Junior Groomer

Petco; Latham (NY); On-site; USD 13,776 - 26,863; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401k plan

Paid Time Off

Employee discounts on pet supplies

Job summary

Petco is seeking a Junior Pet Stylist in Latham, New York, to learn grooming fundamentals and deliver optimal customer service. This position offers a comprehensive ten-week training program covering essential skills like bathing and nail trimming.

The role prioritizes the comfort and safety of pets while interacting with pet parents. The ideal candidate should have a passion for animals and some animal-related experience. The salary ranges from $10.00 to $19.50 per hour.

Qualifications

• 0-1 year of animal-related experience, including volunteering or pet sitting.
• Genuine passion for animals and a desire to pursue grooming.
• Basic understanding of dog breeds and grooming practices.

Responsibilities

• Learn to perform grooming tasks like bathing and nail trimming.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all animals.
• Maintain cleanliness of the grooming area and tools.

Skills

Animal handling

Effective communication

Customer service

Education

High-school diploma or GED

Job description

Your Petco Grooming Career

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.

Our industry‑leading program is designed to develop essential grooming skills and set the foundation for your future career with Petco Grooming.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay
• Medical, dental, vision and more
• 401k and more
• Paid Time Off
• Petco Discounts
• All the supplies and 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’s primary purpose is to learn how to perform bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, alongside seasoned groomers. The role prioritizes the comfort, safety, and well‑being of the pets in our care and delivers 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 in adherence to 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, 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.

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 3‑10: Performing and achieving productivity—perform bathing and walk‑in services while meeting weekly productivity goals.

Education / Experience

• 0‑1 year of animal‑related experience, 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 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 lb), and standing for long periods. May require exposure to heights using a two‑step ladder or other support tools. Work environment may be noisy and wet.

Salary Range

Hourly or salary range: $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.