Junior Groomer

Petco; Dover (DE); On-site; USD 16,531 - 22,041; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts

Medical benefits

401k

Paid time off

Supplies provided

Equipment provided

Job summary

Petco in Dover, DE seeks a Junior Pet Stylist in Grooming to learn bathing, drying, brushing and nail care under guidance of experienced groomers, while ensuring safety and client service.

This entry role emphasizes animal welfare, hands-on training through week‑by‑week outlines and the chance to grow with state‑of‑the‑art equipment in a friendly grooming salon.

Qualifications

• 0–1 year animal-related experience preferred (shelter volunteering, pet sitting).
• High school diploma or GED preferred, not required.
• Genuine passion for animals and grooming as a career.
• Basic understanding of dog breeds, behavior and grooming practices.
• Capable of handling pets of all sizes 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.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety of grooming area and salon, sanitize tools, perform daily tasks.
• Schedule appointments, manage paperwork, maintain grooming records.
• Learn and adhere to company grooming policies, standards, and guidelines.

Skills

Customer service

Pet care

Verbal communication

Written communication

Safety awareness

Teamwork

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.