Groomer

We’re proud to be "where the pets go" and "where the pet people go"—a place where pets find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years. From meals and toys to trusted supplies and expert support, we believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood and are here for every tail wag, vet visit, and step of the journey. With 29,000+ team members, we nurture the pet-human bond across 1,500+ Petco stores in 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 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 animal receives exceptional care and leaves looking and feeling their best. This role offers an opportunity to grow your expertise in grooming, individual productivity, and career development within a dynamic and rewarding environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform professional grooming services, including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts, styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and 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 the well-being and safety of every animal in the salon; monitor pets for signs of discomfort, illness, or injury and report concerns to pet owners and management.
• Evaluate individual needs of each pet, considering coat type, skin conditions, and temperament.
• Interact professionally with pet parents, providing optimal customer service, addressing grooming inquiries, offering recommendations, and resolving concerns.
• Educate pet parents on grooming maintenance, at-home care practices, and products to promote overall pet well-being.
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area; disinfect and sanitize tools and equipment; perform daily and weekly cleaning duties in adherence to Petco hygiene policies.
• Utilize knowledge of Petco’s grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure safety, quality, and consistency in all grooming activities.
• Train, support, and supervise entry-level trainees in the absence of a Grooming Salon Leader.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Grooming Salon Leader, Solutions Manager, or Store General Manager.

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 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 various 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 job duties are conducted indoors in the grooming salon. The position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds), and standing for long periods. Exposure to heights (e.g., using a two-step ladder) and tasks involving vacuums or other cleaning tools may be necessary. A significant portion of the role involves direct contact with pet parents and their dogs, with the remaining time spent collaborating with salon team members. The work environment can be noisy and wet.

Pay

Salary Range: $15.00 - $23.00 per hour. Actual pay rates depend on factors such as position, location, level of experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds the indicated range, the higher wage will apply.

Benefits

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

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