- Salary statistics
- Dog groomer
Dog groomer
28 467 - 28 218 kr / month
Naturbruk
Salary progression Dog groomer
What does a dog caretaker do? – Tasks and work environment
A dog caretaker works with caring for dogs in various environments, such as dog daycare, kennels, dog pensions, or veterinary clinics. Common tasks include feeding, walking, training, and activating dogs, as well as maintaining cleanliness in their spaces. The work may also involve basic health checks, grooming, and contact with dog owners. The work environment is often physically active, with outdoor activity being common, especially during walks and play. The profession requires good physical health and a genuine concern for animal welfare.
Salary development over time
The salary development for dog caretakers has been relatively stable in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,874 SEK per month. In 2023, the salary increased slightly to 28 101 SEK, and in 2024 the average salary is 28 218 SEK per month. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 1.2% over three years, indicating a low but steady salary growth. The modest increase reflects a labor market with continued high competition and relatively low educational requirements. The salary has been influenced by stable demand for services within dog care, but also by many employers being small private operators with limited salary budgets.
Dog caretaker salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 28 218 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 169 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Data not available
- Regional differences: Data unavailable
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a dog caretaker is often practical and may vary depending on the employer's requirements. Many employers require a high school education with an animal focus or equivalent experience, while some offer internal training. Practical experience with dogs is often more important than formal qualifications, and voluntary courses or internships can be a good way to strengthen employment prospects.
- High school education: Agriculture program with animal specialization (3 years)
- Shorter vocational courses: Dog caretaker training via folk high schools or private providers
- Internships: Strongly recommended to gain experience
- Certifications: Voluntary, but can increase employability
- Prerequisites: No formal requirements, but experience with dogs is often necessary
Working as a dog caretaker often involves handling many different dog breeds with varying temperaments and needs on a daily basis. The ability to quickly read dog body language and adapt working methods accordingly is an important skill that develops over time. Many dog caretakers report that the job is never exactly the same from day to day, making the profession both challenging and stimulating.
Common benefits and compensations
Common benefits for dog caretakers include wellness allowances, work clothes, and sometimes the opportunity to bring their own dog to work. Some employers may offer internal training or discounts on pet care products. Overtime pay and compensation for work on evenings and weekends may occur, especially at 24/7 kennels with around-the-clock staffing.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a dog caretaker can be high, especially in metropolitan areas where demand for dog daycare and kennels is large but the number of positions is limited. Many employers prioritize practical experience and genuine interest in animals over formal qualifications. Challenges in the profession include physically demanding tasks, risk of allergies, and sometimes irregular working hours. The work can also involve stressful situations, such as managing multiple dogs simultaneously. The ability to collaborate in a team and be flexible are important factors for success and job satisfaction in the role.
Tips for those wanting to become a dog caretaker
To succeed as a dog caretaker, it is good to combine patience with a strong sense of responsibility and a genuine interest in animals. Demonstrating practical experience, such as through internships or volunteer work, increases chances of employment. Social skills are important since the role involves frequent contact with both dogs and their owners, and the ability to work well with colleagues facilitates an often intensive work environment. Flexibility is appreciated, as working hours can sometimes be irregular and tasks vary. The ability to quickly read dog signals and adapt your approach is a crucial trait. Continuing education, such as short courses, shows engagement and can give an advantage in hiring. Finally, good physical endurance is essential, as the work often involves many hours on your feet and outdoor exposure in all weather conditions.
Key facts about Dog Caretakers
- Education level: High school or shorter vocational courses
- Work environment: Practical work, often outdoors and physically active
- Demand: 360 job openings in Sweden according to latest statistics
- Employment type: Commonly hourly or fixed-term contracts
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a dog caretaker can develop into more responsible roles, such as supervisor at a dog daycare, instructor, or specialized animal caretaker. Further education can open doors to roles like dog trainer, dog groomer, or entrepreneur within dog kennels. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, demand for dog caretakers remains stable, with 360 job openings reported in Sweden. The market is influenced by society's increased interest in pets and a growing service sector within animal care.
Frequently asked questions about Dog Caretakers
- What does a dog caretaker earn?
- A dog caretaker has an average salary of 28 218 SEK per month. - How to become a dog caretaker?
- Most commonly, a high school education with an animal focus or shorter vocational courses, along with practical experience with dogs. - Are there salary differences between regions?
- There is no available data on regional salary differences for dog caretakers. - What personal qualities are required?
- Patience, a sense of responsibility, social skills, and physical endurance are important qualities. - What career paths are available?
- After a few years, one can advance to roles such as supervisor, instructor, or start their own business within dog care. - What is the job market like for dog caretakers?
- Demand is stable with many job opportunities, especially in larger cities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Dog groomer has the SSYK code 6122, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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