OCCUPATION: DOG GROOMER

Name: Sheresa Cunningham

Company: Critter Clippers

Thumbs up: “Working with the dogs and the owners. I like people’s reactions when they get their pets back and they’re happy with the cut. My basic philosophy is trying to work with the pet. Grooming shouldn’t be a bad experience for a dog. I also like the flexibility. It’s not like a 9-to-5 job, and it’s not as regulated as working in an office. I can leave when the work is done.”

Thumbs down: “Working every Saturday. One of the major drawbacks is I can’t put work off until tomorrow. But you can control the amount of work a few days in advance when setting appointments.”

Next step: “I belong to the Southern California Professional Groomers Assn., and we’re working to get groomers licensed in California. I think it’s very important that there should be some state control with standards set by the grooming shops.”

Advice: “There are some reputable grooming schools around. Talk to a good groomer and see who they recommend. Sometimes you can be trained in a shop, but you have to make sure you’re trained professionally. It’s not just a money-making business; there’s a lot of care involved.”

Salary range: Shops pay from the minimum hourly wage of $4.25 for beginners to $10 to $12 per hour for more experienced groomers. Many shops pay on commission, which is usually 50% to 60% of the cost of service to the pet owner.

Fringe benefits: Work schedules are usually flexible because many groomers are contractors or part-time employees. Groomers who work on commission can increase their earnings as they become more experienced and faster at their job.

Hours: “I work about eight to 10 hours a day, five days a week,” Cunningham said.

Educational and training requirements: There are no formal requirements because it is not a state-licensed occupation, but there are private and vocational schools offering courses in pet care; there are also shops that will train.

Expected demand: The need for skilled professional dog groomers continues to grow. The industry is seasonal, peaking during the summer months and business slowing during the winter.

Job description: Bathe the animal and, if necessary, dip it in a chemical solution to rid it of fleas; clip the dog’s toenails, clean its ears and eyes, look for skin conditions or infections; brush and style its coat.

Advancement: Besides working for a grooming shop, groomers can prepare dogs for show contests or eventually open their own shop.

For more information: Call the Southern California Professional Groomers Assn., (714) 895-5670 or (213) 494-7085.