Dog Groomer

Zoomies Chicago, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off (PTO)

Base salary plus commission

Job summary

Zoomies Chicago is launching a premier grooming program and seeks a growth-minded Groomer to help build it from the ground up. The role starts with one grooming day per week and scales to full-time as the membership base grows. Earn a base hourly rate plus commission, with earning potential tied to your client book.

You’ll be part of a dynamic startup culture focused on dogs and their owners, offering a pathway to lead grooming staff as demand expands.

Qualifications

• Professional grooming training or certification required.
• 1–2 years of grooming experience preferred; new graduates with strong skills welcome.
• Competence across multiple breeds and coat types.
• Ability to work efficiently and safely with dogs of varying temperaments.
• Organized, self-motivated, and capable of managing your own schedule and client relationships.
• Warm, professional communication with pet owners.

Responsibilities

• Perform full-service grooming for all breeds and coat types.
• Communicate coat, skin, or health concerns to owners and management.
• Manage your own grooming schedule with support for booking.
• Maintain a clean, sanitized grooming salon and end-of-shift clean-down.
• Build rapport with Zoomies members and their dogs to drive repeat appointments.
• Provide grooming recommendations and aftercare instructions.
• Ensure safe handling of dogs at all times.

Skills

Professional grooming

Communication with pet owners

Time management

Education

Grooming school graduation or apprenticeship

Job description

Dog Groomer

Grooming & Spa Services Part-Time to Full-Time Zoomies Chicago

About Zoomies Chicago

Zoomies is Chicago's premier indoor/outdoor dog park experience — a one-of-a-kind destination where dogs play and people unwind. Our facility features expansive off-leash dog parks, a full-service café, a craft beverage bar, daycare and boarding, professional grooming, and private runs, all under one roof. We're building a team that loves dogs as much as our members do. At Zoomies, every role matters — from the bark rangers keeping our parks safe to the baristas fueling the humans who love them.

We’re building the future of pet services with a high-energy eatertainment vibe. Because we’re a startup, our hiring needs are tied to our 2026 launch milestones. We’re starting interviews now to find the perfect fit, with the goal of bringing this role onboard in a few months as we move into our next phase of execution. We value transparency and want to find someone who thrives in a dynamic, startup environment.

Position Overview

Zoomies is building a premier grooming program from the ground up, and we are looking for a growth-minded Groomer to be a founding part of this journey. Whether you are an emerging talent or a seasoned pro looking for a fresh start, we are seeking a partner who is excited about our membership-driven model and committed to the 'Zoomies Way' of care.

This role begins with a one-day-per-week residency, scaling into a full-time schedule as our membership base continues its rapid growth. With a competitive base salary plus commission, your earning potential is tied directly to the growth of your book. This is a rare opportunity to own your schedule and build your career within a destination venue with hundreds of built-in dog-owner members.

What You'll Do

• Perform full-service grooming for all breeds and coat types: baths, blow-outs, haircuts, breed-specific styling, desheds, nail trims, ear cleaning, and gland expressions
• Groomers can expect support with clipper-free tasks such as bathing, brushing, blow drying, nail trims, etc.
• Conduct a brief pre-groom assessment for each dog; communicate any coat, skin, or health concerns to the owner and management team
• Manage your own grooming schedule and appointments with support from the Customer Success team for booking and communication
• Maintain a clean, sanitized, and organized grooming salon; perform full salon clean-down at the end of every shift
• Handle dogs of all temperaments with patience and confidence; follow safe handling protocols at all times
• Build rapport with Zoomies members and their dogs to drive repeat appointments and referrals
• Communicate grooming recommendations and aftercare instructions clearly to pet owners
• Communicate with Canine Care Specialists and management on any behavioral or health concerns observed during grooming

Schedule & Compensation

Start Schedule: 1 grooming day per week; additional days added as client demand grows

Compensation: Hourly + commission structure

Growth Path: Direct path to full-time grooming schedule as Zoomies membership base grows + Opportunity to manage grooming staff

What We're Looking For

• Professional grooming training or certification required (grooming school graduate or apprenticeship program)
• 1–2 years of grooming experience preferred; recent graduates with strong technical skills are welcome to apply
• Competence across multiple breeds and coat types
• Ability to work efficiently and safely with dogs of varying temperaments
• Organized, self-motivated, and capable of managing your own schedule and client relationships
• Warm, professional communication style with pet owners
• Genuine passion for dogs and animal welfare
• Dog-friendly personality is non-negotiable — you'll be working around dogs every single day

Benefits

• Paid time off (PTO)
• Base salary plus commission — your earning potential grows directly with your client book

Equal Opportunity & Legal Disclosures

Zoomies Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Employment at Zoomies Chicago is at-will, meaning either the employee or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. Job responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of management. Zoomies Chicago participates in E-Verify. Upon hire, we will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process should contact us through our website.

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