work, and an in-depth understanding of breed presentation.

This path appeals to groomers who enjoy precision, artistry, and continual skill development. Show grooming requires patience, discipline, and a willingness to refine techniques over time. Professionals in this space often work closely with breeders, handlers, and competitive dog owners to help dogs look their absolute best before entering the show ring.

Many groomers interested in show work begin by expanding their education through workshops, mentorships, seminars, or breed-specific training opportunities. Some participate in grooming competitions to strengthen technical abilities and build experience with advanced styling methods.

For professionals who enjoy mastering details and challenging themselves creatively, show grooming can become an exciting and rewarding specialization.

Specialty Grooming Services and Niche Career Paths

One of the most exciting aspects of the grooming profession is the ability to develop specialty services that align with personal interests and strengths. As groomers gain experience, many discover niche areas that allow them to focus on specific client needs or advanced services.

Some groomers specialize in senior pet grooming, providing gentle care tailored to aging dogs with mobility concerns or health challenges. Others focus on puppies, helping young dogs build positive grooming experiences early in life.

Creative grooming has also grown in popularity, allowing groomers to explore artistic coat styling, pet-safe color applications, and unique finishing techniques. Some professionals specialize in difficult coat conditions, de-shedding services, hand stripping, Asian fusion styling, or breed-specific trims.

Fear-free grooming and behavior-focused services have become increasingly important as pet owners seek low-stress experiences for anxious or reactive dogs. Groomers who understand canine behavior and patient handling often build loyal client bases around compassionate care.

These specialty paths allow groomers to shape careers around the services they find most rewarding while continuing to expand their expertise.

Choosing the Career Path That Fits You

One of the most rewarding aspects of professional grooming is that there is no single definition of success. Some groomers thrive in busy salons surrounded by coworkers and regular clients. Others enjoy the independence of mobile grooming or dream of opening their own business. Some are inspired by the precision of competitive grooming, while others feel most fulfilled helping senior dogs or anxious pets feel safe and comfortable.

The path you choose may also change over time. Many professionals begin in salons, later pursue mobile work, eventually open businesses, or explore specialty services as their confidence grows.

The key is building a strong educational foundation that gives you the flexibility to explore different opportunities throughout your career.

Building Your Future With the Right Education

The opportunities available after grooming school are wide-ranging, but success often begins with quality education. Building confidence in pet safety, handling, coat care, grooming techniques, and professional communication helps create a stronger foundation for whatever path you decide to pursue.

At Paragon School of Pet Grooming, students receive mentor-supported education designed to prepare them for real-world opportunities in the grooming industry. Whether your goal is salon work, mobile grooming, entrepreneurship, show grooming, or specialty services, professional training can help equip you with the skills needed to move forward with confidence.

A career in pet grooming offers more than one destination. It offers the opportunity to build a future that reflects your passions, strengths, and professional goals while making a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and the people who love them.

Explore why more people are choosing careers in pet grooming, what makes the profession so personally rewarding, and how the right education can help turn a love of animals into a meaningful future.

For people who love animals, finding a career that feels both meaningful and sustainable can feel challenging. Some jobs offer stability but lack fulfillment, while passion-driven work may seem difficult to pursue without the right opportunities or training. Pet grooming offers something unique: a career that combines creativity, purpose, flexibility, and long-term growth while allowing professionals to work closely with animals every day.

As pet ownership continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled grooming professionals. Pet parents increasingly recognize that routine grooming is about more than appearance. Regular appointments help support coat health, skin care, hygiene, comfort, and overall wellness, creating a growing need for compassionate and educated professionals.

At Paragon School of Pet Grooming, we believe grooming is much more than giving dogs haircuts. It is a skilled profession that blends technical ability, animal care, communication, problem-solving, and artistry. Whether you are researching how to become a pet groomer or considering a meaningful career change, understanding what makes this profession so rewarding can help you decide whether it aligns with your goals.

Why More People Are Choosing a Career in Pet Grooming

The pet care industry has grown tremendously over the past decade, and grooming has grown right alongside it. Dogs are increasingly treated like members of the family, and many pet parents now view routine grooming as an essential part of responsible care rather than an occasional luxury.

