How To Build a Pet Groomer Resume: A Complete Guide

Whether you're just starting out in your grooming career or you're a seasoned professional looking for new opportunities, having a well-crafted resume is essential for landing pet grooming jobs. As a pet groomer, your resume is the first impression potential employers will have of your skills, experience, and professionalism.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to creating a standout pet groomer resume, provide resume templates, and give actionable tips to ensure your application gets noticed in a competitive job market.

Why a Strong Pet Groomer Resume is Important

The pet grooming industry is growing rapidly, and more businesses are hiring groomers to meet the demands of pet owners. However, the competition for the best grooming jobs can be fierce. A clear, professional, and compelling resume can help you stand out from other applicants by showcasing your skills, certifications, and experience in the best possible light.

Key Sections of a Pet Groomer Resume

A pet groomer’s resume should highlight your hands-on experience with animals, knowledge of grooming techniques, and customer service skills. Here are the most important sections to include:

1. Contact Information

Your resume should start with your name and contact details, making it easy for potential employers to reach you. Include the following:

Full Name
Phone Number
Email Address
City and State (optional)
LinkedIn Profile or Grooming Portfolio (if applicable)

2. Professional Summary

A professional summary or objective statement is a brief paragraph at the top of your resume that highlights your career goals and qualifications. This section should grab the reader's attention and give them a quick overview of what makes you a great candidate for the job.

Example: "Certified pet groomer with 5+ years of experience in grooming dogs and cats of all breeds. Proficient in breed-specific cuts, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and de-matting. Passionate about delivering excellent customer service and ensuring pets leave the salon looking their best. Seeking a position at a reputable grooming salon to expand my expertise and build lasting client relationships."

3. Skills Section

List your top grooming skills in this section to demonstrate your expertise. Focus on both technical and soft skills relevant to the job. This section helps employers quickly scan your resume for key qualifications.

Technical Skills:

Breed-specific grooming techniques
Hand scissoring and clipping
Nail trimming and grinding
Ear cleaning and de-shedding
Knowledge of grooming tools and products
Bathing and blow-drying pets

Soft Skills:

Patience and empathy with pets
Excellent customer service
Time management and multitasking
Strong communication with pet owners
Attention to detail

4. Work Experience

Your work experience section is where you highlight your previous jobs as a groomer. Focus on your accomplishments and the impact you had in your previous roles. For each job, include the following details:

Job title
Company name
Location
Dates of employment
Bullet points of your responsibilities and achievements

Example:

Pet Groomer

Furry Friends Grooming Salon – New York, NY

May 2020 – Present

Performed grooming services for 20+ dogs and cats weekly, including bathing, de-matting, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and breed-specific cuts.
Built strong relationships with clients and their pets, leading to a 15% increase in repeat customers.
Maintained a clean and sanitary grooming station, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pets.
Trained junior groomers on proper grooming techniques and salon procedures.

Junior Groomer

Paws and Claws Pet Spa – Brooklyn, NY

June 2018 – April 2020

Assisted senior groomers with bathing, blow-drying, and prepping pets for grooming.
Provided nail trims, ear cleanings, and basic grooming for small dog breeds.
Helped manage grooming appointments and handled front desk customer interactions.

5. Education and Certifications

Many grooming salons and employers look for formal training or certifications in pet grooming. This section should include any relevant education and training you've completed. Be sure to list certifications, workshops, and other credentials that show you’re qualified for the job.

Example:

National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA)

Certified Professional Pet Groomer

March 2019

Groom Curriculum

Professional Groomer Certification (PGC)

September 2017

6. Portfolio or Work Examples

If you have a portfolio or examples of your grooming work, this is an excellent way to stand out. You can include a link to your online portfolio or attach before-and-after pictures of pets you've groomed. Having visual proof of your skills can be a powerful tool to impress potential employers.

7. References

Some employers may ask for references from past clients or employers. While you don’t need to include these directly on your resume, you can have them ready to provide upon request. Choose references who can speak to your grooming abilities and professionalism.

Tips for Crafting a Standout Pet Groomer Resume

Now that you have a solid structure, let’s dive into some actionable tips to help your resume stand out from the competition:

1. Tailor Your Resume to the Job

Each grooming job may have slightly different requirements, so it’s important to customize your resume for each application. Review the job description and make sure your resume highlights the skills and experience most relevant to the specific position.

2. Use Action Verbs

When describing your work experience, use strong action verbs like “groomed,” “handled,” “trained,” “maintained,” or “performed.” This helps to create a more dynamic and engaging resume.

3. Quantify Your Achievements

If possible, include measurable accomplishments in your experience. For example, mention how many pets you groomed per week, any customer satisfaction improvements, or the impact you made on business growth. Quantifying your achievements gives employers a clearer idea of your contributions.

4. Keep It Concise

Your resume should be easy to read and no longer than one page, especially if you’re applying for an entry-level position. Use bullet points to keep your content organized and avoid long paragraphs.

5. Proofread Carefully

A well-groomed resume is like a well-groomed pet—it should look polished and professional. Proofread your resume carefully to ensure there are no typos, spelling mistakes, or formatting issues.

Building a pet groomer resume doesn't have to be difficult. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a professional, well-organized resume that highlights your skills, experience, and passion for animal care. Whether you're applying to a local grooming salon, a mobile grooming service, or starting your own business, a standout resume will help you land the perfect grooming job and grow your career.

Happy grooming!