Groomer

We’re proud to be "where the pets go" and "where the pet people go," offering everything pets need to live their best lives for more than 60 years—from meals and toys to trusted supplies and expert support. We celebrate the universal truths of pet parenthood and are here for every tail wag, vet visit, and step of the journey. With 29,000+ team members, we nurture the pet-human bond across 1,500+ Petco stores in the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics, and eight distribution centers. Since 1999, Petco Love has supported thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide, helping find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.

About the role

As a Pet Stylist at Petco, you will provide professional grooming services to pets, ensuring each animal receives exceptional care and leaves looking and feeling their best. This role offers the opportunity to showcase your grooming skills, creativity, and passion for animals in a dynamic and rewarding environment.

Purpose

The Pet Stylist performs expert-level grooming services, including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning. You will prioritize the safety, comfort, and well-being of pets while delivering high customer satisfaction to pet parents. Additional tasks may be assigned by leadership as needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform professional grooming services (bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts, styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning) according to pet parent instructions, breed standards, and company policies.
• Operate and maintain grooming instruments (clippers, blades, shears, brushes, dryers) and state-of-the-art salon equipment.
• Prioritize the well-being and safety of every animal; monitor pets for signs of discomfort, illness, or injury and report concerns to pet owners and management.
• Evaluate individual pet needs based on coat type, skin conditions, and temperament.
• Provide professional, effective customer service: address grooming inquiries, offer recommendations, and resolve concerns.
• Educate pet parents on grooming maintenance, at-home care practices, and products to promote pet well-being.
• Maintain a clean, safe grooming area: disinfect tools, sanitize equipment, and perform daily/weekly cleaning duties per Petco hygiene policies.
• Adhere to Petco’s grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure safety, quality, and consistency.
• Train, support, and supervise entry-level trainees in the absence of a Grooming Salon Leader.

Requirements

• Successful completion of the Pet Stylist Apprentice program with Petco, or previous professional grooming experience and/or completion of a technical grooming training program.
• High-school diploma or GED preferred but not required.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and problem-solving for routine to moderately complex situations, with guidance from leadership as needed.
• Results-driven with a commitment to productivity, performance, and ownership of your role.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure grooming services meet the highest standards.
• Genuine passion for animals and a desire to continue a career in pet grooming.
• Expert knowledge of dog breeds, grooming requirements, common health issues, and behaviors.
• Proficiency in breed-specific cuts, styling techniques, and grooming standards.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for interactions with pet parents and team members.
• Ability to handle pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required by the grooming schedule.

Work Environment

The majority of duties are conducted indoors in the grooming salon. The role requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds), and standing for long periods. Exposure to heights (e.g., using a two-step ladder) and noisy, wet conditions is common. Time is split between direct interaction with pet parents and collaboration with salon team members.

Skills

• Competitive base pay.
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, and more.
• 401k retirement savings plan.
• Paid Time Off.
• Petco discounts.
• All necessary grooming supplies and equipment provided (brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoo, sprays, tools, etc.).
• State-of-the-art equipment, including bathing systems, kennels, tables, and dryers.
• Career development and growth opportunities (e.g., Grooming Salon Leader, Grooming Mentor, Grooming Instructor).

Pay

Hourly pay ranges from $15.00 to $23.00, depending on position, location, experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds the listed range, it will apply.