Junior Groomer

About the role

Begin your Petco journey as a Junior Pet Stylist in Grooming! During this ten-week training period you will learn fundamental grooming tasks such as brushing, bathing, drying, cutting nails, and more, with hands-on guidance from seasoned groomers. Our industry-leading program is designed to develop essential grooming skills and set the foundation for your future career with Petco Grooming.

Purpose

The Junior Pet Stylist’s primary purpose is to learn how to perform the following services under close supervision: bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning. In addition to bathing and drying services, the Junior Pet Stylist will assist 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.

Essential Job Functions

• 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 company policies
• 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; perform other cleaning and maintenance tasks as assigned (e.g., 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

Training Program Outline

• Weeks 1–3: Learning and On-the-Job Training
  • Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming policies
  • 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 (e.g., shelter volunteering, pet sitting); prior grooming salon assistance is 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). A large amount of time will be spent in direct contact with pet parents and their dogs, with the remainder working alongside other salon partners. The work environment can be noisy and wet.

Benefits

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