Groomer

About Petco

Petco has proudly served as a trusted provider of pet care products and services for over 60 years, supporting pets and their owners with an extensive range of supplies, expert advice, and compassionate care. With over 29,000 team members spanning more than 1,500 stores across the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, as well as veterinary and preventive care hospitals, Petco is dedicated to enhancing the bond between people and their pets. Through initiatives like Petco Love, we support animal welfare groups and facilitate pet adoptions nationwide.

Role Overview

As a Pet Stylist at Petco, you will deliver professional grooming services, ensuring each pet is groomed to the highest standards with attention to their comfort and safety. This role requires executing a variety of grooming techniques including bathing, drying, trimming, styling, nail care, and ear and gland cleaning, all while fostering outstanding customer service and pet care.

Core Responsibilities

• Perform expert grooming tasks under moderate supervision adhering to breed-specific standards and company procedures.
• Operate and upkeep grooming instruments such as clippers, shears, brushes, dryers, and bathing systems.
• Prioritize animal safety and comfort; observe pets closely and report any signs of distress or health concerns promptly.
• Assess individual pet grooming needs based on coat type, skin condition, and behavior.
• Engage professionally with pet parents by providing excellent service, handling inquiries, offering personalized grooming advice, and resolving issues.
• Promote at-home grooming maintenance by educating pet parents on best practices and recommended products.
• Maintain a clean, safe grooming environment by disinfecting tools, performing routine cleaning and upkeep aligned with hygiene policies.
• Adhere to company grooming policies, ensuring consistent safety and quality standards within the salon.
• Assist in training and supervising less experienced groomers when required.

Qualifications & Experience

• Completion of Petco's Pet Stylist Apprentice program, prior professional grooming experience, or a recognized grooming training certification.
• High school diploma or GED preferred but not mandatory.
• Strong problem-solving abilities in grooming situations with some supervisory guidance.
• Detail-oriented approach ensuring precise and superior grooming results.
• Passionate about animal welfare and committed to pursuing a grooming career.
• In-depth knowledge of dog breeds, grooming standards, common health issues, and behavior.
• Proficient in breed-specific cuts and styling techniques.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for interaction with clients and colleagues.
• Ability to handle pets of varying sizes and temperaments professionally and empathetically.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as scheduling demands.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

The position primarily involves indoor salon work with physical activities such as standing for prolonged periods, bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and occasionally working at heights using step ladders or support equipment. The environment may be noisy and humid due to grooming activities.

Compensation & Benefits

The hourly wage ranges from $15.00 to $25.00 subject to local regulations and experience level. Petco provides competitive pay along with medical, dental, and vision insurance options, 401(k) plans, paid time off, store discounts, and full access to grooming tools and modern equipment. Career advancement opportunities include roles such as Salon Leader, Mentor, and Instructor.

Diversity & Inclusion

Petco is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and non-discrimination, welcoming candidates regardless of race, color, religion, gender, orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected statuses.