Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
Qualification Level
Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
A dog groomer gives dogs full grooming and hygiene care. Core services include bathing, coat cutting and styling, nail clipping and ear cleaning. Good groomers also spot early signs of skin problems, parasites and injury.
Breed knowledge is key. Poodles, Golden Retrievers and Border Collies each have unique coat types and cut standards. Groomers must stay up to date with breed-specific styles and animal care rules.
Most groomers work in pet salons, vet practices or mobile grooming units. About 5,700 people work as pet groomers in Australia (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025), with steady demand forecast. Many groomers also work for themselves.
The main entry course is the Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122). It builds a strong base in grooming skills, animal behaviour and work health and safety.
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.
