Groomer

Petco; Lima (OH); On-site; USD 2,066,400 - 3,168,480; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base pay

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Petco discounts

Grooming supplies provided

State-of-the-art equipment

Career development

Job summary

Petco is seeking a Pet Stylist to provide professional grooming services to our clients' pets. You will focus on pet safety, high-quality grooming, and customer interactions to ensure pets look and feel their best.

You will work with a team to maintain hygiene standards, train entry-level staff when needed, and educate pet parents on at-home care and grooming maintenance.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication with pet parents and team members.
• Strong attention to detail in grooming services.
• Ability to handle dogs of all sizes safely and professionally.
• Knowledge of breed-specific grooming requirements and health considerations.
• Proven reliability and ability to work weekends/evenings/holidays.

Responsibilities

• Perform professional grooming services: bath, dry, brush, haircut, nails, ears, glands.
• Operate and maintain grooming tools and equipment.
• Prioritize pet safety and monitor for discomfort or illness.
• Assess coat type and temperament to tailor grooming.
• Provide customer service, answer grooming questions, and upsell products.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Animal handling

Breeds knowledge

Teamwork

Education

Pet Stylist Apprentice program

High-school diploma or GED

Tools

Grooming equipment

Clippers & scissors

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.