West Virginia's Pet Grooming pathway trains students for careers in professional pet care and grooming services. The pet industry continues to grow, with increasing demand for skilled groomers.
Students learn grooming techniques, pet anatomy, health and safety practices, and customer service. Hands-on experience includes working with dogs, cats, and other pets in controlled grooming environments.
Graduates work as professional pet groomers, grooming salon managers, or start their own grooming businesses. Some work at veterinary clinics or pet boarding facilities. Business skills support entrepreneurship.
Pet Grooming at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
West Virginia's pet grooming standards emphasize safety, animal welfare, and professional grooming techniques. The framework includes breed standards, grooming tools, and pet health and safety.
Curriculum covers grooming techniques, pet anatomy, first aid, and salon management. Assessment includes practical grooming demonstrations and customer service competencies.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Pet Grooming Foundations |
| Breed Standards and Grooming Techniques |
| Pet Health and Safety |
| Pet Salon Management |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Certified Landscape Technician
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
- ✓NOCTI Agriculture Mechanics
- ✓NOCTI Agricultural Production
- ✓ServSafe Food Handler
- ✓ServSafe Manager
- ✓Certified Veterinary Assistant
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Pet Groomer
Entry LevelAdjusted for cost of living: $26,735
Grooming Salon Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $27,390 - $46,330
Adjusted for cost of living: $34,700
Mobile Groomer
Entry LevelAdjusted for cost of living: $35,647
Pet Salon Owner
ExperiencedSalary range: $27,390 - $46,330
Adjusted for cost of living: $34,700
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students work at pet grooming salons, veterinary clinics with grooming services, and pet boarding facilities throughout West Virginia.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps West Virginia CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
West Virginia Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with West Virginia's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as West Virginia standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in West Virginia
Animal Systems
West Virginia's Animal Systems pathway develops expertise in animal husbandry, nutrition, health, and production management. The state's livestock operations, particularly beef cattle, sheep, and specialty animal farming, provide relevant context. Students study animal behavior, genetics, nutrition, and breeding principles. Hands-on experiences include caring for livestock at school farms and learning modern production management techniques. Graduates work as livestock technicians, farm managers, veterinary assistants, or animal nutrition specialists. Many establish their own agricultural operations or work with state agricultural extension programs. Others continue studies in veterinary medicine or animal science at West Virginia universities.
Agriculture, Food & Natural ResourcesPersonal Care Services
West Virginia's Personal Care Services pathway prepares students for careers supporting older adults and individuals with disabilities. Growing elder population and disability services create expanding opportunities. Students learn personal care techniques, client communication, health and safety, and professional support practices. Practical experience includes providing care under professional supervision. Graduates work as home health aides, personal care attendants, or residential care workers. Some continue to nursing or social work education. Career advancement to supervisory roles is possible.
Human ServicesTherapeutic Services
West Virginia's Therapeutic Services pathway provides specialized preparation for careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, sports medicine, and rehabilitation services. This specialized healthcare program focuses on therapeutic interventions helping patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve functional abilities and quality of life. With West Virginia's aging population, high rates of chronic health conditions, and increasing demand for rehabilitation services, therapeutic professionals are critically needed throughout the Mountain State. The pathway provides foundational knowledge in human anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, therapeutic techniques, patient assessment, rehabilitation principles, and therapeutic equipment. Students learn about various therapeutic modalities, assistive technologies, and evidence-based interventions used in rehabilitation settings. The curriculum emphasizes patient-centered care, therapeutic communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional ethics essential for effective therapeutic services. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory simulations, clinical observations, and partnerships with West Virginia rehabilitation facilities. West Virginia's Therapeutic Services pathway prepares students for entry-level positions as therapy aides or rehabilitation technicians, creating pathways to advanced therapeutic careers through postsecondary education. Strong partnerships with hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and sports medicine clinics throughout West Virginia provide clinical learning experiences and employment opportunities. Graduates are well-prepared for continuation to physical therapy assistant, occupational therapy assistant, or other therapeutic degree programs at West Virginia colleges while addressing the state's therapeutic services workforce needs.
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