Do you love dogs and also cats - especially brushing and bathing them? Becoming a professional pet groomer might be just right for you. The pet grooming industry is booming. Becoming a certified pet groomer begins with finding the right school or training program. Once trained, you will have the skills to find a job at one of the many pet grooming salons worldwide or perhaps start your own small business.

If you have always loved working closely with dogs, cats and other small pets, a career in the pet grooming industry might be perfect for you.

Do you have the ability to get close to a variety of animals, do you enjoy spending time with dogs and cats? If the answer is yes then you may enjoy the job of grooming animals.

Are you bothered by wet dog hair or the sound of barking dogs? If so, you may want to reconsider this career.

Do you have some sense of artistic expression, do you or have you ever taken art classes, do you think you could develop this skill? Advanced techniques in clipping and breed cuts require at least some interpretive stylistic ability.

Examine your goals and your own strengths - are you a good candidate - if so then take the next steps to pursuing a career as a groomer.

If you have not yet applied to a grooming school or certification program, you can still gain experience in the field of pet grooming by volunteering or applying for a job to work with dogs and cats in another capacity within the pet care industry.

Many shelters and animal care facilities need volunteer (and sometimes paid) help from people learning the job of dog and cat care - cleaning, bathing and basic grooming. Ask your local Veterinarian or any animal rescue group about possible opportunities to work with animals.

In order to advance to the professional level, a certification from a pet grooming school will provide you with the knowledge and training to go further in your career. Most certified grooming schools require you to study in depth about grooming techniques, breed specifics and other business management topics related to the grooming industry and they also require a certain number of practicum hours spent grooming animals in order to earn the diploma.