Groomer

About Petco

Petco has been “where the pets go” for more than 60 years, offering everything pets need to live their best lives—from meals and toys to trusted supplies and expert support. With 29,000+ team members, more than 1,500 stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, preventive‑care clinics and distribution centers, Petco nurtures the pet‑human bond. The company’s core values focus on putting pets and pet parents first, fostering fun, and committing as one team.

About the Role

As a Pet Stylist at Petco you will provide professional grooming services to customers’ pets, ensuring each animal looks and feels its best. The role combines technical grooming expertise with a focus on safety, comfort, and high‑quality customer service.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Pet Stylist is to perform expert‑level grooming—including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts, styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning—while prioritizing the safety and well‑being of the pets and delivering exceptional service to pet parents.

Responsibilities

• Perform professional grooming services (bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts, styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, 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 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 excellent customer service, answer grooming inquiries, offer recommendations, and resolve questions 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 tools, perform daily and weekly cleaning, and handle additional tasks such as cleaning air filters, vents, and drains.
• Apply Petco’s grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure safety, quality, and consistency across the salon.
• Train, support, and supervise entry‑level trainees when a Grooming Salon Leader is absent.

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 as needed.
• Results‑driven mindset 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, their 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.

Benefits

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

Pay

Salary Range: $15.00 – $23.00 hourly (subject to state‑specific regulations and minimum wage requirements).

Schedule

Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required by the grooming schedule.

Work Environment

The role is performed primarily indoors in the grooming salon. It requires bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and standing for long periods. Occasionally, the position may involve working at heights using a two‑step ladder or other tools (e.g., vacuums) for cleaning and maintenance. The environment can be noisy and wet, with frequent direct contact with pet parents and their dogs.