Can dog groomers find work around the suburb areas? (Chicago: salons, how much)

[KodakMoment]

I am considering moving to chicago and was wondering if anyone is a dog groomer or knows how much one makes in your area? Thanks

[Steve-o]

I couldnt tell you how much they make, nor specific groomers, but Ive seen quite a few groomers and doggy-salons in the area (DuPage and Kane Counties). I know theyre there, but our dog doesnt need grooming so we never have to take him.

[HOWELL_STREET]

Dear Friend:

Like the answer of the previous thread, it is difficult to determine if one can assimulate into such a company. Pet dogs are everywhere in the Chicago land area.
Would you be interested in grooming horses or as a horse wrangler? If so, Wayne (Center), Illinois is probably the 'capital' of horses in the Chicago Suburban areas - - closest to the city of Chicago, itself.
Of course, that does not consider the Arlington Race Track and other similar tracks such as Hawthorne. But Wayne, IL is most likely breeding territory for race horses(?).
In south Wheaton we also have a very famous horse farm called 'Danada'. It is now a forest preserve district but was previously a horse farm owned by Dan and Ada Rice (now deceased). I'm not up on my horse history. However, I believe theywere quite famous during an earlier time.
Perhaps this has helped you a little?

Best Regards,

Carter Glass

[Steve-o]

Actually, Carter, the Danada Equestrian farm is still there and working perfectly. And its nice to see someone know a little history behind the place. I get tired of hearing everyone say "Dan-ah-da" instead of "Dan-ay-da" after Dan and Ada Rice.

Same goes for the correct pronunciation of Catigny.

[gardener34]

There are lots of dog groomer opportunities here. Esp. with the high end burbs. Those rich people like to pamper their pooches. Sister works between 2 salons and is working ALL the time. Holidays are her busy time.

[HOWELL_STREET]

Your thread is quite amusing to me since I also pronounce it "Duh - Nahh - duh". In the case of the Cantigny War Memorial - - when we take out of town family friends there, I split between "Can - tee - nee" and Can - Tig - Nee". In fact with all of these, I don't know which is correct.
Another real problem is "Schmale" road in Carol Stream. Does one pronounce is Shhh - Male" or Shh - mahhh - lee"?
Incidentally, the former owner of the Cantigny park property - - I believe from memory - - was Mc Cormick. Around 1948, he promoted the famous Chicago Railroad Fair - - a follow up fair in the same area of the Century of Progress fair around 1933 - 1934. Burnham Harbor and Northerly Island. And after that, Mc Cormick of course built Chicago's Mc Cormick Place. In reality, it is possible that he had passed away by then. However, it is now known as the Mc Cormick Place where many business oriented 'fairs' are located. I have a book about Mc Cormick in my private library. However, I have not reviewed it in many years.
IF anyone ever visits the Wheaton, IL area, then be sure to visit the Cantigny War Memorial Museum. I think it specializes in WW-1 and WW-2 - - at any rate, it is very, very fascinating.

Best Regards,

Carter Glass

[gardener34]

Cantigny is awesome, go there every year on fourth of July, they have a big shindig out there. Great gardens and house and museum is truly moving. Everyone should visit.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by HOWELL_STREET

Your thread is quite amusing to me since I also pronounce it "Duh - Nahh - duh". In the case of the Cantigny War Memorial - - when we take out of town family friends there, I split between "Can - tee - nee" and Can - Tig - Nee". In fact with all of these, I don't know which is correct.
Another real problem is "Schmale" road in Carol Stream. Does one pronounce is Shhh - Male" or Shh - mahhh - lee"?
Incidentally, the former owner of the Cantigny park property - - I believe from memory - - was Mc Cormick. Around 1948, he promoted the famous Chicago Railroad Fair - - a follow up fair in the same area of the Century of Progress fair around 1933 - 1934. Burnham Harbor and Northerly Island. And after that, Mc Cormick of course built Chicago's Mc Cormick Place. In reality, it is possible that he had passed away by then. However, it is now known as the Mc Cormick Place where many business oriented 'fairs' are located. I have a book about Mc Cormick in my private library. However, I have not reviewed it in many years.
IF anyone ever visits the Wheaton, IL area, then be sure to visit the Cantigny War Memorial Museum. I think it specializes in WW-1 and WW-2 - - at any rate, it is very, very fascinating.

Best Regards,

Carter Glass

haha

Yes, there are many debatable words around here. Danada Ive heard is pronounced Dan-Ada, as its namesake suggests. Cantigny is pronounced Can-tee-nee, after a battle in France in which the Army's 1st Division fought, thats why the g is silent. As for Schmale, I say it both ways, I dont know what the correct pronunciation is for that word.

But I also agree that everyone must go visit Cantigny (corners of Rt. 38 and Winfield Rd). They have the most beautiful flower gardens and landscaping you ever did see. Not only that, but throw in a world-class museum, miles and miles of trails, floral gardens, army tank display (which kids are encouraged to climb all over), and the best golf course in DuPage, and youve got a great way to spend a day! The Wheaton philharmonic orchestra performs there often, and there are war reenactments and an assortment of other things to check out. I highly recommend paying a visit.

Cantigny Park

[Joesmom]

Yes there is no doubt that there are dog groomers in demand in and around the Chicago area. As a pet owner myself, the problem is finding one that is reasonable. I realize that there is a lot more to grooming a dog than there is giving a simple hair cut for a person, but I am spending twice as much to have my dog cut than I am for my own haircuts and she's only 3.5 lbs. Groomers can definately make a good living especially if they get a good following.

[Schmoo]

KodakMoment - I groomed in DuPage county before moving west. PM me if you need info on the Naperville/Aurora area and I can give you some leads and/or tips.

Standard pay is 50% commission, no benefits. Most toy breeds will be $35-42 and you could plan on about 6 dogs/day. Some shops make you pay for the bather.

Joesmom, groomers do not usually make "good money" unless they run their own established, busy shop. Given the estimates I listed above, even at max capacity, the groomer would take home $570/wk before taxes (plus tips). As I said, some shops take the bather's pay from your check, so it could even be about $100 less/wk. That ain't "a good living", much less for hard work. In NYC, LA, or even in downtown Chicago grooming at a fancy salon you may do better, but not in IL suburbs.

Please tip your groomers, folks. We work on commission and depend on tips just like your own hair stylist does. For some reason, a lot of people honestly don't know that tipping is customary in this business.