Professional groomers help support a dog’s comfort and well-being in ways many people may not realize. Routine appointments can help prevent painful matting, overgrown nails, skin irritation, ear issues, and coat neglect. Groomers also spend time closely observing pets, which often allows them to notice changes in coat texture, skin condition, mobility, or behavior that may deserve veterinary attention.

Because of this, grooming has become an increasingly respected profession within the pet care space. Employers and pet parents alike are seeking knowledgeable professionals who understand safe handling, humane grooming techniques, breed-specific care, and pet comfort.

For individuals searching for meaningful work with long-term opportunity, pet grooming offers a strong combination of personal fulfillment and career stability.

The Reward of Working With Animals Every Day

For many groomers, the opportunity to spend each day working directly with animals is what first draws them to the profession.

Every dog brings a different personality, energy level, and grooming need. One appointment may involve helping a nervous puppy feel comfortable with grooming for the first time, while another may involve gently caring for a senior dog who requires extra patience and special handling.

Over time, many groomers build lasting relationships with both pets and their owners. Watching a puppy grow through regular appointments, helping anxious dogs gain confidence, or supporting senior pets through changing needs creates a level of connection that many professionals find deeply rewarding.

Groomers also play an important role in helping pets feel physically comfortable. A matted coat can restrict movement and create discomfort, while overgrown nails may affect posture and mobility. Helping a dog feel healthier, cleaner, and more comfortable can be one of the most fulfilling parts of the job.

Pet Grooming Combines Technical Skill and Creativity

Many people are surprised by how much expertise professional grooming requires. While creativity certainly plays a role, grooming is a technical profession that demands patience, education, and hands-on skill development.

Professional groomers must understand canine anatomy, coat types, handling techniques, sanitation, equipment safety, and coat maintenance. Many students begin by developing foundational grooming skills through Pet Groomer training, where they build confidence in bathing, clippering, scissoring, and salon techniques.

As groomers continue developing their craft, they often advance into more technical areas of the profession. Education focused on breed-specific styling and corrective grooming techniques helps professionals better understand breed profiles, structure, and styling approaches for different coat types.

At the same time, grooming provides an opportunity for creativity and artistry. Groomers blend technical precision with personal style, shaping coats to support both function and appearance while tailoring results to each dog’s unique needs.

No two dogs are exactly alike, which means every day presents new challenges and opportunities to continue growing professionally.

Flexibility and Career Opportunities in the Grooming Industry

One of the biggest advantages of pet grooming is the flexibility it offers. Unlike many careers with rigid advancement paths, grooming gives professionals the ability to shape their careers around their interests and goals.

Many groomers begin in salons, boarding facilities, veterinary environments, or pet care settings while building confidence and experience. Others choose mobile grooming, independent salons, or eventually start businesses of their own.

Some professionals also pursue advanced specialties such as hand scissoring, doodle grooming, breed modifications, or senior pet care. Programs focused on advanced stylist education can help groomers refine technical skills, improve efficiency, and expand career opportunities.

Whether someone wants to work independently, specialize, or eventually own a grooming business, the profession offers room for long-term growth.

Why Demand for Professional Groomers Continues to Grow

As more families welcome pets into their homes, the need for skilled grooming professionals continues to rise.

Many breeds require consistent grooming to maintain healthy coats and avoid preventable issues such as matting, discomfort, skin irritation, and hygiene concerns. Even short-coated breeds benefit from bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and coat maintenance.

This growing demand has created meaningful opportunities for people entering the profession through professional grooming education and mentor-supported training. Employers increasingly seek groomers who understand safe handling practices, technical skills, and animal welfare.

Pet parents are also becoming more selective about who they trust with their dogs, making quality education even more valuable for aspiring professionals.

Why Pet Grooming Education Matters

Loving animals is a great starting point, but professional grooming requires much more than passion alone.

Groomers work with dogs who may feel nervous, energetic, fearful, senior, sensitive, or unfamiliar with grooming. Building the confidence to work safely and compassionately with pets takes education, hands-on practice, and mentorship.

