Pet Groomer

About Petco

For over six decades, Petco has been a trusted destination providing everything pets require to live vibrant, healthy lives—from nourishing food and engaging toys to expert support delivered by people who truly care. With a nationwide presence including more than 1,500 stores, 250+ veterinary hospitals, and extensive animal welfare partnerships, Petco fosters the pet-human bond and supports adoption efforts placing millions of animals into loving homes.

Core Values

• Pet First – Protect & Empower: Placing pets and their owners at the forefront of all actions to ensure pets live their best lives.
• Foster the Fun – Connect & Bond: Embracing the joy of pet parenthood and celebrating it through exceptional products, services, and experiences.
• Let’s Go! Own & Commit: Collaborating as one unified team that values individuality and harnesses unique strengths to achieve collective success.

Role Overview

As a Pet Stylist at Petco, you will deliver professional grooming services that ensure each pet looks and feels fantastic. Using your skill and passion for animal care, you will perform expert grooming while providing excellent customer service to pet parents.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently perform grooming tasks such as bathing, drying, brushing, cutting, styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland expression, adhering to breed standards and customer instructions.
• Operate and maintain grooming tools including clippers, shears, blades, brushes, and dryers.
• Prioritize the safety and wellbeing of all animals by monitoring for discomfort or health issues and promptly reporting concerns.
• Assess each pet's unique needs considering coat type, skin condition, and temperament.
• Engage professionally with customers to answer grooming-related questions, provide recommendations, and ensure satisfaction.
• Educate pet parents on grooming maintenance and proper at-home care.
• Maintain a hygienic and safe grooming environment by sanitizing tools and cleaning the salon regularly in accordance with company policies.
• Follow all Petco grooming standards and procedures to guarantee safety, quality, and consistent service.
• Assist in training or supervising junior grooming staff when leadership is unavailable.

Qualifications

• Completion of Petco's Pet Stylist Apprentice program, equivalent professional grooming experience, or formal technical grooming education.
• High school diploma or GED preferred but not mandatory.
• Ability to exercise independent judgement in grooming situations, seeking guidance as needed.
• Strong attention to detail to execute grooming services to the highest standards.
• Demonstrated passion for animals and commitment to developing a long-term pet grooming career.
• In-depth knowledge of various dog breeds, grooming needs, behavioral traits, and common health challenges.
• Expertise in breed-specific grooming techniques and styling.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for interacting with clients and team members.
• Comfort and empathy in handling pets of all sizes and temperaments.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays per salon scheduling requirements.

Working Conditions

The role primarily involves indoor salon work that can be noisy and wet. Physical requirements include bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, standing for extended periods, and occasional use of step ladders for cleaning and maintenance tasks. Interactions are mainly with pets and salon colleagues.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay ranging from $15.00 to $25.00 depending on experience and location.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan options.
• Generous paid time off.
• Employee discounts on Petco products.
• Access to all necessary grooming tools and state-of-the-art equipment including bathing systems and grooming tables.
• Growth opportunities such as roles as Grooming Salon Leader, Grooming Mentor, or Grooming Instructor.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Petco is committed to inclusive hiring practices and considers all qualified applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected categories.

Additional Information

Applicants with arrest or conviction records will be evaluated fairly in compliance with regional fair chance hiring laws. The salary range provided reflects state-specific wage regulations and may vary accordingly.