This is a 2026 step-by-step pathway guide for a Pet Groomer migrating to Australia under ANZSCO 361113. 361113 is on CSOL with state nomination availability — full skilled visa stack: Subclass 189 Independent (where listed), Subclass 190 State-Nominated, Subclass 491 Regional Provisional → 191 PR, Subclass 186 Direct Entry, Subclass 494 Regional Employer → 191, and Subclass 482 Core Skills → 186 TRT.
For the cost / timeline view see the 361113 cost & timeline case study. For VETASSESS document details see the skills assessment guide.
Step 1 — Confirm 361113 is the right code
ANZSCO 361113 covers pet groomer work — dog and cat grooming and styling:
- Breed-specific styling — Poodle (continental, kennel, puppy clip, Miami, town and country), Schnauzer (standard, miniature, giant), Cocker Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Westie / West Highland Terrier, Scottie / Cairn / Norwich / Norfolk Terriers, Bedlington / Kerry Blue / Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers, Old English Sheepdog, Bearded Collie, Briard, Komondor, Puli, Portuguese Water Dog, Standard / Tibetan Mastiff.
- Hand stripping — Terrier breeds (Wire Fox, Welsh, Lakeland, Irish, Border, Scottie, Cairn, Norwich, Norfolk), Schnauzer, Cocker Spaniel — traditional wire-coat maintenance.
- Scissor work — Poodle scissoring, breed-pattern setting, blending, finish work; hand scissor vs thinning shears vs curved shears.
- Clipper work — body clipping, breed-pattern clipping; Andis, Wahl, Oster, Aesculap, Heiniger clipper familiarity.
- Drying technique — high-velocity drying (K-9 Dryer, EZ Groom, Double K Air Max), stand drying, cage drying (under supervision).
- Bath / hydrobath — bathing, conditioning, deshedding (FURminator), de-matting, flea / tick management, medicated bathing.
- Cat grooming — lion cut, sanitary clip, comb-out, mat removal; Persian / Himalayan / Maine Coon / Ragdoll / Norwegian Forest grooming.
- Show grooming — preparation for conformation show ring; champion-level breed clip standards per ANKC (Australian National Kennel Council) / FCI standards.
- Mobile / van grooming — fully fitted grooming van service, in-home grooming.
- Salon / shopfront — Petbarn / PETstock in-store grooming salons, independent boutique grooming.
- Specialty / spa — colour / creative grooming, blueberry facial, pawdicure / nail painting, teeth brushing.
- Behavioural handling — anxious / reactive / senior pet handling; muzzle / restraint techniques.
Use ANZSCO search to verify the code-fit. If your work is primarily dog training / behaviour, 361111 Dog Handler / Trainer is the right code; if veterinary nursing, that's a separate occupation.
Step 2 — VETASSESS skills assessment
VETASSESS (vetassess.com.au) — Cert III+ in Pet Grooming or related + 1 year highly relevant employment in the last 5 years.
Standard turnaround 12-16 weeks.
Step 3 — English
EOI lodgement requires Competent English. For points-tested visas, target Proficient (10 pts) or Superior (20 pts).
Step 4 — Choose a visa pathway
Subclass 189 / 190 / 491
189 if 361113 is on MLTSSL — confirm at EOI. 190 / 491 are realistic.
Subclass 186 / 494 / 482
Main 361113 employers:
- Pet retail chains — Petbarn (Greencross — largest network nationally), PETstock (PETstock Pty Ltd — also Greencross), Best Friends Pets, Pet Stock Plus, Just for Pets, Pets Domain. Most have in-store grooming salons.
- Premium / boutique salons — Yappy Days (Sydney / Melbourne), Hairy Maclary's, Paw Prints, The Pawfessionals, K9 Grooming Company, Doggie Day Spa, Pup Town, Pawsh Pet Care; Melbourne — Pup Trim, Doggy Spa, Posh Paws.
- Mobile grooming — Aussie Pooch Mobile (largest franchise nationally), Jim's Dog Wash (Jim's Group), Hydrobath at Home, Pooch Mobile, Mobile Dog Wash.
- Veterinary clinic grooming — Greencross Vets, Vets All Natural, VetPlus integrated clinics with in-house grooming.
- Breeding kennel / show grooming — ANKC-registered breeder kennels for show preparation; Crufts-level standard.
- Pet hotel / day care — Hanrob Pet Hotel (Sydney / Melbourne airports), Pet Resorts Australia, BARK Australia, Camp Bow Wow Australia — daycare with grooming services.
- Mobile pet wash — Aussie Mobile, Top Dog Mobile, Petlash Mobile Grooming.
- Vet referral specialists — for senior / palliative / medical grooming under veterinary supervision.
Step 5 — Score / Step 6 — Submit
Use points calculator. Lodge via SkillSelect.
Tools
Authoritative sources
- Home Affairs
- VETASSESS
- Pet Industry Association of Australia (PIAA)
- Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC)
- Office of MARA
Next step
Want to map your pet groomer profile against 189 vs 190 vs 491 vs 186 vs 494 vs 482? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.