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Dog groomer vs animal shelter worker

The differences between dog groomers and animal shelter workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-3 months to become both a dog groomer and an animal shelter worker. Additionally, an animal shelter worker has an average salary of $33,011, which is higher than the $31,920 average annual salary of a dog groomer.

The top three skills for a dog groomer include PET, customer service and scheduling appointments. The most important skills for an animal shelter worker are crisis intervention, mental health, and direct care.

Dog groomer vs animal shelter worker overview

Dog GroomerAnimal Shelter Worker
Yearly salary$31,920$33,011
Hourly rate$15.35$15.87
Growth rate28%28%
Number of jobs57,20372,185
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 44%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Average age3232
Years of experience33

Dog groomer vs animal shelter worker salary

Dog groomers and animal shelter workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Dog GroomerAnimal Shelter Worker
Average salary$31,920$33,011
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $45,000Between $22,000 And $49,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between dog groomer and animal shelter worker education

There are a few differences between a dog groomer and an animal shelter worker in terms of educational background:

Dog GroomerAnimal Shelter Worker
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 44%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Most common majorBusinessPsychology
Most common collegeUniversity of Massachusetts AmherstTexas A&M University - Commerce

Dog groomer vs animal shelter worker demographics

Here are the differences between dog groomers' and animal shelter workers' demographics:

Dog GroomerAnimal Shelter Worker
Average age3232
Gender ratioMale, 15.5% Female, 84.5%Male, 30.7% Female, 69.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 2.8% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 2.6% White, 68.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between dog groomer and animal shelter worker duties and responsibilities

Dog groomer example responsibilities.

  • Manage all breeding, whelping, raising of puppies, grooming and showing of dogs for owners in the AKC.
  • Ensure customer satisfaction by sharing information regarding pet care products.
  • Provide all services in the salon from hair styling, bathing, over all maintenance and care for the pet.
  • Comb, clip, trim and shape dogs' coats to groom dogs, using knowledge of grooming techniques and styles.
  • Assist in answering customer questions regarding grooming, scheduling grooming appointments and maintaining salon cleanliness and safety.
  • Aid veterinarian and professional groomer.

Animal shelter worker example responsibilities.

  • Assist in managing shelter for animals and arranging for adoption or euthanasia of confiscate animals.
  • Maintain an aquatic system of zebrafish and rotifers.
  • Assist veterinarians, veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants in providing the best care possible for patients.
  • Milk animals such as cows and goats, by hand or using milking machines.

Dog groomer vs animal shelter worker skills

Common dog groomer skills
  • PET, 57%
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Scheduling Appointments, 10%
  • Coats, 4%
  • Animal Handling, 4%
  • Front Desk, 3%
Common animal shelter worker skills
  • Crisis Intervention, 15%
  • Mental Health, 14%
  • Direct Care, 11%
  • Emergency Shelter, 10%
  • Client Intake, 10%
  • Community Resources, 9%

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