Groomer

Petco is dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their families through a commitment to core values: Pet First, Foster the Fun, and Let’s Go! With more than 29,000 team members across stores, Vetco Total Care hospitals, clinics, and distribution centers, Petco supports animal welfare and offers a welcoming environment where you can be your whole self.

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 while delivering 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, comfort, and well‑being of every pet.

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 animal well‑being and safety; monitor pets for discomfort, illness, or injury and report concerns promptly.
• 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.
• Educate pet parents on grooming maintenance, at‑home care practices, and product usage to promote overall pet health.
• Maintain a clean, safe grooming area; disinfect tools, perform daily/weekly cleaning, 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 the salon.
• Train, support, and supervise entry‑level trainees when a Grooming Salon Leader is unavailable.

Requirements

• Successful completion of the Pet Stylist Apprentice program with Petco, or prior professional grooming experience and/or a technical grooming training program.
• High‑school diploma or GED preferred (not required).
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and solve routine to moderately complex problems with guidance as needed.
• 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 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.

Skills

• Advanced grooming techniques (bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts, styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, gland cleaning).
• Operation and maintenance of grooming equipment.
• Customer service and effective communication with pet parents.
• Knowledge of breed standards, pet health, and safety protocols.
• Ability to train and mentor entry‑level grooming staff.

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 provided (brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoos, 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.

Schedule

• Weekends
• Evenings
• Holidays (as required by the grooming schedule)