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How to Become An Assistant Dog Groomer

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What is a Assistant Dog Groomer

An Assistant Dog Groomer helps professional groomers look after dogs in pet salons, mobile grooming vans, and vet clinics. It is a great entry-level role if you love animals and want to build a career in pet care.

Your day involves bathing and drying dogs, brushing out coats, trimming nails, and cleaning ears. You also prep tools and keep the area tidy. Watch for signs that a dog is stressed or unwell and let the lead groomer know.

You will also talk with pet owners regularly. They will have questions about grooming styles, coat health, and aftercare. Being clear and friendly in these talks helps clients feel at ease and builds the salon’s name.

This role is the perfect starting point for a grooming career. With experience and the Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122), you can become a qualified groomer. Some go on to run their own salon.

Explore study options in Animal Care

Career Outlook for Assistant Dog Groomer

The outlook for Assistant Dog Groomers in Australia is positive. Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, with around 6.9 million pet dogs in homes nationwide (Animal Medicines Australia, 2022). As more Australians own pets, demand for professional grooming keeps growing.

Assistant groomers typically work between 20 and 40 hours per week. Full-time, part-time, and casual roles are all common. Entry-level pay is around $25 to $27 per hour (SEEK, 2026), giving a full-time annual salary of about $49,000 to $53,000. Pay rises with experience and formal study.

Career growth in this field is steady. The Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122) opens the door to qualified groomer roles and senior positions. Some graduates launch mobile grooming businesses or their own salons. It is a practical career with clear steps forward for those who invest in their skills.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become an Assistant Dog Groomer

Step 1: Gain Experience with Animals

Start by spending time with dogs in a real setting. Volunteer at an animal shelter, help at a vet clinic, or take on dog walking work. This gives you direct experience with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and moods. Most employers look for this before hiring, even for an entry-level assistant role.

Step 2: Complete a Certificate II in Animal Care (ACM20121)

Enrol in the Certificate II in Animal Care (ACM20121) at a TAFE or RTO. This takes around 6 to 12 months and covers animal handling, basic care, and workplace safety. It is the most common entry point for assistant roles in grooming salons. Confirm current unit codes on training.gov.au before you enrol.

Step 3: Build Your Skills On the Job

Work as a grooming assistant full-time or part-time to build skills under qualified groomers. Focus on bathing, coat types, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. Most salons expect assistants to take on more tasks within 6 to 12 months of regular practice.

Step 4: Complete a Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122)

When you have some experience, enrol in the Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122) at a TAFE or RTO. Choose the pet grooming focus area. This takes 12 to 18 months part-time and covers advanced grooming, breed-specific styling, animal health, and salon management. It is the key step from assistant to qualified groomer.

Step 5: Connect with the Industry

Join the Pet Industry Association of Australia (PIAA) or a similar industry body once you are working. Membership gives you access to industry news, training, and events. Staying connected helps you keep pace with new techniques and spot career opportunities early.

What does an Assistant Dog Groomer do?

As an Assistant Dog Groomer, you spend most of your day bathing, drying, and brushing dogs. You also support the lead groomer with more detailed styling work. You prep tools, keep the salon clean, and check dogs for health issues. Chatting with pet owners about their dog’s care is part of the job too. It is a busy, hands-on role that builds solid grooming skills fast.

Tasks

An Assistant Dog Groomer supports the grooming team with the hands-on tasks that keep the salon running smoothly. If you enjoy working with animals and learning new skills, this role gives you a strong start in the pet care industry.

  • Preparing grooming tools and checking all equipment is clean before each session.
  • Bathing and conditioning dogs to keep coats clean and healthy.
  • Brushing and combing to remove tangles and prevent mats.
  • Drying dogs with towels and professional dryers after baths.
  • Helping during styling sessions by steadying and comforting dogs.
  • Cleaning the grooming area to maintain a safe, hygienic space.
  • Watching dogs for signs of stress or discomfort and reporting concerns.
  • Talking with pet owners to share updates and answer grooming questions.
  • Checking for skin issues or coat changes and flagging them to the lead groomer.
  • Learning new grooming techniques and breed-specific styling methods.

Skills for Success

To work as an Assistant Dog Groomer, you need solid animal handling skills and a genuine love of dogs. You should be comfortable with nervous or reactive animals and know how to keep them calm during grooming.

Attention to detail, physical stamina, and a willingness to learn are all important. You will also need good communication skills to speak with pet owners about their dog’s care. The more you know about different breeds and their coat needs, the faster you will grow in the role.

Skills & Attributes

  • Basic grooming skills, including bathing, brushing, and nail trimming
  • Knowledge of different dog breeds and their coat needs
  • Safe handling and restraint of dogs of all sizes
  • Clear communication with pet owners
  • Attention to detail to meet high grooming standards
  • Patience and empathy when working with animals
  • Basic knowledge of animal behaviour and health
  • Time management to handle multiple appointments
  • Physical stamina to perform grooming tasks throughout the day
  • Willingness to learn new techniques and grooming styles

Average Salaries

The average salary for an Assistant Dog Groomer in Australia is around $52,000 per year (SEEK, 2026). This is based on hourly rates of $25 to $27 for full-time work. Pay varies by location, experience, and hours worked. Entry-level assistants may start closer to $45,000. Those with more experience can earn up to $62,000.

min $45 K

max $62 K

av $52 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.