Dog groomer
Level 2 · IntermediateAgriculture, environmental and animal care 1 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
Dog groomers wash, dry, clip, and style dogs of all breeds, maintaining their coat health and overall cleanliness for pet owners. You will learn to handle dogs safely and confidently, recognise signs of stress or skin conditions, and deliver a high-quality, breed-appropriate finish. The role suits animal lovers who enjoy hands-on practical work and building relationships with clients and their pets.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Canine anatomy, coat types, and breed-specific grooming styles
Safe dog handling, restraint, and reading dog body language
Bathing, drying, and conditioning techniques for different coat types
Clipping, scissoring, stripping, and finishing to breed standards
Recognising common skin conditions, parasites, and coat problems
Hygiene and salon disinfection to prevent cross-infection between dogs
Customer communication and managing expectations about grooming outcomes
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Welcome dogs and their owners and note any health or behavioural concerns
Bathe, dry, and detangle coats using appropriate products and equipment
Clip and scissor coats to the owner's specification or breed standard
Trim nails, clean ears, and carry out other basic hygiene tasks
Spot skin irritations, lumps, or parasite signs and inform the owner
Keep the salon clean and disinfect equipment between every dog
Record each dog's details, preferences, and any health notes for future visits
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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