Groomer

About Petco

Petco is where pets and pet people go to live their best lives. We’re 29,000+ strong, nurturing the pet-human bond across more than 1,500 stores in the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. Founded in 1999, Petco Love has helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events and local animal welfare partnerships nationwide.

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
• Evaluate each pet’s coat type, skin condition, and temperament to tailor services
• Interact professionally with pet parents, provide optimal customer service, address inquiries, and offer grooming recommendations
• 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 perform daily/weekly cleaning per Petco hygiene policies
• Follow Petco 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 and accuracy in grooming services
• 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
• 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, standing for long periods, and occasional exposure to heights using a two-step ladder or support tools. The environment can be noisy and wet, with direct contact with pet parents and salon partners.

Skills

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