Groomer - Sign On and Retention Bonus

We’re proud to be "where the pets go" and "where the pet people go," helping pets live their best lives for more than 60 years. Our core values—Pet First, Foster the Fun, and Let’s Go!—guide us as we work to improve lives by doing what’s right for pets and people.

About Petco

Petco provides everything pets need to live their best lives—from meals and toys to supplies and expert support. We celebrate the universal truths of pet parenthood, from tail wags to late-night zoomies, and support pets and their parents every step of the way. With 29,000+ team members, we operate over 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, along with 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics, and eight distribution centers. Since founding Petco Love in 1999, we’ve supported thousands of local animal welfare groups and helped 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, ensuring each pet receives exceptional care and leaves looking and feeling their best. This role offers a dynamic and rewarding environment where you can showcase your grooming skills, creativity, and passion for animals.

Purpose

The Pet Stylist performs expert-level grooming services, including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts, 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 leadership as needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform professional grooming services (bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts, 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) and state-of-the-art salon equipment.
• Prioritize the well-being and safety of pets; monitor for signs of discomfort, illness, or injury and report concerns to pet owners and management.
• Assess individual pet needs based on coat type, skin conditions, and temperament.
• Provide professional, friendly customer service; address grooming inquiries, offer recommendations, and resolve concerns.
• Educate pet parents on grooming maintenance, at-home care, and products to promote pet well-being.
• Maintain a clean, safe grooming area; disinfect tools and equipment; perform daily and weekly cleaning tasks per Petco hygiene policies.
• Adhere to 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.

Requirements

• Successful completion of Petco’s Pet Stylist Apprentice program or previous professional grooming experience or completion of a technical grooming training program.
• High-school diploma or GED preferred (not required).
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and problem-solving for routine to moderately complex situations, with guidance from leadership as needed.
• Results-driven with a commitment to productivity, performance, and ownership of your role.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure high-quality grooming services.
• 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.
• Proficiency in breed-specific cuts, styling techniques, and grooming standards.
• Excellent 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 role is primarily indoors in the grooming salon. Duties require bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds), and standing for long periods. Exposure to heights (e.g., using ladders for cleaning) and a noisy, wet environment is common. Time is split between direct interaction with pets/pet parents and collaboration with salon team members.

Skills

• Opportunity to showcase grooming skills, creativity, and passion for animals.
• Access to all necessary supplies and equipment (brushes, clippers, shampoo, etc.).
• Career development and growth opportunities (e.g., Grooming Salon Leader, Mentor, Instructor).

Benefits

• Competitive base pay.
• $500 sign-on bonus (paid after 90 days of employment).
• $1,000 retention bonus (paid after 1 year of consecutive employment).
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off.
• Petco discounts.

Pay

Hourly pay ranges from $15.00 to $23.00, depending on position, location, experience, and applicable state/local minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds $23.00, it will apply as the minimum rate.

For a detailed overview of Petco’s total rewards (including health, financial benefits, incentives, and PTO), visit Petco’s careers page.