Groomer

We’re proud to be "where the pets go" and "where the pet people go." If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self, and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you. Our core values—Pet First, Foster the Fun, and Let’s Go!—capture our spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what’s right for pets and people.

About Petco

For more than 60 years, Petco has been "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives—from meals and toys to supplies and expert support. We believe in 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. In 1999, we founded Petco Love, supporting thousands of local animal welfare groups and 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 one receives exceptional care and leaves looking and feeling their best. This role is ideal for groomers with proven technical experience looking to grow their expertise and productivity in a dynamic 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, 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 for signs of discomfort, illness, or injury and report concerns to pet owners and management.
• Evaluate each pet’s individual needs, considering coat type, skin conditions, and temperament.
• Interact professionally with pet parents, provide grooming recommendations, and resolve inquiries or concerns.
• Educate pet parents on grooming maintenance and at-home care practices to promote pet well-being.
• Maintain a clean and 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 experience as a professional groomer and/or completion of a technical grooming training program.
• High-school diploma or GED preferred (not required).
• Ability to use independent judgment and problem-solving skills for routine to moderately complex situations, with guidance from leadership when needed.
• Results-driven with a commitment to productivity, performance, and ownership of the role.
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring grooming services are executed accurately and to high 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 ladders for cleaning) and a noisy, wet environment is common. Time is split between direct interaction with pets/pet parents and collaboration with salon team members.

Skills & Benefits

• Competitive base pay.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• 401k retirement plan.
• Paid Time Off.
• Petco discounts.
• All necessary grooming supplies and equipment provided (brushes, clippers, blades, shampoo, tools, etc.).
• State-of-the-art equipment, including bathing systems, kennels, tables, and dryers.
• Career development opportunities (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/local minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds the posted range, the higher rate will apply.