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’ve been "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years—from meals and toys to supplies and expert support from people who understand pet parenthood. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood: the boundless boops, missing slippers, late-night zoomies, and everything in between. We’re here for every tail wag, vet visit, and step of the journey.

We are 29,000+ strong, nurturing 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 pets, ensuring each one receives exceptional care and leaves looking and feeling their best. This role is ideal for groomers with proven technical experience looking to grow their expertise and individual productivity.

Purpose

The Pet Stylist performs expert-level professional grooming services, including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts, styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning. You will prioritize the safety, comfort, and well-being of pets while delivering high 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 (bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts, styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, gland cleaning) according to pet parent instructions, breed standards, and company policies.
• Operate and maintain grooming instruments (clippers, blades, shears, brushes, dryers).
• Prioritize the well-being and safety of every animal; monitor pets for signs of discomfort, illness, or injury and report concerns to pet owners and management.
• Evaluate individual pet needs based on coat type, skin conditions, and temperament.
• Interact professionally with pet parents, provide optimal customer service, address grooming inquiries, and offer recommendations.
• Educate pet parents on grooming maintenance and at-home care practices to promote pet well-being.
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area; disinfect and sanitize tools and equipment; perform daily and weekly cleaning duties per Petco hygiene policies.
• Utilize knowledge of 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.
• Perform other cleaning and maintenance tasks as assigned (e.g., cleaning air filters, vents, 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 (not required).
• Latitude for independent judgment and problem-solving in routine to moderately complex situations, with guidance from leadership when necessary.
• Results-driven with a commitment to productivity, performance, and ownership of the role.
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring grooming services are executed accurately and to the highest standards.
• 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 for interactions with pet parents and team members.
• 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), and standing for long periods. Exposure to heights (e.g., using a two-step ladder) may be necessary for cleaning and maintenance. The environment can be noisy and wet, with significant direct contact with pets and pet parents.

Skills & 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 (brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoo, sprays, tools).
• State-of-the-art equipment (bathing systems, kennels, tables, dryers).
• Career development and growth opportunities (Grooming Salon Leader, Grooming Mentor, Grooming Instructor).

Pay

Salary Range: $15.00 - $25.00 per hour. Actual pay rates depend on factors such as position, location, experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds the indicated range, the regulatory minimum wage will apply.

For a detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards (health, financial benefits, 401K, incentives, PTO), visit Petco Total Rewards.