Groomer

Petco; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health benefits

401k retirement

Paid time off

Petco discounts

Supplies provided

Grooming facilities

Career development

Job summary

Petco in Alameda, California is seeking a Pet Stylist to provide professional grooming services for dogs and cats, including bathing, brushing, haircuts, nail trimming, and basic health checks. You will follow Petco standards, ensure client satisfaction, and maintain a safe, clean grooming space.

You will use clippers, blades, brushes, and dryers, train and support entry-level teammates, and educate pet parents on at-home grooming and product benefits.

Qualifications

• Completion of Petco Pet Stylist Apprentice program or prior grooming experience.
• High-school diploma or GED preferred.
• Strong independent judgment in routine grooming situations.
• Detail-oriented and committed to grooming standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional grooming services per client instructions and Petco standards.
• Operate grooming tools and maintain instruments and space.
• Prioritize pet safety, monitor for health concerns, and report accordingly.
• Educate pet parents on at-home grooming and product benefits.
• Maintain a clean, sanitized grooming salon and support trainees.

Skills

Excellent communication

Attention to detail

Animal care passion

Team training

Problem solving

Education

Pet Stylist Apprentice program

High-school diploma or GED

Grooming training program

Tools

Clippers & blades

Brushes & dryers

Nail trimmers

Job description

Job Overview

As a Pet Stylist at Petco, you will provide professional grooming services to pets, ensuring high quality care and customer satisfaction. You will be responsible for bathing, drying, brushing, cutting, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, among other grooming tasks. You may also perform additional duties as directed by leadership.

Essential Job Functions

• Perform professional grooming services—bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning—according to pet parent instructions and company standards.
• Operate and maintain grooming instruments such as clippers, blades, shears, brushes, and dryers.
• Prioritize pet safety and well‑being, monitoring for discomfort or health concerns and reporting them.
• Evaluate each pet’s needs based on coat type, skin condition, and temperament.
• Provide excellent customer service to pet parents, addressing inquiries, offering recommendations, and resolving concerns.
• Educate pet parents on at‑home grooming care and product benefits.
• Maintain a clean, sanitized salon and grooming area, following hygiene and sanitation policies.
• Apply Petco grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure consistent quality.
• Support and train entry‑level trainees when required.

Education & Experience

• Completion of Petco Pet Stylist Apprentice program or prior professional grooming experience, and/or completion of a technical grooming training program.
• High‑school diploma or GED preferred.
• Strong independent judgment and problem‑solving ability in routine to moderately complex grooming situations.
• Results‑driven, performance‑focused, and ownership of grooming salon role.
• Detail orientation and commitment to high grooming standards.
• Passion for animals and desire for a long‑term grooming career.
• Expert knowledge of dog breeds, grooming needs, health issues, and behavior.
• Proficiency in breed‑specific cuts, styling techniques, and standards.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with pet parents and team.
• Ability to handle pets of all sizes and temperaments with care.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required.

Work Environment

The majority of duties are performed indoors in the grooming salon. Duties include bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 lbs, standing for long periods, and occasional use of a ladder or vacuum equipment. The environment may be noisy and wet. The position requires direct contact with pet parents for large portions of the shift. Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay
• Medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Petco discounts
• All supplies and equipment needed (brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoo, etc.)
• State‑of‑the‑art grooming facilities
• Career development and growth opportunities (Salon Leader, Mentor, Instructor)

Salary Range

$15.00 – $25.00 per hour

Equal Opportunity Employer

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. 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, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.