Groomer

About Petco

For over six decades, Petco has been a trusted name where pets and pet parents come to find everything needed for pets to thrive. From food and toys to supplies and expert guidance, Petco is committed to supporting the pet-human relationship across more than 1,500 stores in the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico. With 29,000 employees, 250 Vetco Total Care hospitals, preventive care clinics, and distribution centers, Petco also founded Petco Love in 1999 to support animal welfare and facilitate pet adoptions nationwide.

Role Overview

As a Petco Groomer, you will deliver expert grooming services such as bathing, drying, styling, nail and ear care, and gland cleaning. You will ensure each pet’s safety, comfort, and well-being while achieving high customer satisfaction by working closely with pet owners.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional grooming services under moderate to limited supervision including bathing, drying, brushing, haircutting/styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland expression according to customer instructions and breed standards.
• Operate and maintain grooming tools such as clippers, blades, shears, brushes, and dryers.
• Prioritize animal safety; monitor for any signs of distress or health issues and inform pet owners and management promptly.
• Assess each pet’s coat type, skin condition, and temperament to tailor grooming approaches.
• Engage professionally with pet parents, addressing inquiries, giving grooming advice, and resolving concerns.
• Educate customers on at-home grooming care and product recommendations to support pet wellness.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary grooming salon by disinfecting tools, cleaning work areas, and performing additional maintenance including cleaning air filters and vents.
• Adhere to Petco grooming policies, ensuring quality, safety, and consistency throughout the grooming process.
• Occasionally train and supervise junior groomers in the absence of leadership.

Qualifications

• Completion of Petco’s Groomer Apprentice program or equivalent professional grooming experience or technical training.
• High school diploma or GED preferred but not mandatory.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and problem-solve routine grooming challenges, seeking guidance when necessary.
• Strong focus on productivity, quality and ownership of grooming responsibilities.
• Detail-oriented to assure precision and high standards in grooming.
• Passion for animals and commitment to developing a grooming career.
• In-depth knowledge of dog breeds, grooming needs, common health conditions, and behavior management.
• Proficiency in breed-specific cuts and styling techniques.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for customer and team interaction.
• Skillful and compassionate handling of pets of varying sizes and temperaments.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as per salon schedule.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The job is primarily indoor in a grooming salon environment involving bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and standing for extended durations. Occasional use of ladders or elevated support tools may be required for cleaning tasks. The workspace may be noisy and wet, and requires constant interaction with pets and customers.

Salary and Benefits

The hourly pay range for this position is $15 to $25, subject to regional variations and minimum wage laws. Benefits include medical, dental, vision plans, 401(k), paid time off, Petco employee discounts, and comprehensive grooming supplies and state-of-the-art equipment provided.

Equal Opportunity

Petco is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, considering all qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, or other protected status. Applicants with criminal records will be treated in compliance with relevant Fair Chance laws.