You could take a course in dog grooming like:

• Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants
• Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming
• Level 4 Higher Professional Diploma in Dog Grooming

These are offered by colleges and private training centres.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

You could get into this job through a Dog Grooming Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

You might also be able to apply for an Animal Care and Welfare Manager Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, if you plan to become a supervisor or manager in a business.

Apprenticeships can take up to 1 year and 6 months to complete.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You could start as an assistant with a qualified and experienced dog groomer and learn on the job.

You could get experience by doing voluntary work with dogs in kennels, which can help when applying for courses or jobs.

The Dogs Trust and Do-IT have more information on volunteering opportunities.

You could take a private training course to get some of the skills and knowledge needed in this job. The Pet Industry Federation has accredited some organisations to deliver professional training.

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• customer service skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be flexible and open to change
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

As a dog groomer, you'll:

• prepare the dog for bathing
• shampoo and dry the dog's coat
• check for common disorders and parasites
• shape a dog's coat with electric clippers or a stripping knife
• use scissors to trim and style the dog's coat
• manage the dog's behaviour while in your care
• deal with clients, give grooming advice and do admin tasks

You could work in a salon, at a client's home, at a store or at a veterinary practice.

Your working environment may be dusty and physically demanding.