Qualifications
By now, you may be asking just what it takes to become a pet groomer. Wonder no more. The qualifications are actually pretty simple. The main thing you need is to have a way with animals. Most people love animals. But, some people really have a way with animals. If that sounds like you, consider the first hurdle hurdled.
Most pet groomers start with a lot of pet knowledge, which they use to get a job at a grooming salon and learn the business from the ground up. There are lots of books you can read to learn the standard cuts for different breeds, sterilization methods, and other techniques you need to know as a pet groomer. Since there are currently no licensing requirements in the U.S., starting a career as a pet groomer may be one of the simplest ways to start earning money.
In fact, if you look around at some pet store job listings, you can start out as a pet bather and learn how to groom on the job in order to move up. If you want to go the college route, a few junior colleges offer programs with grooming components in animal studies.
But that's more school than you really need to be a groomer. There are also a number of certification programs through The National Dog Groomers Association of America and similar organizations. You can earn certification in one area of grooming over a two- or three-day workshop and testing for less than $400 (source).
Even if you're eventually seeking a certificate in order to work with show pets, the best way to learn the business is from the ground up. Find an existing spa willing to teach you or get a job in a pet supply chain store and earn as you learn.