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 capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what’s right for pets and people.

About Petco

We’re proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years—from their favorite meals and toys to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood—the boundless boops, missing slippers, late-night zoomies, and everything in between. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across 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 nationwide 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 our valued customers' pets. With your expertise and attention to detail, you will ensure each pet receives exceptional care, leaving them looking and feeling their best. This is an excellent opportunity for groomers with proven technical experience to grow their expertise in grooming and individual productivity.

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. You will prioritize the safety, comfort, and well-being of the pets in our care while delivering a high level of customer satisfaction to pet parents. Additional tasks may be assigned by the Grooming Salon Leader, Solutions Manager, or Store General Manager.

Responsibilities

• Perform professional grooming services including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, according to pet parent's instructions and adhering to breed standards and company policies and procedures.
• Operate and maintain various grooming instruments, including clippers, blades, shears, brushes, and dryers.
• Prioritize the well-being and safety of every animal in the salon; monitor pets for any signs of discomfort, illness, or injury, and promptly report any concerns to pet owners and store management.
• Evaluate individual needs of each pet, taking into consideration coat type, skin conditions, and temperament.
• Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide optimal customer service, address grooming-related inquiries, offer grooming recommendations, and provide timely resolution to questions or concerns.
• Educate and provide custom recommendations to pet parents on grooming maintenance and at-home care practices and products to promote the overall well-being of the pet.
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area and salon; disinfect and sanitize grooming tools and equipment; perform daily and weekly cleaning duties in adherence to Petco hygiene and sanitation policies.
• Utilize knowledge and understanding of Petco's grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure safety, quality, and consistency in all activities and areas of the grooming business.
• Train, support, and supervise entry-level trainees in the absence of a Grooming Salon Leader.
• Perform other cleaning and maintenance tasks as assigned, including but not limited to cleaning air filters, vents, and drains.

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, using grooming skills and knowledge to solve problems in routine to moderately complex situations, with some guidance from Grooming Salon Leader, Solutions Manager, or Store General Manager when necessary.
• Results-driven with a commitment to productivity, performance, and ownership of role in the grooming salon.
• 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 grooming 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 Pet Care Center's grooming schedule.

Work Environment

The majority of job duties are conducted indoors in the grooming salon. The position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds, as necessary), and standing for long periods of time. You may be exposed to heights using a two-step ladder or other support tools for cleaning and maintenance duties. A large amount of time will be spent in direct contact with pet parents and their dogs, and the remaining time will be with other salon partners. The work environment can be noisy and wet.

Pay

The pay ranges from $15.00 to $23.00 per hour, depending on position, location, level of experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds the minimum indicated in the pay range, the regulatory minimum wage will be applied.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• 401k and other financial benefits.
• Paid Time Off.
• Petco discounts.
• All necessary grooming supplies and equipment, including brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoo, sprays, and tools.
• State-of-the-art equipment, including bathing systems, kennels, tables, and dryers.
• Career development and growth opportunities, such as Grooming Salon Leader, Grooming Mentor, and Grooming Instructor roles.