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Pet sitter vs pet groomer

The differences between pet sitters and pet groomers 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 sitter and a pet groomer. Additionally, a pet groomer has an average salary of $32,139, which is higher than the $25,823 average annual salary of a pet sitter.

The top three skills for a pet sitter include PET, walkers and clients homes. The most important skills for a pet groomer are PET, dryers, and pet care.

Pet sitter vs pet groomer overview

Pet SitterPet Groomer
Yearly salary$25,823$32,139
Hourly rate$12.41$15.45
Growth rate28%28%
Number of jobs21,73563,641
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%High School Diploma, 36%
Average age3232
Years of experience33

What does a pet sitter do?

A pet sitter is responsible for taking care of household pets while their owners are away. Pet sitters perform services for pet maintenance, including taking them to the veterinarian, monitoring their food, walk them in the park, and administer medications, if any. They also reach out to the pet owners for possible updates and emergencies, taking their instructions immediately. Apart from being highly communicative and organizational, a pet sitter should have an interest and passion in taking care of pets to ensure high-quality services.

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.

Pet sitter vs pet groomer salary

Pet sitters and pet groomers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Pet SitterPet Groomer
Average salary$25,823$32,139
Salary rangeBetween $10,000 And $62,000Between $21,000 And $48,000
Highest paying CityNewport, RI-
Highest paying stateRhode Island-
Best paying companyCARE-
Best paying industryNon Profits-

Differences between pet sitter and pet groomer education

There are a few differences between a pet sitter and a pet groomer in terms of educational background:

Pet SitterPet Groomer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%High School Diploma, 36%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Massachusetts AmherstUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst

Pet sitter vs pet groomer demographics

Here are the differences between pet sitters' and pet groomers' demographics:

Pet SitterPet Groomer
Average age3232
Gender ratioMale, 19.7% Female, 80.3%Male, 14.0% Female, 86.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 2.6% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between pet sitter and pet groomer duties and responsibilities

Pet sitter example responsibilities.

  • Help managed the company and train new walkers
  • Cat and dog feeding, medicine, dog walking, cleanup; 5 animals : 3 cats , 2 dogs.
  • Provide constant supervision and companionship for elopement risk and suicide precaution patients.
  • Provide care for dogs, fish, cats, bunnies, birds, snakes, hamsters and most other household pets.
  • Execute cash register POS system.
  • Specialize in extra TLC for elderly pets.
  • Show more

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

Pet sitter vs pet groomer skills

Common pet sitter skills
  • PET, 90%
  • Walkers, 2%
  • Clients Homes, 2%
  • CPR, 1%
  • Topical Medications, 1%
  • Litter Boxes, 1%
Common pet groomer skills
  • PET, 76%
  • Dryers, 20%
  • Pet Care, 1%
  • Salon Services, 1%
  • Cleanliness, 0%
  • Customer Service, 0%

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