Many aspiring professionals begin with foundational learning through Pet Groomer certification before expanding their knowledge through Pet Stylist education, where they build more advanced technical and breed-specific skills.

For groomers interested in continuing to grow, advanced training opportunities can provide education in doodles, special handling, efficiency, difficult dogs, and advanced styling techniques.

A strong educational foundation helps groomers build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and approach every appointment with professionalism and compassion.

How Online Pet Grooming School Creates New Opportunities

For many aspiring groomers, traditional education may not feel realistic due to work schedules, family responsibilities, or location limitations.

That is why mentor-supported online grooming education has created new opportunities for people to pursue meaningful careers while balancing everyday responsibilities.

Paragon School of Pet Grooming offers a structured approach that allows students to build practical skills, gain technical knowledge, and receive mentor feedback throughout their education.

Pet grooming is a growing field. It’s a career path that typically starts modestly with bathing dogs in a tub and quickly progresses to financial and personal rewards. About 346,000 people work in pet grooming and boarding in the U.S. today, a number projected to rise to roughly 357,000 by the end of 2026. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 11% growth in animal care roles through 2034.

Published medians for “all” animal care workers ($33,860/year according to BLS) pull in lower-wage pet care handlers and don’t accurately reflect certified groomer salaries. In practice, grads average closer to $30/hour, and that’s before specialization.

Highly experienced groomers often specialize in advanced styling techniques, breed-standard trims, hand scissoring, corrective grooming, or competition grooming. These specialty services allow professionals to charge premium pricing while building a loyal client base willing to pay for higher levels of expertise. That’s because the top 30% of dog owners earn $120,000 or more a year.
Experienced groomers with advanced technical knowledge and credentials are able to charge considerably more per appointment than average salons.

• Hand-scissored Poodle trims may range from $175 to $300 dollars
• Specialty Doodle grooming appointments may range from $120 to $200 dollars
• Corrective grooming services are often charged at premium hourly rates
• Show grooming and competition preparation can command even higher pricing

Where typical groomers may earn around $60,000/yr, many who choose to elevate their skill level can earn between $80,000/yr and $150,000/yr dollars annually, depending on their location, clientele, pricing structure, and additional business ventures. Some of that will depend on whether you intend to go into business for yourself as a solo groomer, work in a private salon, or join a corporate multistore company, where there are additional paths to become a salon lead or trainer.

Career Paths In Grooming:

There is overlap in paths to a great grooming career, but here are the most common types of working environments you will find in the industry.

• Independent groomer —Roughly half of working groomers are self-employed.  Many well-established solo groomers earn $100,000+ at the height of their careers, as do those who go on to grow their salons to include a team of groomers. One of the greatest long-term advantages of grooming is the opportunity to become your own boss. Many experienced groomers eventually transition into salon ownership, mobile grooming businesses, or home-based studios where local regulations allow.
Business ownership introduces additional responsibilities such as marketing, scheduling, payroll, and managing expenses. However, it also creates the potential for significantly increased income because, as you hire and grow a team, revenue is no longer limited to the number of dogs one individual can groom personally.

• Mobile Groomer — Mobile grooming businesses also continue growing in popularity due to convenience and market demand. Mobile groomers can be independent businesses or work for chain corporations/franchises. In either case, grooming fees often range:

• $90 to $130 for small dog grooms
• $150 to $250 or more for large doodles and specialty coats
• Additional fees for add-on spa services and convenience

Although mobile grooming includes higher operating expenses such as vehicle payment, fuel, maintenance, and insurance, many mobile groomers still report six-figure earning potential due to elevated service pricing and loyal clientele.

• Corporate Chain Groomer — Multistore retail pet corporations continue to expand their service departments and are always looking for both new and experienced groomers. Many will pay for your education while you work. From entry level ranges in the mid-$30ks to team leader or senior Stylist salaries over $100,000, pet care corporations represent an excellent career path with numerous opportunities for growth.  They also typically offer benefits such as health care, PTO, and other desirable perks.

