Groomer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Petco discounts

Supplies provided

State‑of‑the‑art facilities

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Petco in Madera, CA is hiring a Pet Stylist to provide professional grooming services for dogs and cats, including baths, cuts, nails, and general care. You will follow brand standards and ensure a safe, positive experience for pets and their parents.

This role requires completion of the Pet Stylist Apprentice program or prior grooming experience, strong communication, and a passion for animals. Weekend/evening shifts and growth opportunities are available.

Qualifications

• Completion of Petco Pet Stylist Apprentice program or prior grooming experience.
• High‑school diploma or GED preferred.
• Strong independent judgment and problem‑solving in grooming scenarios.
• Detail orientation and commitment to grooming standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform professional grooming services per instructions and standards.
• Operate grooming instruments (clippers, blades, shears, brushes, dryers).
• Prioritize pet safety and wellbeing and report concerns.
• Evaluate pets’ needs based on coat type, skin condition, and temperament.
• Provide excellent customer service to pet parents.
• Educate pet parents on at‑home grooming care and product benefits.
• Maintain a clean, sanitized salon and grooming area.
• Apply grooming policies to ensure quality.
• Support and train entry‑level trainees when required.

Skills

Grooming techniques

Customer service

Safety awareness

Pet health knowledge

Education

Pet Stylist Apprentice program

High-school diploma or GED

Tools

Clippers

Blades

Shears

Dryers

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.