Groomer

About Petco

Petco is where pets go and where pet people go, dedicated to improving lives by doing what’s right for pets and people. With more than 60 years of experience, we operate in more than 1,500 stores across the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, as well as 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics, and eight distribution centers. Through Petco Love, we’ve helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals via in-store adoption events.

About the role

As a Pet Stylist at Petco, you will provide professional grooming services to valued customers’ pets, ensuring each pet receives exceptional care and leaves looking and feeling their best.

Responsibilities

• Perform professional grooming services including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning according to pet parent instructions and breed standards
• Operate and maintain grooming instruments such as clippers, blades, shears, brushes, and dryers
• Prioritize the well-being and safety of every animal, monitor for signs of discomfort, illness, or injury, and promptly report concerns to pet owners and store management
• Evaluate individual pet needs, considering coat type, skin conditions, and temperament
• Interact professionally with pet parents, provide optimal customer service, address inquiries, offer grooming recommendations, and resolve questions or concerns
• Educate pet parents on grooming maintenance and at-home care practices and products
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area, disinfect and sanitize tools and equipment, and perform daily and weekly cleaning duties per Petco hygiene and sanitation policies
• Utilize 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 experience as a professional groomer and/or completion of a technical grooming training program
• High-school diploma or GED preferred, though not required
• Ability to work independently with latitude for judgment and problem solving
• Results-driven with commitment to productivity, performance, and ownership of role
• Strong attention to detail ensuring grooming services are executed to 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
• High proficiency in breed-specific cuts, styling techniques, and grooming standards
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for interactions with pet parents and team members
• Capable of handling 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 job duties are conducted indoors in the grooming salon. The role requires bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds as necessary, and standing for long periods. Exposure to heights using a two-step ladder or support tools may be required. A large amount of time is spent in direct contact with pet parents and their dogs, with the remainder interacting with salon partners. The environment can be noisy and wet.

Skills

• Competitive base pay
• Medical, dental, vision, and more
• 401k and more
• Paid Time Off
• Petco Discounts
• All grooming supplies and equipment provided, including brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoo, sprays, tools, bathing systems, kennels, tables, and dryers
• Career development and growth opportunities such as Grooming Salon Leader, Grooming Mentor, and Grooming Instructor

Pay

Salary range: $15.00 – $23.00 hourly or as otherwise reflected above. Actual pay rates depend on position, location, level of experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws.