Groomer

About the Company

Petco has been "where the pets go" for over six decades, providing pets and their owners with everything they need to live fulfilling lives. With a network of more than 1,500 stores across the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, alongside vet hospitals, preventive care clinics, and distribution centers, Petco is committed to strengthening the pet-human bond. The company also supports animal welfare organizations nationwide, facilitating adoption events and helping millions of animals find homes.

Role Overview

As a Pet Stylist at Petco, you will deliver specialized grooming services to pets, ensuring their appearance and wellbeing are prioritized. This role calls for expertise in bathing, drying, grooming, and styling pets, along with strong customer engagement skills to provide outstanding service to pet parents.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform professional grooming including bath, drying, brushing, haircuts, styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning independently or with minimal supervision.
• Operate and care for grooming tools such as clippers, shears, blades, brushes, and dryers efficiently and safely.
• Put pet safety and comfort first, monitoring for health issues and promptly communicating concerns to owners and management.
• Assess each pet's coat type, skin health, and behavior to customize grooming services.
• Engage professionally with pet parents, addressing grooming inquiries, providing recommendations, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Educate pet owners on maintenance grooming techniques and appropriate home care products.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety in the grooming salon by sanitizing equipment, performing routine cleaning tasks, and following hygiene protocols.
• Follow company standards and guidelines to uphold quality and consistency throughout grooming operations.
• Support and train less experienced groomers during the absence of leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

• Completion of Petco’s Pet Stylist Apprentice program or prior professional grooming experience, or graduate of a technical grooming training program.
• High school diploma or GED preferred but not mandatory.
• Ability to make independent grooming decisions and solve moderately complex problems with guidance as needed.
• Dedicated to productivity and ownership of grooming responsibilities.
• Excellent eye for detail to ensure top-quality grooming results.
• Passion for working with animals and advancing a grooming career.
• In-depth understanding of breed-specific grooming needs, health considerations, and behavior.
• Proven expertise in breed-appropriate cuts and styles.
• Strong communication skills for interactions with clients and team members.
• Ability to handle pets gently and confidently regardless of size or temperament.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required by the grooming schedule.

Work Environment

The position involves indoor tasks mostly within the grooming salon, requiring physical activities such as bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and standing for extended periods. Some duties may involve working at height using ladders or tools for cleaning activities. The role is dynamic and may involve noise and exposure to water due to the nature of pet grooming. Interaction with pets and customers is a significant component of the daily workload.

Benefits and Other Information

• Competitive base salary
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) retirement plan and other financial perks
• Paid time off
• Employee discounts on Petco products
• Access to professional grooming supplies and state-of-the-art equipment including bathing systems and drying tools
• Career advancement opportunities like Grooming Salon Leader, Mentor, or Instructor roles

Equal Opportunity

Petco is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and inclusivity, providing fair employment opportunities regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category.