• Private Salon or Boarding & Daycare Groomer — Opportunities abound for well-trained groomers to work in private salons or in the grooming department of boarding and daycare facilities. Many progressive business owners will often pay for training if you’re a fit for their team. Pay ranges are very wide in this category and depend on ticket price and commission structure. Well-known, high-end salons are often home to the industry’s highest paid groomers.

Advanced or Master Groomer Opportunities

In addition to grooming appointments, advanced groomers often expand their income through:
• Teaching seminars and workshops
• Mentoring newer groomers
• Creating educational content
• Working with grooming product companies
• Speaking at industry trade shows

Some pursue opportunities within grooming competitions and professional education. Grooming judges and industry educators are often among the most respected professionals in the field, with years of technical training and breed-standard expertise behind them. These professionals may supplement their income by:

• Judging grooming competitions
• Teaching certification programs
• Leading live demonstrations at trade shows
• Hosting online educational courses
• Partnering with grooming brands and manufacturers

Well-known educators and competition groomers may earn several hundred to several thousand dollars for a single seminar or speaking engagement depending on their experience and reputation within the industry.
For some professionals, these opportunities evolve into full-scale businesses centered around education, mentorship, and professional development.

A Career With Real Growth Potential

One of the most encouraging aspects of pet grooming is that income is not fixed. Unlike many traditional careers with rigid pay structures, grooming rewards skill development, consistency, creativity, and initiative.
Some groomers choose flexible schedules that support work-life balance and family priorities. Others pursue advanced certifications, competition grooming, business ownership, or educational opportunities to maximize their earning potential.
Whether your goal is to build a stable income, create your own business, or become an industry leader, grooming offers a career path with room to grow for many years to come.

This Memorial Day weekend, Paragon Cares is proud to spotlight the incredible mission of Project K-9 Hero, an organization dedicated to protecting and caring for retired Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs.

These dogs spend their lives serving alongside law enforcement officers and members of the military, often in dangerous, high-stress environments. From explosives detection and narcotics work to patrol and protection, they carry out critical responsibilities with courage, loyalty, and unwavering dedication.

What many people do not see is that the effects of service often continue long after retirement. Many working dogs face lasting injuries, chronic health conditions, anxiety, and trauma that require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.

Project K-9 Hero exists to ensure these retired Heroes are never forgotten. Through financial support, medical coverage, rehabilitation programs, and advocacy, the organization provides retired working dogs with the care and dignity they deserve after years of sacrifice.

Stories like K-9 Tambo and K-9 Majlo serve as powerful reminders that service comes at a cost, even for the dogs who stand beside those protecting our communities and country. Their loyalty never wavered, and organizations like Project K-9 Hero make sure that same loyalty is returned to them in retirement.

At Paragon, we believe compassion for animals extends far beyond thegrooming salon. It means recognizing the lives of animals who serve others and supporting the people and organizations fighting to give them the care they deserve.

This Memorial Day, we encourage our community to take a moment to honor these retired K-9 Heroes and learn more about how you can support their mission.

Learn more or donate at: ProjectK9Hero.org 🇺🇸🐾

There is something special about people who are drawn to working with animals. They tend to notice the little things. They care deeply. They are willing to work hard to help pets feel safe, healthy, and loved. If you have ever wondered whether dog grooming could be the right career path for you, there is a good chance the answer may already be showing up in your everyday life.

Professional dog groomers come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some discover grooming after years in another career. Others begin because they have always loved animals and wanted to turn that passion into meaningful work. While every groomer’s story is different, many successful professionals share similar qualities that help them thrive in the industry.

If you recognize yourself in these signs, you may already have the foundation to become an excellent dog groomer.

1. You genuinely enjoy helping animals feel comfortable

Great dog groomers understand that grooming goes far beyond haircuts. Every appointment is an opportunity to help a pet feel cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable. Some dogs arrive nervous or unsure. Others may be elderly, energetic, shy, or experiencing grooming for the very first time. Groomers play an important role in helping pets feel secure throughout the process.

People who naturally show patience and compassion often do very well in grooming. You may already notice yourself slowing down to comfort an anxious dog or paying attention to how animals react to different situations. Those instincts matter. Dogs respond to calm energy, consistency, and kindness.

