Groomer

Petco; New Baltimore (MI); On-site; USD 16,531 - 27,552; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base pay

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) and more

Paid Time Off

Petco Discounts

Grooming supplies provided

Job summary

Petco is seeking a Pet Stylist to deliver professional grooming services, including baths, dries, cuts, and styling, ensuring every pet leaves looking and feeling its best. You will showcase creativity, work with state‑of‑the‑art equipment, and engage with excited pet parents in a fast-paced grooming salon environment.

The role emphasizes animal welfare, adherence to grooming standards, and teamwork to support grooming leaders and mentors.

Qualifications

• Completion of Pet Stylist Apprentice program with Petco or equivalent grooming training.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Ability to operate grooming tools safely and effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and passion for animals.
• Excellent communication with pet parents and team members.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert grooming services (bathing, drying, brushing, cuts, styling).
• Use grooming instruments and maintain equipment.
• Prioritize pet safety and comfort; report concerns.
• Assess coat type, skin condition, and temperament for care decisions.
• Educate pet parents on at-home care and product recommendations.
• Maintain a clean, safe grooming area and follow policies.

Skills

Grooming expertise

Animal safety awareness

Customer service

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Pet Stylist Apprentice program

Professional grooming experience

High-school diploma preferred

Tools

Pet grooming tools

Clippers & blades

Grooming salon equipment

Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?

We’re proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what’s right for pets and people.

• Pet First – Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.
• Foster the Fun – Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through district experiences, products, and services.
• Let’s Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team. We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco

We’re proud to be “where the pets go” to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years – from favorite meals and toys to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood – the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet‑human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love, supporting thousands of local animal welfare groups and helping find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in‑store adoption events.

Your Petco Grooming Career

As a Pet Stylist at Petco, you will provide professional grooming services to our valued customers’ pets, ensuring each pet receives exceptional care and leaves looking and feeling their best. You will also showcase your grooming skills, creativity, and passion for animals in a dynamic, rewarding environment.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay
• Medical, dental, vision and more
• 401(k) and more
• Paid Time Off
• Petco Discounts
• All supplies and equipment: brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoo, sprays, tools, etc.
• State‑of‑the‑art equipment: bathing system, kennels, tables, dryers
• Career development and growth opportunities: Grooming Salon Leader, Grooming Mentor, Grooming Instructor

Purpose

The Pet Stylist’s primary role is to perform expert‑level professional grooming services—including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning—while prioritizing the safety, comfort, and well‑being of pets and delivering a high level of customer satisfaction to pet parents. Additional tasks may be assigned by the Grooming Salon Leader, Solutions Manager, or Store General Manager.

Essential Job Functions

Under moderate to limited supervision, perform professional grooming services according to pet parents’ instructions and company policies, operate and maintain grooming instruments, monitor pets for discomfort or illness, evaluate individual pet needs, and self‑report concerns.

• Perform professional grooming services including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning.
• Operate and maintain grooming instruments: clippers, blades, shears, brushes, dryers.
• Prioritize animal well‑being and safety; monitor for signs of discomfort or injury and report promptly.
• Evaluate each pet’s needs based on coat type, skin condition, and temperament.

• Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, addressing grooming inquiries and recommending maintenance practices and products.
• Educate pet parents on at‑home care to promote pet well‑being.
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area: disinfect tools, clean the salon daily and weekly, and perform as‑assigned maintenance tasks.
• Apply Petco grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure safety, quality, and consistency.
• Support and supervise entry‑level trainees when a Grooming Salon Leader is absent.

Education/Experience

• Successful completion of the Pet Stylist Apprentice program with Petco, or prior experience as a professional groomer and/or completion of a technical grooming training program.
• High‑school diploma or GED preferred but not required.
• Independent judgment and problem‑solving skills in routine to moderately complex grooming situations.
• Results‑driven with commitment to productivity, performance, and ownership of role.
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring grooming services meet the highest standards.
• Genuine passion for animals and desire to build a career in grooming.
• Expert knowledge of dog breeds, grooming requirements, common health issues, and behaviors.
• Proficiency in breed‑specific cuts, styling techniques, and grooming standards.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with pet parents and team members.
• Capacity to handle pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required.

Work Environment

The majority of duties are conducted indoors in the grooming salon. The position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds), and standing for long periods. Exposure to heights using ladders and vacuum equipment may be required. Work can be noisy and wet.

For a detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, see Petco Total Rewards.

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.