Groomer

About Petco

Petco is where pets go and where pet people go to find everything they need to help pets live their best lives. For more than 60 years, we’ve supported pet parents with trusted products, expert care, and a passion for the pet-human bond. We operate in the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico with over 1,500 stores, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics, and eight distribution centers. Through Petco Love, we’ve helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals via in-store adoption events.

About the role

As a Pet Stylist at Petco, you will provide professional grooming services to valued customers’ pets. Your expertise and attention to detail will ensure each pet receives exceptional care, leaving them looking and feeling their best.

Responsibilities

• Perform professional grooming services including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and 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 in the salon; monitor pets for signs of discomfort, illness, or injury and report concerns to pet owners and store 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, offer recommendations, and resolve questions or concerns
• Educate pet parents on grooming maintenance and at-home care practices and products
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area and salon; disinfect and sanitize tools and equipment per Petco hygiene and sanitation policies
• Follow Petco 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

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
• Ability to work independently with latitude for judgment and problem solving in routine to moderately complex situations
• Results-driven with commitment to productivity, performance, and ownership of role
• Strong attention to detail ensuring grooming services are executed accurately and to the highest standards
• Genuine passion for animals with a desire to continue a career in pet grooming
• Expert knowledge of various dog breeds, grooming requirements, common health issues, and behaviors
• High level of proficiency in breed-specific cuts, styling techniques, and grooming standards
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for interactions with pet parents and team members
• Capable of handling pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy
• Available 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 as necessary, and standing for long periods. May require exposure to heights using a two-step ladder or support tools such as vacuums. A large amount of time is spent in direct contact with pet parents and their dogs, with the remainder spent with salon partners. The work environment can be noisy and wet.

Skills

• Competitive base pay
• Medical, dental, vision and more
• 401k
• Paid Time Off
• Petco Discounts
• All grooming supplies and equipment provided, including brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoo, sprays, tools, etc.
• State-of-the-art equipment including bathing systems, kennels, tables, and dryers
• Career development and growth opportunities such as Grooming Salon Leader, Grooming Mentor, and Grooming Instructor