Pet Groomer

About Petco

Petco has served pet families for over 60 years, offering everything pets need to thrive, from food and toys to expert care products. With more than 29,000 employees across over 1,500 stores and additional veterinary and care centers, Petco fosters the pet-human bond nationally. Established in 1999, Petco Love continues its mission supporting animal welfare and facilitating millions of pet adoptions.

Role Overview

The Pet Groomer role involves delivering expert grooming services, including bathing, styling, nail trimming, and health-related grooming tasks. The position focuses on animal safety, comfort, and delivering outstanding customer service to pet owners. Additional responsibilities may be assigned by leadership to support salon growth and operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional grooming services under moderate supervision, adhering to breed standards and client instructions.
• Operate and upkeep grooming tools such as clippers, brushes, shears, and dryers.
• Prioritize pet safety and well-being, observing for issues and communicating concerns promptly.
• Assess each pet's specific grooming needs based on coat, skin, and temperament.
• Engage professionally with pet owners, addressing questions and suggesting grooming care advice.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards in the grooming salon, including routine cleaning and equipment sanitization.
• Uphold Petco grooming policies for quality, safety, and consistency.
• Train and support junior groomers when leadership is unavailable.

Qualifications

• Completion of Petco's Pet Stylist Apprentice program or equivalent professional grooming training or experience.
• High school diploma or GED preferred but not mandatory.
• Ability to make independent decisions on grooming challenges with appropriate judgment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and productivity.
• Passion for animal care and long-term grooming career aspirations.
• In-depth knowledge of dog breeds, grooming standards, health issues, and behavior.
• Expertise in breed-specific grooming techniques and styling.
• Effective communication skills for client interaction and teamwork.
• Competent in handling pets of varied sizes and temperaments with empathy.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Work Environment

Most duties take place in an indoor grooming salon, requiring physical activity such as bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and prolonged standing. The environment can be noisy and wet, with occasional use of ladders or maintenance equipment.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly wage between $15.00 and $25.00, subject to location and experience.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401k retirement plans.
• Paid Time Off.
• Employee discounts on Petco products.
• Access to all necessary grooming supplies and modern equipment.
• Opportunities for career growth to roles such as Salon Leader and Grooming Instructor.

Diversity and Inclusion

Petco is an Equal Opportunity Employer, welcoming all applicants regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Applications from individuals with arrest or conviction records will be considered per local fair chance employment laws.