Dog Groomer

About Zoomies Chicago

Zoomies is Chicago's premier indoor/outdoor dog park experience — a one-of-a-kind destination where dogs play and people unwind. Our facility features expansive off-leash dog parks, a full-service café, a craft beverage bar, daycare and boarding, professional grooming, and private runs, all under one roof. We're building a team that loves dogs as much as our members do. At Zoomies, every role matters — from the bark rangers keeping our parks safe to the baristas fueling the humans who love them. We're building the future of pet services with a high-energy eatertainment vibe. Because we're a startup, our hiring needs are tied to our 2026 launch milestones. We're starting interviews now to find the perfect fit, with the goal of bringing this role onboard in a few months as we move into our next phase of execution. We value transparency and want to find someone who thrives in a dynamic, startup environment.

Position Overview

Zoomies is building a premier grooming program from the ground up, and we are looking for a growth-minded Groomer to be a founding part of this journey. Whether you are an emerging talent or a seasoned pro looking for a fresh start, we are seeking a partner who is excited about our membership-driven model and committed to the 'Zoomies Way' of care. This role begins with a one-day-per-week residency, scaling into a full-time schedule as our membership base continues its rapid growth. With a competitive base salary plus commission, your earning potential is tied directly to the growth of your book. This is a rare opportunity to own your schedule and build your career within a destination venue with hundreds of built-in dog-owner members.

What You'll Do

• Perform full-service grooming for all breeds and coat types: baths, blow-outs, haircuts, breed-specific styling, desheds, nail trims, ear cleaning, and gland expressions
• Groomers can expect support with clipper-free tasks such as bathing, brushing, blow drying, nail trims, etc.
• Conduct a brief pre-groom assessment for each dog; communicate any coat, skin, or health concerns to the owner and management team
• Manage your own grooming schedule and appointments with support from the Customer Success team for booking and communication
• Maintain a clean, sanitized, and organized grooming salon; perform full salon clean-down at the end of every shift
• Handle dogs of all temperaments with patience and confidence; follow safe handling protocols at all times
• Build rapport with Zoomies members and their dogs to drive repeat appointments and referrals
• Communicate grooming recommendations and aftercare instructions clearly to pet owners
• Communicate with Canine Care Specialists and management on any behavioral or health concerns observed during grooming

Schedule & Compensation

• Start Schedule: 1 grooming day per week; additional days added as client demand grows
• Compensation: Hourly + commission structure
• Growth Path: Direct path to full-time grooming schedule as Zoomies membership base grows + Opportunity to manage grooming staff

What We're Looking For

• Professional grooming training or certification required (grooming school graduate or apprenticeship program)
• 1–2 years of grooming experience preferred; recent graduates with strong technical skills are welcome to apply
• Competence across multiple breeds and coat types
• Ability to work efficiently and safely with dogs of varying temperaments
• Organized, self-motivated, and capable of managing your own schedule and client relationships
• Warm, professional communication style with pet owners
• Genuine passion for dogs and animal welfare
• Dog-friendly personality is non-negotiable — you'll be working around dogs every single day

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance (eligible full-time employees)
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Employee discounts on all Zoomies products and services
• Base salary plus commission — your earning potential grows directly with your client book