Dog grooming schools in Rhode Island

Rhode Island
Daily Groomer

The top grooming schools in

Rhode Island

to know:

Rhode Island's top dog grooming schools. Compare grooming certifications and salaries near you.

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Rhode Island

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Grooming schools for Rhode Island

We have not verified a grooming school in Rhode Island yet. These are the closest options in our list, plus online programs you can start from anywhere.

Online programs such as Penn Foster and Groomers University teach the theory, but you still need hands-on practice on real dogs. [7] [8] Compare online programs

Other ways to start grooming in Rhode Island

School is one path. You can also apprentice under an experienced groomer, or start as a bather at a big-box salon that trains on the job. Our national guide to starting in grooming compares each path, the first steps and how to choose a school.

Top Rhode Island grooming shops to learn from

These Rhode Island shops were named a Top Grooming Business by The Daily Groomer. They are good places to ask about bathing roles, jobs or an apprenticeship. We have not confirmed which ones are hiring.

See all Rhode Island groomers in our directory · 2025 Top Grooming Businesses in Rhode Island

Rhode Island license rules

We have not yet confirmed whether Rhode Island requires a license for groomers or grooming businesses, so we do not say either way. Before you groom for pay or open a salon, check with the Rhode Island agriculture department and with your city or county about business licenses and zoning.

Rules differ by state. Our national guide explains how some states license grooming businesses.

Certification is different. It is a credential, not a requirement to work. [2] How certification works

What groomers can earn in Rhode Island

BLS does not publish a separate groomer wage. The closest series is Animal Caretakers (SOC 39-2021), which includes groomers along with kennel, shelter and other animal care workers. [3] All industries, OEWS May 2025: [1] [4]

  • Median per year ($17.85 per hour): $37,120
  • Mean per year ($20.20 per hour): $42,010
  • Lowest 10% earned less than: $31,510
  • Top 10% earned more than: $63,120

About 1,020 people worked as animal caretakers in Rhode Island. OEWS wage data do not include self-employed workers, so salon owners and independent groomers are not counted. [3]

FAQ

Do I need a license to groom dogs in Rhode Island?

We have not yet confirmed Rhode Island’s rules for groomers and grooming businesses. Before you groom for pay or open a salon, check with the Rhode Island agriculture department and with your city or county.

Are there grooming schools in Rhode Island?

We have not verified a grooming school in Rhode Island yet. You can also learn online, then get hands-on practice at a local salon. Penn Foster lists $799 and Groomers University lists $997 for its Bootcamp course (as of Oct 2026). [7]

How much do groomers earn in Rhode Island?

BLS does not publish a separate groomer wage. In the May 2025 OEWS estimates, animal caretakers (SOC 39-2021, the group that includes groomers) in Rhode Island had a median annual wage of $37,120, compared with $35,360 for the U.S. These figures do not include self-employed workers. [1]

Sources

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: OEWS May 2025, Rhode Island, Animal Caretakers (SOC 39-2021), series OEUS440000000000039202101 to 15, via the BLS Public Data API (checked Oct 26, 2026)
  2. The Daily Groomer: How To Get Started In Grooming (survey of 4,000+ groomers)
  3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, Animal Care and Service Workers (checked Oct 25, 2026)
  4. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: OEWS May 2025, United States, Animal Caretakers (SOC 39-2021), series OEUN000000000000039202101 to 15, via the BLS Public Data API (checked Oct 26, 2026)
  5. PetSmart Careers: Working in Our Pet Salons (checked Oct 25, 2026)
  6. Petco Careers: Grooming careers (checked Oct 25, 2026)
  7. Penn Foster: Pet Grooming Certificate (checked Oct 26, 2026)
  8. Groomers University: Courses and FAQ (checked Oct 26, 2026)
  9. Paragon School of Pet Grooming: home page (checked Oct 26, 2026)
  10. Animal Behavior College: home page (checked Oct 26, 2026)
  11. NDGAA: NCMG Program
  12. NDGAA: NCMG written testing

Top grooming schools near you:

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Next steps:

For more information about getting started in grooming, make sure you check out the full Get Started in Grooming guide. And if you want to reach out to any of the top grooming businesses in the state to get a job or see if they offer an apprenticeship, make sure you check out The Top Rhode Island Grooming Businesses.

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