A two-year, hands-on path from first bath to professional groomer, one-on-one with an experienced Tino’s groomer, and paid from your very first day. Registered with the U.S. Department of Labor.
2 yearsCompetency-based: you move ahead as you master each skill.
$8 → $10 → $12 an hourPlus tips, from day one. Raises as you progress; finish and move to commission plus tips.
1-on-1One apprentice to one experienced groomer, every day.
Brandon · GluckstadtTrain in one of our Mississippi shops.
The program
A real apprenticeship, not a crash course.
Tino’s Pet Grooming is a registered apprenticeship sponsor with the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship, in cooperation with the Mississippi Apprenticeship Program. That means a written plan, a qualified groomer guiding you, and a credential that travels with you.
01 / On the job
Hands-on, every day.
You learn in the shop, with dogs, alongside your groomer. The program is built around 20 competencies: skills you demonstrate and have signed off one by one, from bathing and brushing to clipping, nails, ears, and client care.
02 / Related instruction
288 hours of classroom learning.
Breed standards, coat types, skin and health, safety and sanitation, tool care, and the “why” behind every groom, following a professional dog-grooming curriculum alongside your shop hours.
03 / A credential
Finish as a professional groomer.
Complete the program and you earn a nationally recognized Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship from the U.S. Department of Labor, plus two years of real grooming experience and a place on the Tino’s team.
Your first 90 days
Every apprentice starts with a 90-day trial period. It’s how we make sure the fit is right, for you and for the dogs.
Paid while you learn
Apprentices start at $8 an hour plus tips, move to $10 and then $12 an hour plus tips as they progress, and step up to commission plus tips when they finish the program.
Already have experience?
Tell us. Prior grooming or animal-care experience is reviewed during your trial period and can count toward your program.
What you’ll learn
Everything a working groomer does.
The on-the-job competencies you’ll be signed off on, grouped the way the work actually happens.
Grooming skills
Bathing, drying and brushing for every coat type
Clipping, scissoring and breed-appropriate trims
Nail trimming, ear cleaning and gland expression
Handling dogs safely and calmly, including difficult breeds
Health & care
Health checks and spotting signs of illness, injury or skin trouble
Basic first aid and when to call the vet
Giving medications and following feeding and watering instructions
Keeping detailed records of each dog’s history and owner preferences
The shop
Cleaning, sanitizing and organizing the grooming area
Maintaining and repairing grooming tools and equipment
Ordering, receiving and organizing supplies
Facility comfort: temperature, humidity and safe spaces for dogs
Clients
Consulting with owners about their dog’s grooming needs
Explaining safety protocols and answering pet-care questions
Scheduling appointments and handling phone inquiries
Recommending the right products for the breed
Who it’s for
Good with dogs. Ready to work.
No grooming experience is required; the apprenticeship is how you get it. We’re looking for people who treat every animal with respect and compassion and who want to make grooming a profession.
To apply, you’ll need to
Be 18 or older
Have a high school diploma or GED (we’ll ask for your transcript or certificate)
Be able to do the physical work: lifting dogs, long stretches on your feet, and the occasional tough day with a difficult dog
Bring a résumé with a short cover letter about why you want to work with dogs
Prior work or volunteer experience with dogs is preferred, not required. Reasonable accommodations are available.
How we choose apprentices
Inquiry Send the form below with your résumé and cover letter.
Review We make sure you meet the basics and read your statement of interest.
Interview A phone or video conversation about you, grooming, and working with pet owners.
Trial day Shadow a groomer and help with light tasks so we can both see how you work with dogs.
References We talk with past employers or volunteer coordinators you choose.
Offer Top candidates are selected on fit, aptitude and the potential to grow into a professional groomer.
One last look
Ready to send?
Review your answers, then select Send inquiry. Keep this page open until you see a confirmation.
Thank you
Inquiry sent.
Your information and résumé are with our team. Chandler will be in touch about next steps.
Tino’s Pet Grooming will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), sexual orientation, genetic information, or because they are an individual with a disability or a person 40 years old or older. Tino’s Pet Grooming will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30.
