Junior Groomer

About the role

The Junior Pet Stylist's primary purpose is to learn how to perform bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning alongside seasoned groomers. In addition to bathing and drying services, the Junior Pet Stylist assists in the grooming process, prioritizing the comfort, safety, and well‑being of the pets in our care and delivering optimal customer service to pet parents. This is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about animals and grooming to start their career in the pet care industry.

Responsibilities

• Under close supervision of experienced groomers, perform limited grooming services including bathing, drying, nail trimming, brushing, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning according to pet parents’ instructions and in adherence to company policies and procedures
• Ensure the well‑being and safety of every animal in the salon at all times
• Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide optimal customer service, address grooming‑related inquiries, and provide timely resolution
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area and salon; disinfect and sanitize grooming tools and equipment; perform daily and weekly cleaning duties in adherence to Petco hygiene and sanitation policies, including cleaning air filters, vents, and drains
• Schedule grooming appointments, manage paperwork, and maintain accurate grooming records
• Learn and adhere to Petco's grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure safety, quality, and consistency in all activities and areas of the grooming business

Training Program

• Weeks 1–3 – Learning and On‑the‑Job Training: Learn dog behavior, pet and self‑safety, proper check‑in/out procedures, customer service, grooming policies, and begin on‑the‑job training in bathing and drying techniques
• Weeks 3–10 – Performing and Achieving Productivity: Perform bathing and walk‑in services while achieving weekly productivity goals

Requirements

• 0–1 year of animal‑related experience (shelter volunteering, pet sitting, or prior grooming salon assistance preferred)
• High‑school diploma or GED preferred, though not required
• Genuine passion for animals and a desire to pursue a career in pet grooming
• Basic understanding of dog breeds, behavior, and common grooming practices
• Capable of handling pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for interactions with pet parents and grooming team members
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required by the Pet Care Center’s 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. It may require exposure to heights using a two‑step ladder or other support tools (e.g., vacuums) to perform assigned cleaning and maintenance duties. A large amount of time is spent in direct contact with pet parents and their dogs; the remainder is with other salon partners. The work environment can be noisy and wet.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay
• Medical, dental, vision, and more
• 401(k) and more
• Paid Time Off
• Petco Discounts
• All supplies and equipment provided (brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoo, sprays, tools, etc.)
• State‑of‑the‑art equipment including bathing system, kennels, tables, and dryers

About Petco

Petco has been "where the pets go" for more than 60 years, offering everything pets need to live their best lives — from meals and toys to trusted supplies and expert support. The company believes in the universal truths of pet parenthood and nurtures the pet‑human bond across more than 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, Petco founded Petco Love, which supports thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and has helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in‑store adoption events. Petco’s core values — Pet First, Foster the Fun, and Let’s Go! Own & Commit — guide a team of 29,000+ partners dedicated to improving lives by doing what’s right for pets and people.