Groomer

Petco; Westminster (MD); On-site; USD 20,664 - 31,684; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) retirement savings plan

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Petco Discounts

Job summary

Petco in Westminster, Maryland, is seeking a skilled Pet Stylist to deliver professional grooming services to pets. As a Pet Stylist, your role involves bathing, drying, styling, and ensuring the wellbeing of animals while providing exceptional customer service to pet parents.

Candidates should have completed the Pet Stylist Apprentice program or possess prior grooming experience. The position offers a competitive hourly pay and several benefits, including health coverage and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Must have experience in professional grooming services.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with pet parents.
• Expert knowledge of dog breeds and grooming requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional grooming services including bathing and styling.
• Educate pet parents on grooming maintenance and pet care.
• Ensure cleanliness and safety in the grooming area.

Skills

Grooming techniques

Customer service

Animal care

Attention to detail

Education

Successful completion of Pet Stylist Apprentice program

High-school diploma or GED

Tools

Clippers

Grooming shears

Driers

Job description

Job Overview

As a Pet Stylist at Petco, you will be responsible for providing professional grooming services to our valued customers' pets.

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
• 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 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, ensure standards are maintained in 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 judgment 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

Benefits

• Competitive base pay
• Medical, dental, vision and other health benefits
• 401(k) retirement savings plans
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Petco Discounts
• All the supplies & equipment needed, 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

Work Environment

The majority of 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 pet parents and their dogs, and the remaining time will be with the other salon partners. The work environment can be noisy and wet.

Salary Range

Hourly: $15.00 - $23.00

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.