Groomer

Petco; Westford (MA); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical, dental, vision, and more

401(k) and more

Paid Time Off

Petco Discounts

Supplies & equipment provided

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Petco in Massachusetts seeks a Pet Stylist to deliver expert grooming services for dogs and cats, including bathing, drying, brushing, and styling. You will follow breed standards, ensure pet comfort, and meet high standards of customer service in a busy grooming salon.

Flexibility to work weekends and holidays is required. This role emphasizes safety, animal welfare, and professional growth through available grooming leadership opportunities and ongoing training.

Qualifications

• Pet Stylist Apprentice program completed or professional grooming experience.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Independent judgment and problem solving in routine grooming tasks.
• Strong attention to detail and passion for animals.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Perform professional grooming including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts per instructions.
• Operate grooming instruments safely (clippers, blades, shears, brushes, dryers).
• Prioritize safety and well‑being of all pets in the salon.
• Evaluate each pet’s needs based on coat type and temperament.
• Maintain a clean, safe grooming area and sanitize tools.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Attention to detail

Animal handling

Grooming knowledge

Problem solving

Education

Pet Stylist Apprentice program

High school diploma or GED

Technical grooming training

Tools

Grooming equipment

Safety equipment

Job description

Your Petco Grooming Career

As a Pet Stylist at Petco, you will be responsible for providing professional grooming services to our valued customers' pets. With your expertise and attention to detail, you will ensure that each pet receives exceptional care, leaving them looking and feeling their best.

Benefits

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

Purpose

The Pet Stylist’s primary purpose is to perform expert-level professional grooming services, including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning. The Pet Stylist is responsible for prioritizing the safety, comfort, and well‑being of the pets in our care and delivering a high level of customer satisfaction and customer service to pet parents. The Pet Stylist may be required to complete additional tasks as assigned by the Grooming Salon Leader, Solutions Manager, or Store General Manager. This is an excellent opportunity for groomers with proven technical experience to grow their expertise in grooming and individual productivity.

Essential Job Functions

• Under moderate to limited supervision, perform professional grooming services including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, according to pet parent’s instructions and adhering to breed standards and company policies and procedures.
• Operate and maintain various grooming instruments, including clippers, blades, shears, brushes, and dryers.
• Always prioritize the well‑being and safety of every animal in the salon, monitor pets for any signs of discomfort, illness, or injury, and promptly report any concerns to pet owners and store management.
• Evaluate individual needs of each pet, taking into consideration coat type, skin conditions, temperament.

Additional Responsibilities

• Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide optimal customer service, address grooming related inquiries, offer grooming recommendations, and provide timely resolution to questions or concerns.
• Educate and provide custom recommendations to pet parents on grooming maintenance and at‑home care practices & products to promote the overall well‑being of the pet.
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area and salon, disinfect, and sanitize grooming tools and equipment, perform daily and weekly cleaning duties in the salon and in adherence to Petco hygiene and sanitation policies, other cleaning and maintenance tasks as assigned, including but not limited to cleaning air filters, vents, and drains.
• Utilize knowledge and understanding of Petco’s grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure safety, quality, and consistency in all activities and areas of the grooming business, ensuring standards are maintained in the grooming salon.
• May need to 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 experience as a professional groomer and/or completion of a technical grooming training program.
• High‑school diploma or GED preferred, though not required.
• Latitude for independent judgement and problem solving, using grooming skills and knowledge to solve problems in routine to moderately complex situations, with some guidance from Grooming Salon Leader, Solutions Manager, or Store General Manager when necessary.
• Results‑driven with commitment to productivity, performance, and ownership of role in the grooming salon.
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring grooming services are executed accurately and to the highest standards.
• Genuine passion for animals with a desire to continue a career in pet grooming.
• Expert knowledge of various dog breeds, grooming requirements, common health issues and behaviors.
• High level of proficiency in breed‑specific cuts, styling techniques, and grooming standards.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for interactions with pet parents and grooming team members.
• Capable of handling pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy.
• Available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, as required by the Pet Care Center’s grooming schedule.

Work Environment

The majority of job duties are conducted indoors in the grooming salon. Position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds, as necessary) and standing for long periods of time. Position may require exposure to heights using a two‑step ladder or other support tools, such as vacuums, to perform assigned cleaning and maintenance duties. A large amount of this partner’s time will be spent in direct contact with our pet parents and their dogs, and the remaining time will be with the other salon partners. The work environment can be noisy and wet.

Legal Notice

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Salary Range

Salary Range: $15.00 - $25.00

Hourly or Salary Range will be reflected above. For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401(k), incentives, and PTO – see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits

Equal Opportunity Employment

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.