Groomer

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Competitive base pay

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Petco discounts

Career development and growth opportunities

Job summary

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is looking for a Pet Stylist in Suffolk, Virginia. You will provide grooming services with a focus on safety and customer satisfaction. Responsibilities include bathing, cutting, and styling pets, while educating pet parents on care.

Applicants should have grooming experience or complete a pet stylist program, and demonstrate a passion for animals. Benefits include competitive pay, medical coverage, and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Completion of the Pet Stylist Apprentice program or previous professional groomer experience.
• Strong attention to detail and mastery of breed-specific cuts.
• Ability to handle pets of various sizes and temperaments.

Responsibilities

• Perform professional grooming services including bathing and styling pets.
• Educate pet parents on at-home grooming maintenance.
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming environment.

Skills

Grooming skills

Attention to detail

Customer service

Problem-solving

Pet handling

Education

Completion of Pet Stylist Apprentice program or previous experience

High-school diploma or GED (preferred)

Tools

Clippers

Grooming shears

Dryers

Job description

Petco Grooming Career

As a Pet Stylist at Petco, you will provide professional grooming services to our valued customers' pets, ensuring exceptional care and a great experience.

Purpose

The Pet Stylist’s primary purpose is to perform expert-level grooming services, prioritizing the safety and well‑being of each pet while delivering high quality customer service. The role may also include additional tasks assigned by leadership.

Essential Job Functions

• Perform professional grooming services—including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning—according to pet parents’ instructions, breed standards, and company policies.
• Operate and maintain grooming instruments such as clippers, blades, shears, brushes, and dryers.
• Prioritize pet safety and comfort, monitoring for discomfort, illness, or injury, and promptly reporting concerns to pet owners and management.
• Evaluate individual pet needs, considering coat type, skin condition, and temperament.
• Interact professionally with pet parents, addressing inquiries, providing recommendations, and ensuring timely resolution of questions.
• Educate pet parents on at‑home grooming maintenance and product use.
• Maintain a clean, safe grooming area—disinfect tools, perform daily and weekly sanitizing, and handle other cleaning tasks as needed.
• Adhere to Petco’s grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure safety, quality, and consistency.
• Support or supervise entry‑level trainees when a Grooming Salon Leader is absent.

Education and Experience

• Completion of the Pet Stylist Apprentice program or previous professional groomer experience and/or completion of a technical grooming training program.
• High‑school diploma or GED preferred, though not required.
• Independent judgment and problem‑solving skills in routine to moderately complex situations.
• Results‑driven with commitment to productivity and performance in the grooming salon.
• Strong attention to detail and mastery of breed‑specific cuts, styling techniques, and grooming standards.
• Genuine passion for animals and desire to build a career in pet grooming.
• Expert knowledge of various dog breeds, grooming requirements, common health issues, and behaviors.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required.

Work Environment

Most duties are performed indoors in a grooming salon, involving bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and standing for long periods. The position may require use of a two‑step ladder or other equipment. The environment can be noisy and wet.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay
• Medical, dental, vision and other benefits
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off
• Petco discounts
• All supplies and equipment provided (brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoo, sprays, tools)
• State‑of‑the‑art equipment (bathing system, kennels, tables, dryers)
• Career development and growth opportunities (Grooming Salon Leader, Grooming Mentor, Grooming Instructor)

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.