Jump Start -- by Mark Sproxton

Sitting with clippers in one hand and a small, white dog perched on a table in front, Amber Jones works intently on another customer. The sounds of other groomers talking, clippers buzzing, and the occasional bark are ignored as the 13-year veteran of dog grooming continues with her work. "He's a good one," she said. "He's been here before."

Like many in the pet industry, Jones became interested in animals as a girl growing up with a house full of pets. And at eight years old, her mom, a trained groomer, slowly began teaching the tricks of the trade. As Jones grew older and became more experienced, she began winning awards from the Alberta Dog Groomers Association and working as a full-time groomer.

Amber Jones hard at work

That success and experience also translated into a career the 21 year-old now loves. "It's not like a normal job," she said. "It's not as stressful. And it's different every day. But you don't just deal with the dogs, you have to deal with the customers too. These are their babies and they're picky about them."

While Jones' grooming education was a home-based affair, she recommends others interested in the vocation enroll in courses offered through the Calgary Board of Education. The course gives people a good, basic understanding of what the job is all about, she said. An instructor for some of the courses, Jones, who also manages My Pet's Beauty Salon, said she has seen a number of people move from these introductory courses onto vocational grooming training to pursue their passion for the work.

And at a more basic level, simply volunteering to work at the Calgary Humane Society, or at a pet store, will give people practical experience and a better understanding of companion animals, she said. "We have a lot of kids come in here and volunteer to clean cages or bathe dogs."

If the work looks satisfying, with the growth of the city, there will be plenty of work in the field, she added. "It's a good people business and something you can do by yourself with your own shop. The overhead is low and you can be your own boss and set your own hours."

So will someone who had such an early jump start toward a career stay in the business? You bet. "I want to own my own shop one day. This is not like a career, it's more like a hobby." And for Jones, a satisfying one at that.

So you're interested in a career working with animals. Well, here's a few tips to help get started:

The Calgary Board of Education through its Community & Continuing Education division offers courses that will help further your understanding of companion animals and the animal companion industry. Recent courses included: dog grooming; first aid for animals; holistic pet care; and, natural remedies for cats and dogs. For more information on available courses call 777-7200.

Working or volunteering in a kennel is a great place to begin a career in the animal companion industry. There are over 30 kennels and catteries in and around Calgary requiring people to feed, exercise and clean other people's pets. Almost all of the kennels are family owned, but many hire during the busy seasons of summer holidays, mid-June to mid-September, and at Christmas. Those who are hired will already have basic animal knowledge either by living with a variety of pets, or from volunteer experience at a kennel.

Volunteer opportunities are also available at the Calgary Humane Society (SPCA). Volunteers 16 years-old and over are required to attend an information session before beginning their volunteer duties. After the information session, volunteers will then go through an interview process to determine their areas of interest and experience. Volunteers have opportunities in areas such as adoption, education, animal care, lost and found, and the spay/neuter clinic.

Many veternarians also take on volunteers or offer part-time employment. Though cleaning up kennels may not be the end goal, many vets say that is how they got started in the industry. It is also a great way to learn more about animals and their behavior.

(with files from Tom Babin)