Many future groomers think they need years of experience before entering the industry. In reality, some of the most important skills begin with empathy and a willingness to learn. Technical grooming skills can be taught. A caring heart and genuine compassion are qualities that make a lasting impact on both pets and pet parents.

2. You pay attention to details others overlook

Dog grooming is an artistic and hands-on profession. Groomers work with coat texture, body structure, balance, movement, and styling techniques every day. Small details can completely change the finished result of a groom.

If you often notice uneven lines, enjoy organizing things neatly, or appreciate visual details, grooming may feel surprisingly natural to you. Successful groomers tend to have an eye for symmetry and presentation. They enjoy improving their skills over time and take pride in seeing a dog look polished, healthy, and happy when the groom is complete.

Attention to detail also helps groomers spot potential concerns early. During appointments, groomers may notice skin irritation, ear issues, matting, nail problems, or changes in a pet’s condition that owners may not have seen yet. Being observant allows groomers to better care for pets while building trust with clients.

This career rewards people who enjoy learning and improving. Many professional groomers continue developing new techniques throughout their entire careers because there is always something new to discover in the grooming industry.

3. You like staying busy and working with your hands

Dog grooming is an active career that keeps you engaged throughout the day. Groomers are constantly moving between bathing, drying, brushing, clipping, scissoring, cleaning, and interacting with pets and clients. For people who struggle sitting at a desk all day, grooming can feel refreshing and rewarding.

Many successful groomers enjoy hands-on work because they can physically see the results of their effort. At the beginning of the appointment, a dog may arrive tangled, overgrown, or overdue for care. By the end, that same pet often leaves looking brighter, cleaner, and more comfortable. There is tremendous satisfaction in seeing that transformation happen through your own skill and dedication.

People who thrive in grooming often enjoy productive environments where every day feels different. No two dogs are exactly alike. Every breed, coat type, and personality presents new opportunities to learn and improve.

4. You enjoy connecting with people as much as pets

Dog grooming may focus on animals, but strong communication skills are equally important. Groomers build relationships with pet owners by listening carefully, setting expectations, educating clients, and helping them make the best decisions for their pets.

Pet parents trust groomers with beloved members of their families. That trust grows through honesty, reliability, and genuine care. Groomers who communicate clearly and compassionately often develop loyal client relationships that last for years.

If you enjoy helping people feel understood and supported, grooming can be deeply fulfilling. Many groomers become an important part of their clients’ routines and develop meaningful connections with both pets and owners over time.

The emotional side of grooming is often what keeps people passionate about the profession long term. Knowing you helped a nervous puppy gain confidence or made an older dog more comfortable can make the work feel incredibly meaningful.

5. You want a career that continues to grow with you

The pet industry continues to grow as more families prioritize professional care for their pets. Grooming offers opportunities for stability, creativity, flexibility, and long-term growth. Some groomers work in salons, while others eventually open their own businesses, compete professionally, teach students, or specialize in specific breeds and techniques.

People who succeed in grooming often enjoy setting goals and continuing to challenge themselves. There is always another skill to learn, certification to pursue, or grooming style to master. The industry rewards dedication and passion.

Many students are surprised by how much confidence they gain while learning to groom. Developing a hands-on skill can open doors to financial independence and meaningful work while allowing you to spend your days helping animals.

If you have been searching for a career that combines creativity, compassion, problem-solving, and purpose, dog grooming may be worth exploring. Sometimes the qualities that make someone a great groomer are already part of who they are. They simply need the opportunity to grow those strengths into a career.

What does it take to go from “just a dog groomer” to a true professional? In this episode of Groomer’s Choice Hey Joe Podcast, past Paragon president and current Groomer’s Choice VP Joe Zuccarello sits down with Brandy Reese, CMG, to explore how mindset, skill development and professionalism can elevate your career and income. With 30+ years in the industry, Brandy has worked as a salon manager, mobile business owner and now runs Canine Design Nashville, specializing in precision scissor work and hand stripping for terriers and sporting breeds. Today, as a Mentor and Account Rep, she helps aspiring groomers find their fit at Paragon.  Tune in to learn how higher-level skills, consistent clients and a professional approach can help you grow your business.

