Junior Groomer

Petco; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base pay

Medical, dental, vision

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Petco Discounts

Job summary

Petco in Chesapeake is looking for a Junior Pet Stylist for a 10-week training program. This role will teach essential grooming skills and provide a foundation for a career in pet grooming. Responsibilities include performing basic grooming under supervision, ensuring pet safety, and interacting with pet parents.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for animals, effective communication skills, and a desire to learn grooming practices.

Qualifications

• 0–1 year of animal-related experience preferred.
• Desire to pursue a career in pet grooming.
• Capable of handling pets of all sizes and temperaments.

Responsibilities

• Perform grooming services under supervision.
• Ensure animal well-being and safety.
• Maintain a clean grooming area.

Skills

Animal-related experience

Communication skills

Passion for animals

Basic grooming knowledge

Education

High-school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Overview

The Junior Pet Stylist is a 10‑week training position designed to teach essential grooming skills and provide a path to a career in pet grooming.

Responsibilities

• Perform limited grooming services under close supervision, including bathing, drying, nail trimming, brushing, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning.
• Ensure the well‑being and safety of every animal in the salon.
• Interact professionally with pet parents, provide customer service, and address grooming‑related inquiries.
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area, disinfect and sanitize tools and equipment, and perform daily and weekly cleaning duties.
• Schedule grooming appointments, manage paperwork, and maintain accurate grooming records.
• Learn and adhere to Petco's grooming policies, standards, and guidelines.

Qualifications

• 0–1 year of animal‑related experience (shelter volunteering, pet sitting, or prior grooming salon assistance preferred).
• High‑school diploma or GED preferred, but not required.
• 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, and holidays as required.

Training Program Outline

• Weeks 1–3: Learning and On‑the‑Job Training
  • Learn dog behavior, 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.

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 a two‑step ladder and use of vacuums may occur. The work environment can be noisy and wet.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay
• Medical, dental, vision, and more
• 401(k) and more
• Paid Time Off
• Petco Discounts
• All supplies and equipment needed (brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoo, sprays, tools, etc.)
• State‑of‑the‑art equipment (bathing system, kennels, tables, dryers)

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.