Groomer

About the role

As a Pet Stylist at Petco you will provide professional grooming services to our customers’ pets, ensuring each animal receives exceptional care and looks its best.

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 and delivering high‑quality customer service to pet parents.

Essential Job Functions

• 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 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 optimal customer service, answer grooming inquiries, offer recommendations, and resolve questions or concerns.
• Educate pet parents on grooming maintenance, at‑home care practices, and product use to promote overall pet health.
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area; disinfect tools, perform daily/weekly cleaning, and handle additional sanitation tasks (e.g., cleaning air filters, vents, drains).
• Apply Petco grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure safety, quality, and consistency across the salon.
• May train, support, and supervise entry‑level trainees in the absence of a Grooming Salon Leader.

Education & Experience

• 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, though not required.

Qualifications

• Ability to exercise independent judgment and solve routine to moderately complex grooming problems.
• Results‑driven with a commitment to productivity, performance, and ownership of the grooming salon role.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure services meet the highest standards.
• Genuine passion for animals and desire to build a career in pet grooming.
• Expert knowledge of various 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.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required by the grooming schedule.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay
• Medical, dental, vision coverage
• 401(k) plan
• 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 (bathing system, kennels, tables, dryers)
• Career development opportunities such as Grooming Salon Leader, Grooming Mentor, and Grooming Instructor roles

Pay

Salary Range: $15.00 – $23.00 per hour (actual rate depends on position, location, experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws).

Schedule

Must be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required by the Pet Care Center’s grooming schedule.

Work Environment

The role is performed indoors in a grooming salon. Duties include bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 lb, and standing for long periods. May require use of a two‑step ladder or other tools for cleaning and maintenance. The environment can be noisy and wet, with frequent direct contact with pet parents and dogs.