Pet Groomer Resume Example and Template

A strong pet groomer resume emphasizes hands-on expertise with multiple breeds, breed standards knowledge, and attention to animal safety and comfort. Include certifications, handling techniques, and any specialization in difficult dogs or show preparation.

Hiring managers look for consistent customer satisfaction, ability to work under pressure with anxious animals, and a clean safety record. They want to see how you manage time in a busy salon.

Also searched as

Lead Groomer, Groomer, Grooming Assistant

Jasmine Rivera: Pet Groomer

Portland, Oregon, United States

Summary

Certified professional groomer with 5 years of experience in full-service salons handling 25 to 30 dogs weekly. Expert in breed standards, hand-stripping, and creative styling. Maintained 95% five-star customer ratings and trained 3 junior groomers in safety protocols and breed identification techniques.

Work Experience

Lead Groomer, Pawsitive Impressions Grooming Studio

Jun 2023 – Present. Full-service salon, 12 grooming stations

• Managed 8 team members and maintained 98% on-time appointment completion rate
• Created custom grooming pricing guide that increased salon revenue 22% in first year
• Specialized in hand-stripped terriers and show prep; groomed 6 regional winners
• Introduced new sanitation protocol reducing infection complaints to zero

Groomer, Furry Friends Mobile Grooming

Mar 2021 – May 2023. Mobile salon, 2 vans, suburban Portland

• Groomed 18 to 22 dogs per week in mobile units despite space constraints
• Built client base of 70+ loyal repeat customers with referral requests
• Managed all safety equipment, restraints, and nail trimming protocols independently
• Handled emergency matted coat rescue on 12 cases; 100% avoided shaving close to skin

Grooming Assistant, Splash & Wag Dog Spa

Jul 2019 – Feb 2021. Luxury grooming and daycare combo

• Learned 8 breed standard cuts under mentorship; assisted lead groomer daily
• Bathed and dried 15 to 20 dogs per shift with proper water temperature and coat care
• Answered phones and scheduled 60+ appointments weekly with zero booking errors
• Won 'most improved' award after 18 months

Education

American Grooming Academy Portland

Diploma, Professional Pet Grooming. Jan 2019 – Jun 2019

Skills

Breed standard grooming, Hand-stripping, Show preparation, Behavior management, Nail trimming, Ear cleaning and plucking, De-matting techniques, Safety protocols, Mobile grooming operations, Client communication

Languages

English, Spanish

Certificates and Awards

• Certified Professional Pet Groomer, National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage, 2020
• First Aid and CPR for Pets, Red Cross, 2025

Why this look works

Groomers work with animals and owners alike, so warm, approachable design works best. Soft earth tones and clean spacing help you stand out to salon owners who value both professionalism and genuine care for the pets. The layout shows you're organized and detail-oriented, matching the precision grooming requires.

Resume tips for this job

• List specific breed groups you've groomed, not just dogs. Hand-stripping, scissor work, and show prep are keywords salon owners search for.
• Include your customer review score or satisfaction percentage if you have one. Pet owners choose by ratings, and salons track this metric.
• Mention difficult cases you've handled successfully: matted rescues, anxious dogs, or breed-specific challenges. This shows problem-solving, not just technical skill.

Common questions

Should I put my mobile grooming van or salon location?

Put your current employer. If you own the van, create a self-employment entry with your business name and note 'owner-operator' in the company details. Salons want to know you've run a business if you have.

Do I need a formal grooming license?

The US doesn't mandate a license, but certifications from NACA, AAFCO, or a grooming academy carry real weight. Highlight yours prominently. Some states are moving toward regulation, so having credentials protects your career.

How do I show my portfolio on a resume?

Add a link at the top after your city, or list social media where you post grooming photos. Many salons will search for you online anyway, so create an Instagram or TikTok if you don't have one yet.

Edit this resume in the builder

The person, employers and numbers in this example are fictional, written to show what a strong resume for this job looks like.