Junior Groomer

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base pay

Medical, dental, vision

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Petco Discounts

All grooming supplies and equipment

State-of-the-art grooming equipment

Job summary

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is looking for a Junior Pet Stylist to join their grooming team in Sarasota, Florida. The role involves learning grooming services such as bathing, nail trimming, and brushing while prioritizing pet safety and comfort.

The position offers on-the-job training, competitive pay, and various benefits including medical, dental, and paid time off. Applicants should be passionate about animals and have a desire for a grooming career.

Qualifications

• 0–1 year of animal-related experience (shelter volunteering or pet sitting); prior grooming salon assistance preferred.
• Passion for animals and desire to pursue a career in pet grooming.
• Basic understanding of dog breeds, behavior, and common grooming practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform limited grooming services under close supervision.
• Interact professionally with pet parents and provide optimal customer service.
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area; disinfect and sanitize tools.

Skills

Animal handling

Customer service

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives? We’re proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.

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. Gain hands‑on experience with guidance from seasoned groomers. Our industry‑leading program is designed to develop essential grooming skills and set the foundation for your future career with Petco Grooming.

Benefits & Development

• Competitive base pay
• Medical, dental, vision and more
• 401(k) and more
• Paid Time Off
• Petco Discounts
• All supplies & equipment needed (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 the following services: bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, alongside seasoned groomers. Assist in the grooming process, prioritizing the comfort, safety and well‑being of the pets in our care and delivering optimal customer service to pet parents.

Essential Job Functions

• Under close supervision, perform limited grooming services (bathing, drying, nail trimming, brushing, ear cleaning, gland cleaning) following pet parents’ instructions and company policies.
• Ensure the well‑being and safety of every animal in the salon at all times.
• Interact professionally with pet parents, providing optimal customer service and resolving inquiries.
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area; disinfect and sanitize tools and equipment, perform daily and weekly cleaning.
• Schedule 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 & self‑safety, check‑in/out procedures, customer service, grooming policies, and begin training in bathing & drying.
• 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 (shelter volunteering or pet sitting); 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.
• Capability to handle 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 by the grooming schedule.

Work Environment

The majority of duties are conducted indoors in the grooming salon. Requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 lbs.), standing for long periods, and occasional exposure to heights using a two‑step ladder or other tools. Work can be noisy and wet.

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.