Groomer

About Petco

For over 60 years, Petco has been dedicated to supporting pets and their owners by providing essentials like food, toys, supplies, and expert assistance. With a presence in over 1,500 stores across the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, along with numerous Vetco Total Care hospitals and clinics, we are committed to strengthening the bond between pets and people. Our organization also actively contributes to animal welfare, supporting local groups and facilitating millions of pet adoptions.

Role Overview

As a Pet Stylist at Petco, you will deliver expert grooming services to pets entrusted to your care. This role requires precision, creativity, and a passion for animal wellbeing, ensuring each pet looks and feels their best while providing exceptional service to pet parents.

Core Values

• Pet First: Prioritize and advocate for pets' needs to help them thrive.
• Foster the Fun: Build connections through shared passion for pet care and celebrations of pet parenthood experiences.
• Let’s Go!: Embrace authenticity and collaboration, leveraging individual strengths for collective success.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver comprehensive grooming services including bathing, drying, brushing, cutting, styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland expressing according to pet owner instructions, breed standards, and company policies.
• Properly use and maintain grooming tools such as clippers, blades, shears, brushes, and dryers.
• Ensure animal safety and comfort throughout the grooming process, monitoring for signs of distress or health issues and reporting concerns as necessary.
• Assess each pet’s unique requirements based on coat type, skin health, and temperament.
• Engage effectively with pet owners, providing excellent customer service, addressing inquiries, and offering tailored grooming advice.
• Educate pet parents on maintenance grooming and appropriate at-home care products.
• Keep grooming work areas sanitized and organized, adhering to hygiene standards and performing routine cleaning and maintenance tasks.
• Uphold Petco’s grooming standards, policies, and procedures to maintain quality and safety within the salon.
• Assist with training and supporting junior groomers when needed.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Completion of Petco’s Pet Stylist Apprentice program or equivalent prior professional grooming or technical training.
• High school diploma or GED preferred but not mandatory.
• Ability to apply independent judgment for problem-solving in routine to moderately challenging grooming scenarios, with occasional guidance.
• Strong commitment to productivity, quality, and responsibility within the grooming role.
• Exceptional attention to detail ensuring accuracy and adherence to breed-specific grooming standards.
• Deep passion for animals and dedication to advancing a career in pet grooming.
• Expertise in dog breeds, grooming needs, typical health conditions, and behavioral tendencies.
• Proficient with breed-specific haircut techniques and styling.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for interaction with pet owners and salon teams.
• Capability to safely handle pets of varying sizes and temperaments with empathy.
• Willingness to work required shifts including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Most duties take place indoors within the grooming salon, which may be noisy and wet. The job involves physical activities such as bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, standing for extended periods, and occasional ladder use for maintenance tasks. Interaction with pets and customers is frequent and integral to daily activities.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay ranging from $15 to $23, varying by location and experience (regulatory minimum wage applies where higher).
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• 401(k) retirement plans.
• Paid time off benefits.
• Employee discounts on Petco products.
• Access to all necessary grooming supplies and state-of-the-art equipment including bathing systems, kennels, grooming tables, and dryers.
• Opportunities for career advancement such as Leadership and Mentorship roles within grooming.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

Petco is an Equal Opportunity Employer and evaluates applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, age, veteran status, or any other protected category.