One of the most powerful ways to grow your salon is by making it easier for people to find you and easier for happy clients to talk about you.

When pet parents are searching for a new groomer, they are looking for two things almost immediately: visibility and trust. They want to find a salon quickly, and they want to feel confident they are making the right choice.

That trust is often built before they ever walk through your door. It happens through Google reviews, strong social proof, and the way your salon shows up online.

The good news is that this does not need to happen by chance. Just like every successful service in your salon, reviews and organic traffic should be built through systems.

Start with the Experience Worth Talking About

Before asking for reviews, make sure you are consistently creating moments clients naturally want to share.

A fresh-smelling dog, a beautifully finished groom, clean ears, smooth nails, a bandana or bow, and a happy pickup experience all create the kind of emotional response that leads to word-of-mouth marketing.

People do not leave 5-star reviews simply because the groom was completed. They leave reviews because the experience made them feel confident, relieved, and impressed.

The goal is to create a pickup moment where the client says, “Wow”, which is the exact moment your team should be trained to ask for a review.

The Best Time to Ask

The best moment to ask for a review is at pickup, when the client is seeing their pet freshly groomed and already expressing excitement. If they say something like, “She looks amazing,” or “This is the best he’s ever looked,” that is your opening.

Your team can naturally respond with:

“That means so much to us. If you have a moment, we would love if you shared that in a Google review. It really helps other pet parents find us.”

The wording should feel warm, easy, and never pushy. The key is to ask while the positive emotion is still present.

Use Verbiage That Feels Natural

The truth is salon teams avoid asking because they do not know what to say. Combat this by giving them a simple script they can use confidently.

Here are a few examples:

“We’re so happy you love today’s groom. If you’d be willing to leave us a quick 5-star review, it really helps our small business.”

“The best way you can support our salon is by sharing your experience in a review.”

“If _____ groom made your day, we’d love if you shared that online so other pet parents can find us.”

Keep it conversational and kind, be open to a “no” and never lose your smile.

Use Physical Signs at the Counter

One of the easiest ways to increase review volume is to place physical reminders at checkout. This can look like a small acrylic sign or framed countertop card works beautifully.

Consider simple messaging such as: Love your groom today? Help other pet parents find us by leaving a 5-star review on Google.

Adding a QR code that links directly to your review page removes friction and makes it incredibly easy for clients to respond while standing at the counter.

The simpler the process, the more likely people are to follow through.

Follow Up After the Appointment

Not every client will leave a review in the moment, and that is perfectly okay. A short text message or email later that evening or the next day can work extremely well.

Example text:

“We loved seeing ______ today. Thank you for trusting us with his groom. If you loved your experience, we’d be so grateful if you left us a quick review here.”

You can even pair your text with a cute photo that the groomer took of their pet after the pet’s groom was complete!

Encourage Photo Sharing and Tags

Organic traffic does not only come from Google. Social media tags and shares are incredibly valuable. Encourage clients to post pickup photos and tag your salon.

A simple sign at checkout that says:

Tag us in your fresh groom photos!

can help generate ongoing organic exposure.

Those client-generated posts build trust faster than traditional advertising because they come from real people.

Respond to Every Review

Reviews should never be a one-way conversation. Responding to every review, especially positive ones, reinforces trust and shows potential clients that you are engaged and attentive.

Mention the pet’s name when possible and thank the client warmly. This makes your salon feel personal and relationship-driven.

The Bigger Picture

Organic traffic and reviews grow when clients consistently have experiences worth sharing and when your team makes it easy for them to do so.

Small touchpoints like signage, QR codes, warm scripts, and thoughtful follow-up can make a significant impact over time.

The salons that grow the fastest are often not the ones spending the most on ads. They are the ones creating systems and experiences that turn happy clients into vocal advocates.

