How to Become a Certified Pet Groomer in India: Skills,Courses & Career Path Explained

By Jessica John – Internationally Certified Pet Groomer & Mentor | Founder, Petswag Pet Grooming Academy (Mumbai, India)

---

India’s pet-care industry is expanding faster than ever. With rising pet ownership, growing awareness of pet hygiene, and increasing demand for professional services, pet grooming has evolved from a niche skill into a structured, full-time career opportunity.

Yet many aspiring groomers still don’t know where to begin, what skills they need, or how certification actually works.

This guide breaks down the complete pathway to becoming a certified pet groomer in India — the skills, the training, the certifications, and the real career possibilities ahead.

1. Understand What a Pet Groomer Actually Does

A professional groomer is far more than someone who bathes or trims dogs. Groomers must be trained in:

• Breed-specific styling and coat handling

• Scissoring and finishing techniques

• Clipper work and de-shedding

• Nail care, paw care, hygiene and sanitary trimming

• Behavioural handling and safety

• Equipment knowledge and maintenance

• Health indicators and basic first aid

Modern grooming is a blend of technical skill, creativity, animal behaviour understanding, hygiene excellence, and client communication.

2. Start With the Right Foundational Skills

Before stepping into a formal course, aspiring groomers benefit from developing:

• Comfort and confidence around animalsYou will work with anxious, excited, large, small, senior and sometimes reactive pets.

• Patience and precisionGrooming requires calm handling, steady hands and an eye for detail.

• Physical enduranceA grooming day often means long hours of standing, lifting and controlled movement.

• Communication skillsA groomer must guide pet parents, explain coat issues, and set realistic expectations for styles and maintenance.

  
  

3. Choose a Professional Certification Course

Certification is the most important step in building a serious grooming career. In India, the best academies offer a structured, internationally aligned curriculum covering:

• Clipper techniques

• Scissoring work and finishing

• Bathing, drying and coat preparation

• Breed-standard grooming

• Asian Fusion basics

• Behaviour management

• Salon workflow and safety protocols

At Petswag Pet Grooming Academy, students train under internationally certified mentors with hands-on grooming experience, show-standard exposure and one-on-one technique correction.

This ensures students graduate with industry-ready confidence — not just theoretical knowledge.

4. Understand the Levels of Grooming Certification

Across India and abroad, grooming courses typically fall into:

• Beginner / Foundation CertificationBasics of pet handling, bathing, drying and hygiene services.

• Intermediate Groomer CertificationClipper work, shaping, simple breed trims, safety protocols.

• Professional Groomer CertificationAdvanced scissoring, breed-specific styling, pattern setting, show techniques.

• Masterclass WorkshopsAsian Fusion, creative grooming, poodle work, show grooming, handling techniques.

Choosing the right level depends on your goals — job, business ownership, or advanced specialisation.

5. Why International-Standard Training Matters

India’s grooming industry is evolving rapidly, and international techniques are now a key differentiator.

Training under mentors certified from countries such as Malaysia, South Korea or Japan exposes students to:

• Superior finishing standards

• Precise scissoring techniques

• Asian Fusion aesthetics

• Handling styles used by global show groomers

This dramatically improves a groomer’s skill level, employability and long-term career growth.

6. Career Pathways After Certification

Once you are certified, multiple career pathways open up:

• Pet Groomer at a professional salonStable work with high demand in urban and tier-2 cities.

• Senior Groomer / StylistFor groomers with advanced technical skills and finishing.

• Salon Owner / EntrepreneurIdeal for groomers who want independence and business growth.

• Mobile Grooming ProfessionalA growing segment in India’s metros and dense urban areas.

• Specialist Groomer (Breed / Asian Fusion / Creative)A niche route that allows premium pricing and brand positioning.

• Grooming Educator / MentorFor groomers who wish to teach, guide and build the next generation of professionals.

The industry offers abundant opportunities for skilled, ethical and well-trained groomers.

7. How Long Does It Take to Become a Groomer?

• A foundation certification usually takes 4–6 weeks.

• A full professional programme typically takes 8–12 weeks, depending on the academy structure and volume of hands-on practice.

Grooming is a skill-based career — true mastery comes from consistency. Every dog or cat you groom improves your technique, speed and confidence.

8. What to Look For in a Grooming Academy

Before enrolling, evaluate:

• Mentor’s qualifications and certifications

• International exposure and show-grooming experience

• Hands-on training volume (number of pets per student)

• Student–mentor ratio

• Safety and hygiene standards

• Placement or internship support

• Business and pricing guidance (essential for future salon owners)

• Real reviews and alumni success stories

Choosing the right mentor and academy can save years of trial and error in your career.

9. Final Thoughts

Becoming a certified pet groomer in India is more achievable than ever — and deeply rewarding for those who love working with animals.

With structured training, international techniques and the right mentorship, you can build a sustainable, respected and well-paying career in this growing industry.

The grooming world is expanding, and India needs the next wave of skilled, ethical and professionally trained groomers. With the right guidance, this career doesn’t just offer income — it offers purpose, creativity and long-term growth.

Explore Jessica’s courses at Petswag Pet Grooming Academy – Kalyan, Mumbai