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.
A complete, realistic Pet Groomer resume, laid out in an ATS-tested template. The candidate is illustrative: the name, employers and figures were written for this example and identify no real person, so you can copy its structure and wording freely.
Updated September 2026
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.