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Pet groomer vs animal caregiver

The differences between pet groomers and animal caregivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-3 months to become both a pet groomer and an animal caregiver. Additionally, a pet groomer has an average salary of $32,139, which is higher than the $27,665 average annual salary of an animal caregiver.

The top three skills for a pet groomer include PET, dryers and pet care. The most important skills for an animal caregiver are pigs, PET, and animal handling.

Pet groomer vs animal caregiver overview

Pet GroomerAnimal Caregiver
Yearly salary$32,139$27,665
Hourly rate$15.45$13.30
Growth rate28%28%
Number of jobs63,64157,251
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Average age3232
Years of experience33

What does a pet groomer do?

A pet groomer typically works with pets and other animals in pet grooming boutiques and pet stores. As a pet groomer, you will perform a few tasks that may include cleaning and taking care of pets such as dogs, maintaining the cleanliness of the work area for the next client, and working with the cash registers. In addition, you will groom dogs and cats using different tools and techniques, ensuring that pets stay safe and are well taken care of.

What does an animal caregiver do?

An animal caretaker is primarily in charge of the welfare and safety of animals in a particular area. They may work at veterinary shops and clinics, private institutions, kennels, animal shelters, and even zoos. Although their responsibilities vary on the animals and their place of employment, it typically includes feeding, bathing, grooming, exercising, and petting. There are also instances where they must clean and sanitize cages, prepare meals, administer vitamins and medication, and monitor their behavior.

Pet groomer vs animal caregiver salary

Pet groomers and animal caregivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Pet GroomerAnimal Caregiver
Average salary$32,139$27,665
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $48,000Between $20,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between pet groomer and animal caregiver education

There are a few differences between a pet groomer and an animal caregiver in terms of educational background:

Pet GroomerAnimal Caregiver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most common majorBusinessBiology
Most common collegeUniversity of Massachusetts AmherstStanford University

Pet groomer vs animal caregiver demographics

Here are the differences between pet groomers' and animal caregivers' demographics:

Pet GroomerAnimal Caregiver
Average age3232
Gender ratioMale, 14.0% Female, 86.0%Male, 23.5% Female, 76.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 2.6% White, 68.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 2.8% White, 68.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between pet groomer and animal caregiver duties and responsibilities

Pet groomer example responsibilities.

  • Achieve detailed grooming including skin, ear, nail care, coat clips and dental care.
  • Manage all breeding, whelping, raising of puppies, grooming and showing of dogs for owners in the AKC.
  • Perform animal grooming duties such as washing, brushing, clipping and trimming coats, cutting nail and cleaning ears.
  • Dedicate to building rapport with pet owners by proving excellent customer service and individualize care.
  • Experience with dogs, cats, birds, chickens, pigs, and sheep.
  • Take care of the delivery of small pets such as: fish, guinea pigs, reptiles, etc.
  • Show more

Animal caregiver example responsibilities.

  • Assist in managing shelter for animals and arranging for adoption or euthanasia of confiscate animals.
  • Educate pet owners about illnesses, medications, and general care, and answer their questions and concerns.
  • Walk all dogs, and occasionally strange animals such as pigs.
  • Create neighborhood service providing in-home pet care including; leash walks, off leash socials, and cat care.
  • Assist veterinarians, veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants in providing the best care possible for patients.
  • Provide routine grooming including brushing and clipping claws.
  • Show more

Pet groomer vs animal caregiver skills

Common pet groomer skills
  • PET, 76%
  • Dryers, 20%
  • Pet Care, 1%
  • Salon Services, 1%
  • Cleanliness, 0%
  • Customer Service, 0%
Common animal caregiver skills
  • Pigs, 51%
  • PET, 19%
  • Animal Handling, 5%
  • Animal Shelter, 3%
  • General Care, 3%
  • Facility Laundry, 2%

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