Junior Groomer

Petco; Avon (CT); On-site; USD 19,286 - 23,419; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401k

Paid Time Off

Petco Discounts

Job summary

Petco in Avon, CT is seeking a Junior Pet Stylist in Grooming to learn bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning under experienced groomers. You’ll support client service and pet safety while developing essential grooming skills.

This entry‑level role requires compassion for animals, good communication, and availability on weekends/evenings/holidays. Training is provided in a structured program with progression toward productivity.

Qualifications

• 0–1 year of animal-related experience preferred (shelter volunteering, pet sitting; prior grooming salon assistance preferred).
• High-school diploma or GED preferred, though not required.
• Genuine passion for animals and desire to pursue a career in pet grooming.
• Basic understanding of dog breeds, behavior, and common grooming practices.
• Capable of handling pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, holidays.

Responsibilities

• Perform limited grooming services (bathing, drying, nail trimming, brushing, ear cleaning, gland cleaning) under close supervision.
• Ensure animal well-being and safety at all times.
• Interact professionally with pet parents, provide customer service, address inquiries, provide timely resolution.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety of grooming area and salon, sanitize tools, perform daily and weekly cleaning tasks, including filter ventilation.
• Schedule appointments, manage paperwork, maintain grooming records.
• Learn and adhere to company grooming policies, standards, and guidelines.

Skills

Customer service

Pet handling

Communication

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

About the Role

We’re looking for a Junior Pet Stylist in Grooming to join our team and help pets live their best lives.

Purpose

The Junior Pet Stylist’s primary purpose is to learn how to perform bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning services under guidance of experienced groomers, prioritize pet safety and well‑being, and deliver client service to pet parents.

Essential Job Functions

• Perform limited grooming services (bathing, drying, nail trimming, brushing, ear cleaning, gland cleaning) under close supervision.
• Ensure animal well‑being and safety at all times.
• Interact professionally with pet parents, provide customer service, address inquiries, provide timely resolution.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety of grooming area and salon, sanitize tools, perform daily and weekly cleaning tasks, including filter ventilation.
• Schedule appointments, manage paperwork, maintain grooming records.
• Learn and adhere to company grooming policies, standards, and guidelines.

Training Program Outline

• Weeks 1–3: Learning and On‑the‑Job Training – learn dog behavior, pet and self‑safety, check‑in/out procedures, customer service, grooming policies, and begin bathing and drying techniques.
• Weeks 4–10: Performing and Achieving Productivity – perform bathing and walk‑in services while meeting weekly productivity goals.

Education / Experience

• 0–1 year of animal‑related experience preferred (shelter volunteering, pet sitting; prior grooming salon assistance preferred).
• High‑school diploma or GED preferred, though not required.
• Genuine passion for animals and desire to pursue a career in pet grooming.
• Basic understanding of dog breeds, behavior, and common grooming practices.
• Capable of handling pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, holidays.

Work Environment

The majority of duties are conducted indoors in the grooming salon. The role requires bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, standing for long periods, and occasional exposure to heights. Noise and wet conditions are present.

Benefits

Competitive base pay; medical, dental, vision; 401k; paid time off; Petco discounts; all supplies and equipment provided; state‑of‑the‑art equipment.

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.