Junior Groomer

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.; City of Middletown (NY); On-site; USD 13,776 - 26,863; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base pay

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401k

Paid Time Off

Petco discounts

Job summary

Petco is looking for a Junior Pet Stylist in Middletown, NY. This role involves learning to perform essential grooming tasks under the guidance of experienced groomers. Responsibilities include bathing, drying, and nail trimming, while ensuring the safety and comfort of pets. Applicants should have a genuine passion for animals, effective communication skills, and be available to work weekends and holidays. The position offers a competitive pay range of $10.00–$19.50 per hour, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• 0-1 year animal related experience, including volunteering or pet sitting.
• Genuine passion for animals and desire to pursue a grooming career.
• Availability to work weekends and holidays as required.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic grooming tasks under supervision.
• Ensure the well-being and safety of pets.
• Schedule appointments and maintain grooming records.

Skills

Animal handling skills

Customer service skills

Basic grooming knowledge

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma or GED preferred

Job description

Junior Pet Stylist (Grooming)

Begin your Petco journey as a Junior Pet Stylist in Grooming! During this ten‑week training period, you will learn fundamental grooming tasks such as brushing, bathing, drying, cutting nails, and more.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay
• Medical, dental, vision and more
• 401k 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

Purpose

The Junior Pet Stylist is primarily responsible for learning to perform bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning. The role includes assisting experienced groomers and prioritizing the comfort, safety and well‑being of the pets while delivering optimal customer service to pet parents.

Essential Job Functions

• Under close supervision of experienced groomers, perform limited grooming services including bathing, drying, nail trimming, brushing, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning according to pet parents’ instructions and company policies.
• Ensure the well‑being and safety of every animal in the salon at all times.
• Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide optimal customer service, address grooming‑related inquiries and provide timely resolution.
• 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 in accordance with Petco hygiene and sanitation policies.
• Schedule grooming appointments, manage paperwork, and maintain accurate grooming records.
• Learn and adhere to Petco’s grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure safety, quality, and consistency in all activities.

Training Program Outline

• Weeks 1‑3: Learning and On‑the‑Job Training
  • Learn dog behavior, pet and self‑safety, proper check‑in/out procedures, customer service, grooming policies, and begin on‑the‑job training in bathing and drying techniques.
• Weeks 3‑10: Performing and Achieving Productivity
  • Perform bathing and walk‑in services while achieving weekly productivity goals.

Education & Experience

• 0‑1 year animal related experience, including shelter volunteering or 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 for interactions with pet parents and grooming team members.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, as required by the Pet Care Center’s grooming schedule.

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. It may require exposure to heights using a two‑step ladder or other support tools, such as vacuums. The work environment can be noisy and wet.

Salary Range

Hourly: $10.00 – $19.50

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.