Groomer

About Petco

Petco is where pets go to find everything they need to live their best lives. For more than 60 years, we’ve provided meals, toys, trusted supplies, and expert support from people who understand the pet-human bond. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood—boundless boops, missing slippers, late-night zoomies, and everything in between. Together with our 29,000+ team members, we nurture 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 supports thousands of local animal welfare groups and has helped 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 valued customers’ pets. Your expertise and attention to detail will ensure each pet receives exceptional care, leaving them 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 individual pet needs based on coat type, skin conditions, and temperament
• Interact professionally with pet parents, provide optimal customer service, address inquiries, offer 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; 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
• Latitude for independent judgment and problem solving in routine to moderately complex situations
• Results-driven with commitment to productivity, performance, and ownership of role
• Strong attention to detail ensuring grooming services are executed accurately and to the highest standards
• Genuine passion for animals with a desire to continue a career in pet grooming
• Expert knowledge of various dog breeds, grooming requirements, common health issues, and behaviors
• High level of 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
• Available 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, and standing for long periods. May require exposure to heights using a two-step ladder or support tools such as vacuums. 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.

Pay

The pay range is $15.00 – $23.00 per hour, subject to variation based on location, experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws. Actual pay rates may differ.