How to pursue this... - Poodle Forum - Standard Poodle, Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle Forum ALL Poodle owners too!

vicky2200 · 12-22-2012, 09:29 PM

I am an LPN who can't find a job. I decided to take prereqs and enter the Rn program instead of just sitting here. So I'm taking prereqs right now. However, I never really wanted to be a nurse. I'm leaning towards opening a pet supply store and doing grooming out of it. I have no money and no work experience and I have been looking for a job for almost 2 years and nowhere will hire me. Any clue where to even begin? I get that the best way to learn to groom is to apprentice, but, what if you can't find anyone to teach you? Also, any idea about the supply aspect?

Indiana · 12-23-2012, 06:52 AM

The problem with having your own business is, it takes a bit of capital to start. Most small businesses can count on having to subsidize their incoming revenue for about 2 years before the business can stand on its own two feet. Education is never wasted, so I think you're on the right track with your RN courses. Even if you don't want to actually work as a nurse, having that education can help get you a high-paying job in administration or something that is not the usual nursing job, like mobile nursing or private clients. If you really want to pursue other avenues that involve pets, a job in nursing can help you to save up the money you need to do that, as it pays on average more than grooming unless you have your own established salon. On the other hand, there is something to be said for following your heart, so if you really want to be a groomer, maybe you need to look further afield? Not sure where you live, but there are some good online grooming programs and if you work really hard at it, maybe you could learn that way and by practicing on Weegee and any other volunteers amongst your circle of friends until you perfect your skills. Usually in life, persistence and a ton of hard work is what gets us to our goals, so once you choose a path, just throw everything you have at it. You'll succeed! I know you will

Pluto · 12-23-2012, 06:57 AM

I would go into your local shops and ask of they need a bather. It's a good place to start, gets you experience working with a varity of dogs in a shop emvironment and positions you to begin taking on additional tasks and eventually grooming. As a bather you would typically learn check in- check out procedures, handeling skills, bathing, anal gland expression, ear cleaning, bushing, hand drying, and nail clipping. Mostly you get to see if you have the patence and desire to work with other peoples pets.

mom24doggies · 12-23-2012, 07:40 AM

As Indiana said, starting something like that up will take quite a bit of money, and then it takes a while for everything to get going and for you to actually start making money. I would say either continue with your education and get a job as an RN, or do what Pluto said and start as a bather, then work your way up.

Also, do you actually have experience grooming? I mean other than your own dogs. You can't just decide you want to do it and start....you need training from someone who has been at it for a while. I would stick with working for/with other groomers for at least 4-5 years, just to get experience and continued training so that when you DO start your own business, your new customers will feel comfortable leaving their babies with you.

vicky2200 · 12-23-2012, 11:40 AM

I have no experience grooming and i have tried to get experience at local shos with no luck. I guess I will just continue with my nursing degree because it is highly unlikely that I will be able to open up shop within the next decade.

paisley pup · 12-23-2012, 11:50 AM

if you go through a large corporate pet shop like petsmart or petco you could learn part time and still continue with your schooling.you can learn all the basics there.

Indiana · 12-23-2012, 02:11 PM

I wouldn't be surprised if you are doing what you want to do much faster than that...keep looking for opportunities. BUT, if it takes 10 years, it takes 10 years...we'll all be 10 years older by then anyway so if you keep working toward your dream at least you'll have a degree and a great job by that time! Maybe you'll have your MBA and be telling US what it takes to start up a business! Best of luck to you.