How to become a pet groomer or animal care worker
Official title: Pet groomers and animal care workers
Also called: Pet-sitter, Dog groomer, Pet groomer, Animal attendant, Pet master groomer, Pet shop attendant, Zoo animal attendant, Pound animal attendant, Laboratory animal attendant, Animal attendants supervisor, Animal health care assistant, Laboratory animal care worker
Animal care workers feed, handle, train and groom animals and assist veterinarians, animal health technologists and technicians and animal breeders. Pet groomers clip coats, bathe and otherwise groom pets. They are employed by animal hospitals and clinics, animal shelters, breeding and boarding kennels, zoos, laboratories, retail pet shops, dog training schools, pet grooming establishments, or may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- Prepare food and feed animals, fish or birds at scheduled intervals
- Clean and disinfect cages, pens and surrounding areas
- Shampoo, clip and groom animals
- Assist veterinarians and animal health technologists and technicians to inoculate and treat animals
- Assist animal breeders to handle and nurture animals
- Assist scientists and researchers in conducting laboratory tests with animals
- Monitor and document animal behaviour
- Train dogs to obey commands and perform specific duties in response to signals
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Depending on the type of work performed, training courses in animal handling, grooming or dog training are usually required. Animal health or veterinary assistant college courses may be required for animal care workers.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $35,100 a year The middle half earn $31,200 to $41,535.
- About 35,500 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 42,100 are projected by 2033. (+18.6%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a pet groomer or animal care worker?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Depending on the type of work performed, training courses in animal handling, grooming or dog training are usually required. Animal health or veterinary assistant college courses may be required for animal care workers.
How much does a pet groomer or animal care worker earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $35,100 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $31,200 to $41,535.
Is a pet groomer or animal care worker a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 19% by 2033, from about 35,500 to about 42,100 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a pet groomer or animal care worker?
Usually not. Only 13% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03