Dog Bather/Groomer in Training

Scenthound San Diego, CA; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 39,950; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free food & snacks

Free uniforms

Opportunity for advancement

Training & development

401(k)

Company parties

Employee discounts

Bonus based on performance

Job summary

Scenthound in San Diego, CA is hiring a Dog Bather. No grooming experience? No problem—we’ll train you from day one to keep dogs clean, healthy, and happy. You’ll have a clear path to grow into Groomer, Front Desk, and management as you gain skills.

You’ll work as part of a supportive team with a front desk handling client scheduling. A culture that values growth, training, and a real career path awaits you at Scenthound.

Qualifications

• No grooming experience required; we’ll train you from day one.
• You’ll keep dogs clean, healthy, and happy.
• There’s a clear path to grow into Groomer, Front Desk, and management.

Responsibilities

• Prep and clean dogs for services according to the order ticket
• Bathe, blow dry, clip and grind nails, clean ears, brush coats, brush teeth, and express glands
• Spot each dog’s health indicators and log them in the S.C.E.N.T. Check app
• Work as a team to complete services and keep the Scenter on schedule
• Ask for—and offer—help to keep the day flowing smoothly
• Keep every dog and teammate safe at all times
• Follow Scenthound sanitation and cleaning standards
• Take on other tasks as assigned by the Scenter Manager

Skills

Calm handling of dogs

Clear communication

Teamwork

Time management

Attention to detail

Job description

Benefits:

• Free food & snacks
• Free uniforms
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development
• 401(k)
• Company parties
• Employee discounts
• Bonus based on performance

Love Dogs? Start a Career, Not Just a Job.

No grooming experience? No problem. If you love dogs and want to step into the industry, we’ll train you from day one. As a Scenthound Dog Bather, you’ll keep dogs clean, healthy, and happy—and you’ll never work alone. There’s a clear path to grow into Groomer, Front Desk, and management if you want it.

What You’ll Earn:

• $24.75–29/hr total pay (base plus tips)
• Base pay $17.75–19.50/hr, with an average of $7–9.50/hr in tips on top
• Pay raise eligibility after just 3 months, based on performance
• Merit-based raises as your skills grow
• Complimentary Scenthound membership for your own dog
• Eligible for overtime, paid sick leave, and meal and rest breaks per California law
• A real career path—Bather to Groomer, Front Desk, Assistant Manager, and Manager

Why Scenthound:

We’re not your everyday grooming shop. We’re a membership-based dog wellness brand focused on keeping dogs healthy—not fancy show cuts. That makes the work simpler, more consistent, and more rewarding:

• We train you. Come as you are—we’ll teach you the skills to succeed and grow.
• You’re never solo. It’s a team effort on every dog, so you always have backup.
• A front desk handles clients and scheduling, so you can focus on the dogs.
• A culture built on our values: Dog First, One Pack, Bring Love, Seek Growth, Make a Difference.

What You’ll Do:

• Prep and clean dogs for their services according to the order ticket
• Bathe, blow dry, clip and grind nails, clean ears, brush coats, brush teeth, and express glands
• Spot each dog’s health indicators and log them in the S.C.E.N.T. Check app
• Work as a team to complete services and keep the Scenter on schedule
• Ask for—and offer—help to keep the day flowing smoothly
• Keep every dog and teammate safe at all times
• Follow Scenthound sanitation and cleaning standards
• Take on other tasks as assigned by the Scenter Manager

What We’re Looking For:

• A genuine love for dogs and a passion for keeping them clean and healthy
• A patient, upbeat team player who takes pride in detail
• Willingness to learn and grow through our training path (no experience required)
• Strength to lift up to 70 pounds and stamina to stand for long periods, with or without reasonable accommodation
• A reliable way to get to work
• Willingness to work in a smoke‑free environment

Skills That Help You Shine:

• Calm, confident handling of dogs of all sizes and temperaments
• Clear communication with teammates and dog parents
• Teamwork, problem-solving, and time management
• Attention to detail and the drive to hold yourself and the team to high standards

Ready to Join the Pack?

If you love dogs and want to turn that into a career, we’d love to meet you. Apply today and start your journey with Scenthound!