Each year, the AKC releases its list of the most popular breeds, and many of those dogs are not haircut breeds. That raises an important question for salon owners: how do you proactively maintain volume when fewer dogs in your market need full haircuts? The answer is simple. You build your bath and brush business, and one of the smartest ways to do that is through a strong shed management service.

Bath and brush dogs can have a huge impact on your bottom line, with incredible potential for repeat revenue and client retention. These are the dogs that can help stabilize your schedule, fill slower gaps in the week, and create a predictable stream of appointments that keeps your salon thriving.

To encourage pet parents to come in regularly, you need to provide a better experience than what they can achieve at home or at a self-wash. That means delivering noticeable results, solving real problems, and creating a service that feels worth coming back for.

When you are working on short-coated and smooth-coated breeds, you may not see the dramatic visual transformation you get with a haircut dog. But the transformation is still there. The coat should look cleaner, feel softer, smell fresher, and shed less. The client should immediately notice that this is the best their dog has looked, smelled, and felt.

Solve Client Problems with Shed Management

Now let’s talk about one of the biggest opportunities in your salon: heavy shedding breeds.

Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Huskies, Border Collies, and many mixed breeds with double coats all present a tremendous opportunity for repeat service.

These clients are not simply looking for a bath. They are looking for relief from the hair all over their home. This is where a structured shed control service becomes one of the most valuable solutions you can offer.

What you want to do is bring these bath and brush dogs in on a very regular basis. Ideally, every six to eight weeks. This schedule helps keep shedding under control, reduces the buildup of oils and dirt on the coat, and keeps the dog smelling and feeling fresh.

More importantly, this schedule creates repeat business. Instead of waiting until the client becomes frustrated with the shedding at home, you create a predictable maintenance system that keeps them coming back.

That repeat frequency is what turns a simple service into a thriving revenue stream and a strong client relationship.

Your High Velocity Dryer Is Your Secret Weapon

Whether you are working on a short-coated dog, a smooth-coated breed, or a dense double-coated dog like a Shepherd or Husky, your high velocity dryer is one of the most important tools in this service.

Done correctly, the dryer removes the bulk of loose undercoat before brushing even begins. This improves efficiency, protects the coat, and creates noticeably better results.

The finished coat should be glossy, clean, and move freely as the dog walks. It should feel irresistible to the touch. That mixed with minimal shedding result will keep the client coming back.

Turn the Service Into a Revenue System

A strong shed control service should do more than solve a client problem. It should strengthen the financial health of your salon.

Once the service is established operationally, the next step is to evaluate it as a business system. This means looking at profitability, labor efficiency, repeat booking potential, and long-term client value.

The goal is not simply to add another line item to your service menu. The goal is to build a repeatable revenue engine that helps your business thrive.

Start with the Revenue Formula

Every service in your salon should be measured by one of the most important business formulas:

Revenue Per Hour = Total Ticket ÷ Appointment Time

For example, if your bath and brush base price is $60 and your shed management add-on is $25, your total appointment ticket becomes $85.

If that appointment takes 60 minutes, the formula looks like this:

$85 ÷ 1 = $85 per hour

If it runs 90 minutes:

$85 ÷ 1.5 = $56.67 per hour

This is why service timing matters just as much as pricing. If the service takes too long without the correct price structure, it can quietly hurt profitability.

Every salon should know its minimum target hourly production number. For many salons, that target falls between $65–$90 per labor hour, depending on team structure and overhead.

Build Pricing from Margin Backward

Pricing should never be based on what “feels right.” Instead, work backward from your desired margin.

Use this formula:

(Labor Cost + Product Cost + Overhead) ÷ (1 – Target Margin) = Service Price

Example:

• Additional labor time: $18
• Product usage: $5
• Allocated overhead: $4
• Target margin: 65%

Formula:

($18 + $5 + $4) ÷ (1 – .65) = $77.14

In this case, the service should be priced at approximately $75–$80.

This ensures the service remains profitable while supporting labor costs and business growth.

Track Rebooking Performance

One of the most important business metrics for this service is going to be the rebooking rate.

