Groomer

About Petco

Petco is a trusted name for pet care spanning over 60 years, focusing on enhancing the lives of pets and their owners. With a workforce exceeding 29,000 employees, Petco operates more than 1,500 stores across the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, alongside veterinary hospitals and preventive care clinics. The company is committed to animal welfare, supporting numerous adoption events and local groups nationwide.

Job Purpose

The role of Pet Stylist involves delivering expert grooming services to pets, ensuring their comfort, safety, and appearance meet breed standards and customer expectations. Responsibilities include bathing, trimming, styling, nail and ear care, with a priority on animal wellbeing and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform professional grooming services including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts, styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning according to customer instructions and company standards.
• Operate grooming tools such as clippers, shears, brushes, and dryers, while maintaining their safety and cleanliness.
• Monitor pets for signs of distress or health issues during grooming sessions and report concerns promptly.
• Assess each pet’s grooming needs based on coat type, skin condition, and temperament.
• Engage professionally with pet owners, provide grooming advice, handle inquiries, and resolve concerns to ensure excellent customer service.
• Promote grooming maintenance and at-home care practices to pet parents through education and personalized recommendations.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation in the grooming salon by disinfecting tools and adhering to hygiene protocols.
• Adhere to Petco’s grooming policies and standards to ensure consistent, safe, and quality services.
• Train or supervise entry-level grooming staff as needed in the absence of leadership.

Qualifications and Skills

• Completion of Petco’s Stylist Apprentice program or previous professional grooming experience and/or technical training.
• High school diploma or GED preferred, but not mandatory.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in grooming tasks and problem resolution, with occasional guidance.
• Detail-oriented with a passion for animal care and grooming excellence.
• Knowledgeable about breed-specific grooming styles, common health concerns, and animal behavior.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for interactions with clients and team members.
• Capability to safely handle pets of various sizes and temperaments.
• Availability for weekend, evening, and holiday shifts as per salon schedule.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The work is primarily indoors within a grooming salon and requires physical activities such as standing for extended periods, bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and occasional use of ladders or equipment for cleaning tasks. The environment may be noisy and damp, with frequent interaction with pets and colleagues.

Benefits and Culture

• Competitive salary package.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off to support work-life balance.
• Employee discounts on Petco products and services.
• Access to all necessary grooming tools and state-of-the-art equipment including bathing systems, kennels, grooming tables, and dryers.
• Opportunities for career advancement such as leadership, mentoring, and instructor roles.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Petco is committed to equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.