Groomer

Petco; Gloucester Point (VA); On-site; USD 20,664 - 31,684; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base pay

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Petco discounts

Grooming supplies provided

State-of-the-art equipment

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Petco is seeking a dedicated Pet Stylist to deliver professional grooming services for our customers’ pets in a clean, safe salon environment.

You will work with breed-specific cuts, maintain grooming equipment, and educate pet parents on at-home care while upholding Petco standards and championing animal well-being.

Weekend, evening, and holiday availability is required to meet grooming schedules.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of the Pet Stylist Apprentice program or equivalent grooming training.
• High-school diploma or GED preferred but not required.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and problem-solving in routine to moderately complex situations.
• Commitment to productivity, performance, and ownership of the grooming role.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in grooming services.
• Passion for animals and desire to continue a career in pet grooming.
• Expert knowledge of dog breeds, grooming requirements, health issues, and behaviors.
• Proficiency in breed-specific cuts, styling techniques, and grooming standards.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with pet parents and team.

Responsibilities

• Perform professional grooming services including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts, styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning.
• Operate and maintain grooming instruments such as clippers, blades, shears, brushes, and dryers.
• Prioritize animal well-being, monitor for discomfort or injury, and report concerns promptly.
• Engage pet parents professionally, address grooming inquiries, and recommend products and at-home care.
• Educate pet parents on grooming maintenance and at-home care practices.
• Maintain a clean, safe grooming area and comply with hygiene policies.
• May train or supervise entry-level trainees in the absence of a Grooming Salon Leader.

Skills

Dog breeds knowledge

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Pet handling

Education

Pet Stylist Apprentice program

High school diploma/GED preferred

Job description

About the Role

As a Pet Stylist at Petco, you will provide professional grooming services to our valued customers' pets. Utilizing your knowledge and attention to detail, you will ensure each pet receives exceptional care, leaving them looking and feeling their best.

Essential Job Functions

• Under moderate to limited supervision, perform professional grooming services including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts, styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, following pet parents’ instructions and adhering to breed standards and company policies.
• Operate and maintain grooming instruments such as clippers, blades, shears, brushes, and dryers.
• Prioritize the well‑being and safety of each animal, monitor for discomfort, illness, or injury, and report concerns promptly.
• Evaluate individual pet needs taking into account coat type, skin conditions, and temperament.
• Engage pet parents professionally, provide customer service, address grooming inquiries, recommend grooming products and at‑home care, and resolve questions or concerns promptly.
• Educate pet parents on grooming maintenance and at‑home care practices to promote overall pet well‑being.
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area, disinfect and sanitize tools, perform daily and weekly cleaning, and comply with Petco hygiene and sanitation policies.
• Use knowledge of Petco grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure quality and consistency.
• May train, support, and supervise entry‑level trainees in the absence of a Grooming Salon Leader.

Education & Experience

• Successful completion of the Pet Stylist Apprentice program with Petco or previous professional grooming experience and/or completion of a technical grooming training program.
• High‑school diploma or GED preferred but not required.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and problem‑solving in routine to moderately complex situations.
• Commitment to productivity, performance, and ownership of the grooming role.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in grooming services.
• Passion for animals and desire to continue a career in pet grooming.
• Expert knowledge of dog breeds, grooming requirements, common health issues, and behaviors.
• Proficiency in breed‑specific cuts, styling techniques, and grooming standards.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with pet parents and grooming team members.
• Ability to handle pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required by the grooming schedule.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay
• Medical, dental, vision, and other health benefits
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off
• Petco Discounts
• All necessary grooming supplies and equipment
• State‑of‑the‑art grooming equipment, including bathing system, kennels, tables, and dryers
• Career development and growth opportunities (Grooming Salon Leader, Grooming Mentor, Grooming Instructor)

Work Environment

The majority of duties are conducted indoors in the grooming salon. The role requires bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 lb, standing for long periods, and occasionally working near heights. Work can be noisy and wet. The groomer spends significant time in direct contact with pet parents and their dogs.

Salary Range

$15.00 – $23.00 per hour (or salary, as applicable).

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 class.