Groomer

Purpose

The Pet Stylist’s primary purpose is to perform expert‑level professional grooming services, including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning. The role prioritizes the safety, comfort, and well‑being of the pets in our care while delivering a high level of customer satisfaction and service to pet parents.

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 owners and store management.
• Evaluate each pet’s individual needs, considering coat type, skin condition, and temperament.
• Interact professionally with pet parents, provide optimal customer service, address grooming inquiries, offer recommendations, and resolve questions or concerns promptly.
• Educate pet parents on grooming maintenance, at‑home care practices, and product recommendations to promote overall pet health.
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area: disinfect and sanitize tools, perform daily and weekly cleaning duties, and handle additional tasks such as cleaning air filters, vents, and drains.
• Apply Petco grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure safety, quality, and consistency across all salon activities.
• Train, support, and supervise entry‑level trainees in the absence of a Grooming Salon Leader, as needed.

Requirements

• Successful completion of the Pet Stylist Apprentice program with Petco, or prior professional grooming experience and/or completion of a technical grooming training program.
• High‑school diploma or GED preferred (not required).
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and solve routine to moderately complex grooming problems with guidance from leadership.
• Results‑driven attitude with commitment to productivity, performance, and ownership of the grooming role.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure services meet the highest standards.
• Genuine passion for animals and a desire to build a career in pet grooming.
• Expert knowledge of various dog breeds, grooming requirements, common health issues, and behaviors.
• High proficiency in breed‑specific cuts, styling techniques, and grooming standards.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interactions with pet parents and team members.
• Capability 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.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) plan and additional financial benefits.
• Paid Time Off.
• Petco employee 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

Salary Range: $15.00 – $23.00 per hour (actual rate depends on location, experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws).

Work Environment

The role is performed indoors in a grooming salon. Duties require bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 lb, and standing for long periods. Occasionally, work may involve heights using a two‑step ladder or similar tools. The environment can be noisy and wet, with frequent direct contact with pet parents and their dogs.