38.4 Billion Reasons to Work in the Pet Industry

By Francine L. Huff
Learning & Life Columnist
October 23, 2007

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Pets aren't just a part of the family--they're part of the family budget. Spending on pets has more than doubled in the last decade; it was $38.4 billion in 2006, up from $17 billion in 1994, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. If you have a way with animals, you may enjoy a career in pet grooming or obedience training.

Choosing the Right School

While you may already have experience with your own pet, taking pet grooming courses can help you learn more about proper grooming and obedience procedures like anatomy, equipment handling, and behavioral therapy. While it's not required to have certification or licensing to become a pet groomer, voluntary certification from a reputable school can go a long way toward helping you build a client base.

You can learn more about careers in pet grooming and obedience training by attending conferences, seminars, and workshops. Courses are available online and in classroom settings. You can also earn a bachelor's or master's degree in animal behavior through a traditional university.

Obedience Training for Dogs

If you want more involvement with animals, consider working full- or part-time as an obedience trainer. This job can allow you to set your own hours and choose how large or small you want your business to be. Obedience training helps people as well as animals, so you must enjoy working with both.

Work in Variety of Settings

You can find pet groomers and obedience trainers working at kennels, veterinary practices, pet stores, and pet salons. Some workers in this field own mobile pet grooming businesses that go to clients' homes. Working in this field requires patience and stamina, since not all pets behave well and you may have to lift or restrain them. There may also be certain amount of bending during interactions with pets, and this can be tough on your back.

Earnings for pet groomers vary based upon level of experience and location. For instance, the median salary for dog groomers in Virginia in 2006 was $20,000 according to Career Prospects in Virginia. Some groomers receive an hourly wage, some are paid on commission, and others receive a combination of both.

Sources

American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, "Pet Spending at All-Time High"
Career Prospects in Virginia, "Dog Groomers"

About the Author
Francine L. Huff is a freelance journalist and the author of The 25-Day Financial Makeover: A Practical Guide for Women. She has appeared on a variety of TV and radio shows.

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