Sheep shearing: a guide for pros
What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.
Offering sheep shearing
Farm owners book shearers once a year and value clean, calm work and fleece that is kept intact. Your handling method, your fleece sorting and your sheep health checks are what win repeat flocks.
What customers ask
- How long will it take to shear my flock?
- Will you keep the fleece in one piece?
- Can you check my sheep for ticks or skin problems?
- Do you shear sheep that are pregnant or recently lambed?
- Do you come to my farm, and what do I need to prepare?
How to win the job
- On the first call, ask for the number of sheep, their breeds, their last shearing date and whether the wool will be sold.
- Show photos of fleeces and flock work, with the owner's permission, including the sorted wool.
- Tell the owner what to have ready, such as a dry pen, a catch area and a clear path for the sheep.
- Explain how you handle each sheep and how you keep the fleece intact.
- Put the number of sheep, the travel distance, the skirting and rolling in the quote.
- Send a short note after the visit with any health or skin issues you saw in the flock.
What to put on your profile
- Photos of shearing work and sorted fleeces, shown with consent
- A list of the breeds you have worked with and the typical flock sizes you handle
- Your handling process, described briefly and in plain words
- Your wool grading and bagging steps, as they apply to the work you offer
- Your business registration and any local permit for a commercial wool or farm business
Follow-up that helps the customer
- Offer a reminder for next year's shearing date based on the flock's last visit
- Suggest a wool preparation or sales plan for the fleeces
- Offer a second visit for a show prep or a late shear
Licenses and permits
A license is often not required for sheep shearing, but rules differ by state and city. Keep your business registration, any local business license your city or county requires, and proof of your shearing experience on your profile.
Questions
Do I need a license to shear sheep for pay?
A license is often not required for sheep shearing, but rules differ by state and city. Check your local city or county rules for business licensing and keep your registration current.
What do I do if a sheep is cut during shearing?
Stop, clean the cut, and tell the owner right away. Explain what was done, and advise the owner to call their veterinarian if the cut is deep, bleeding or infected.
Should I offer a fleece sorting service?
Yes, if you have the space and the skill. Explain how you grade the wool and what the owner will receive, so they can plan how to sell or use it.
About this guide
This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.
Edit history
- Oct 29, 2026: Drafted by infinibell to our content guidelines.
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