Groomer

About Petco

Petco has proudly served pets and their owners for over 60 years, providing everything from food and toys to trusted supplies and expert advice. With over 1,500 stores across the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, and additional veterinary and adoption services, Petco is dedicated to nurturing the pet-human bond. We support thousands of animal welfare organizations and have helped find homes for nearly 7 million animals.

Role Overview

As a Pet Stylist at Petco, you will deliver expert grooming services to pets, ensuring each animal is comfortable, safe, and looks its best. Responsibilities include bathing, drying, haircuts, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and more, all performed with attention to detail and adherence to breed standards and company policies. You will also engage professionally with pet parents, offering grooming advice and resolving inquiries to enhance customer satisfaction.

Core Values

• Pet First – Protect & Empower: Prioritize the needs of pets and their owners in all your work.
• Foster the Fun – Connect & Bond: Share a passion for pets and celebrate pet parenthood.
• Let’s Go! Own & Commit: Contribute to the team through authenticity and dedication.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform professional grooming services under moderate supervision, including bathing, drying, styling, nail trimming, and gland cleaning according to pet owner instructions and breed standards.
• Operate and maintain grooming tools such as clippers, shears, brushes, and dryers.
• Ensure pets' safety and wellbeing is prioritized; monitor for any signs of distress, illness, or injury, reporting concerns to owners and management promptly.
• Assess each pet's individual grooming needs considering coat type, skin condition, and temperament.
• Deliver excellent customer service, professionally communicating with pet parents and addressing their grooming-related questions and concerns.
• Provide education on grooming maintenance and at-home care, recommending suitable products.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of grooming area and tools, following Petco's hygiene policies, including regular cleaning tasks and maintenance duties.
• Uphold grooming salon standards with adherence to company policies for safety, quality, and consistency.
• May assist in training and supervising entry-level groomers in the absence of a salon leader.

Qualifications and Experience

• Completion of Petco's Pet Stylist Apprentice program or prior professional grooming experience, including completion of technical grooming training.
• High school diploma or GED preferred but not mandatory.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in solving grooming-related challenges, with some guidance from management if needed.
• Detail-oriented with commitment to delivering high-quality grooming services.
• Passion for animals and dedication to growing a career in pet grooming.
• Strong knowledge of dog breeds, grooming needs, common health issues, and behavior.
• Proficiency in breed-specific cuts and styling techniques.
• Good communication skills for effective interaction with customers and team members.
• Capable of handling pets of various sizes and temperaments with care and empathy.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Work Environment

The role primarily operates indoors in a grooming salon that can be noisy and wet. Physical demands include bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, standing for extended periods, and occasional use of ladders or support tools for cleaning tasks. Significant interaction with pets and team members is expected.

Salary and Benefits

• Hourly pay range between $15.00 and $25.00, varying by location, experience, and applicable wage laws.
• Competitive base pay along with medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• 401(k) retirement plan participation.
• Paid time off and employee discounts.
• Access to all necessary grooming supplies and state-of-the-art equipment.
• Opportunities for career progression, including leadership and mentorship roles within grooming.

Equal Opportunity and Legal Notices

Petco is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities without discrimination. Applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered under applicable Fair Chance laws.

Additional Information

Applicants should be prepared to work in accordance with store schedules, including weekends and holidays.