Use this formula:

Rebooking Rate = Rebooked Clients ÷ Total Shed Clients × 100

Example:

38 rebooked clients ÷ 50 total = 76% rebooking rate

A healthy target is:

• 70% = good
• 80%+ = excellent
• 90% = membership-level performance

Market the Outcome, Not the Process

Clients are not buying a “deshed blowout.” They are buying less hair on the couch, fewer tumbleweeds on the floor, and a dog that smells and feels amazing.

Market the results:

• less shedding around the home
• cleaner coat for longer
• better-smelling dog
• healthier-looking coat

The Bottom Line

When built with the right pricing, rebooking structure, team support, and client messaging, a shed control program becomes one of the most dependable growth engines in your salon.

This service creates repeat revenue, improves retention, stabilizes the schedule, and turns bath and brush dogs into a thriving part of your business model.

For those who feel called to work with animals, choosing the right career path is both an exciting and deeply personal decision. Two professions often rise to the top for animal lovers seeking meaningful work: veterinary technology and professional pet grooming.

At first glance, these roles may seem similar. Both involve hands-on work with pets, a strong foundation in animal care, and the opportunity to improve the quality of life for the animals you serve. However, the reality of each path is very different in terms of education, daily expectations, long-term growth, and the type of fulfillment each career provides.

Understanding these differences is one of the most important steps in discovering where your strengths, interests, and passions truly align.

The Veterinary Technician Path

Veterinary technicians play a critical and highly respected role in clinical animal care. Working alongside veterinarians, they help support the medical side of pet wellness and treatment.

Their responsibilities often include assisting during examinations and surgeries, administering medications, monitoring anesthesia, collecting laboratory samples, taking radiographs, and helping track a patient’s recovery progress.

This career path is ideal for individuals who are drawn to medicine, science, and structured clinical environments.

Because of the medical nature of the role, this path usually requires formal education and certification. For many, this is a highly meaningful career because it allows them to directly support medical outcomes and animal health.

The Professional Grooming Path

Professional pet grooming offers a different, but equally meaningful, way to work with animals. Rather than focusing on medical treatment, groomers focus on preventative wellness, hygiene, comfort, coat care, and the overall appearance and well-being of the pet.

This profession combines animal care with hands-on technical skill, creative problem-solving, and craftsmanship.

Groomers work closely with pets on a routine basis, often seeing the same dogs every four to eight weeks. This consistency allows groomers to build trust not only with the pet, but also with the pet parent. Over time, many groomers become an essential part of a dog’s overall care routine.

More Than Bathing and Haircuts

One of the most common misconceptions about grooming is that it is simply bathing and trimming hair.

In reality, professional grooming is a highly skilled trade that requires education, repetition, patience, and a deep understanding of both animal behavior and coat structure.

A groomer must learn:

• safe animal handling techniques
• bathing and drying systems
• skin and coat assessment
• clipper and blade knowledge
• scissoring techniques
• breed-specific trims
• deshedding systems
• finishing work and styling
• client communication

Every dog presents a new opportunity to learn, refine technique, and build confidence in your
craft.

Where Grooming Stands Out

One of the most significant differences between veterinary technology and professional grooming lies in career flexibility and growth potential.

As your skills develop, so does your earning potential and your ability to shape the type of career you want.

• advanced breed-specific styling
• hand scissoring specialties
• deshedding expertise
• salon leadership roles
• mobile grooming
• education and mentorship
• independent salon ownership

For many groomers, this profession becomes far more than a job. It becomes a long-term career with room for financial growth, flexibility, and entrepreneurship.

A Career That Grows With You

One of the most powerful aspects of professional grooming is that the career can evolve alongside your personal goals and lifestyle.

Some groomers thrive in team salon environments, while others dream of opening their own boutique business or working in mobile grooming.

As your skills grow, your ability to control your schedule, client load, and income often grows as well.

Choosing the Right Fit

Choosing between veterinary technology and professional grooming is not about deciding which career is better. It is about understanding which environment, skill set, and future path align most closely with who you are and what kind of life you want to create.

If you are seeking a hands-on career that blends animal care, creativity, flexibility, meaningful relationships, and long-term growth potential, professional grooming offers an incredibly rewarding path forward.