Junior Groomer

Petco; Hamilton (NJ); On-site; USD 13,776 - 26,863; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base pay

Petco discounts

State-of-the-art equipment

Job summary

Petco is hiring a Junior Pet Stylist to learn bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning under experienced groomers. The role emphasizes safety, customer service to pet parents, and gradual skill acquisition in a caring salon environment.

Ideal candidates have a passion for animals, strong communication, and flexibility to work weekends/evenings. Training spans initial learning to productive on-the-job practice within Petco grooming spaces.

Qualifications

• 0–1 year of animal-related experience, including shelter volunteering or pet sitting.
• High-school diploma or GED preferred.
• Genuine passion for animals and a desire to pursue 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 with pet parents and grooming team.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• 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 in adherence to company policies and procedures.
• 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 tools and equipment; perform daily and weekly cleaning duties including cleaning air filters, vents, and drains.
• 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 and areas of the grooming business.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Passion for animals

Education

High-school diploma or GED

Job description

Purpose

The Junior Pet Stylist’s primary purpose is to learn how to perform the following services: bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning alongside seasoned groomers. In addition to bathing and drying services, the Junior Pet Stylist will assist in the grooming process, prioritizing the comfort, safety, and well‑being of the pets in our care and delivering optimal customer services to pet parents. This is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about animals and grooming to start their career in the pet care industry.

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 in adherence to company policies and procedures.
• 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 tools and equipment; perform daily and weekly cleaning duties including cleaning air filters, vents, and drains.
• 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 and areas of the grooming business.

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 4‑10: Performing and Achieving Productivity
  • Perform bathing and walk‑in services while achieving weekly productivity goals.

Education / Experience

• 0‑1 year of 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 a 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 job 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, to perform assigned cleaning and maintenance duties. A large amount of time will be spent in direct contact with pet parents and their dogs, and remaining time with salon partners. The work environment can be noisy and wet.

Salary Range

$10.00 - $19.50 per hour. The pay range is presented in accordance with state‑specific regulations. Actual pay may vary by location, level of experience, and applicable wage laws.

Benefits

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