Junior Groomer

Petco; New Milford (CT); On-site; USD 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base pay

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) plan

Paid Time Off

Petco Discounts

Job summary

Petco in New Milford is seeking a Junior Pet Stylist for a 10-week training program focused on essential grooming skills. This role involves limited grooming services, maintaining a safe environment, and interacting with pet owners.

Ideal candidates should have a passion for animals, effective communication skills, and be available for flexible scheduling. The position comes with a competitive base pay, benefits including medical and 401(k), and tools required for grooming.

Qualifications

• 0–1 year of animal-related experience preferred.
• Passion for animals and desire to pursue a career in grooming.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Perform limited grooming services under supervision.
• Ensure the well-being and safety of animals.
• Interact with pet parents and provide customer service.

Skills

Handling pets of all sizes

Effective communication skills

Basic understanding of dog breeds

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.