Dog Groomer Resume: Build Your Client Book
A grooming salon owner checks your handling experience and any certifications before reading anything else — a groomer who can't safely work a difficult or senior dog is a liability no salon wants on the table. After that, what separates a callback from a pass is proof of a real client book and rebooking rate, not a list of "loves animals" filler.
What actually makes a difference
- Lead with any certifications you hold (NDGAA certified, Fear Free certified) and breed or coat specialties (hand-stripping, double-coat de-shedding, poodle/show cuts) — salons filter on named skills before reading further.
- Quantify your book: dogs groomed per day, average rebooking rate, or the percentage of your clientele that's repeat business — a strong book is the actual asset a salon is hiring for.
- Name the scheduling and POS software you've used (Gingr, MoeGo, 123Pet) — many salons and mobile grooming vans filter applications on the exact platform they run.
- If you've handled aggressive or anxious dogs safely, groomed senior or medical-needs animals, or trained a new groomer, give it its own line — that's real handling skill, not just time at the table.