Junior Groomer

Petco; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; 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

The Petco in Virginia Beach is seeking a Junior Pet Stylist to join the Grooming department. This training position will allow candidates to learn essential grooming techniques while working under the guidance of experienced groomers.

The ideal candidate must express a genuine passion for animals and the ability to communicate effectively with pet parents. Responsibilities include performing grooming tasks and maintaining a clean workspace. The position offers competitive pay and various benefits, including medical and 401(k).

Qualifications

• 0–1 year of animal-related experience; volunteer work at shelters preferred.
• Genuine passion for animals and desire for a grooming career.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required.

Responsibilities

• Perform grooming services under supervision.
• Interact with pet parents and provide customer service.
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area.

Skills

Animal-related experience

Effective communication skills

Basic understanding of dog breeds and grooming practices

Empathy and care in handling pets

Education

High-school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Overview

The Junior Pet Stylist is a training position in the Grooming department. During a ten‑week training period, the candidate will learn fundamental grooming tasks such as brushing, bathing, drying, cutting nails, and more under the guidance of seasoned groomers.

Essential Job Functions

• Under close supervision, perform limited grooming services including bathing, drying, nail trimming, brushing, ear cleaning, and 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, provide optimal customer service, address grooming‑related inquiries, and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area, disinfect tools, perform daily and weekly cleaning duties, and adhere to Petco hygiene and sanitation policies.
• Schedule grooming appointments, manage paperwork, and maintain accurate grooming records.
• Learn and adhere to Petco’s grooming policies, standards, and guidelines.

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 3–10: Performing and Achieving Productivity
  • Perform bathing and walk‑in services while achieving weekly productivity goals.

Qualifications

• 0–1 year of animal‑related experience; volunteer work at shelters or pet‑sitting is preferred; prior grooming salon assistance preferred.
• High‑school diploma or GED is preferred.
• 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 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 pounds), standing for long periods, and may involve exposure to heights using a two‑step ladder or equipment such as vacuums. Work may be noisy and wet.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay
• Medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• 401(k) plan
• Paid Time Off
• Petco discounts
• All supplies and equipment needed for grooming
• State‑of‑the‑art equipment, including bathing system, kennels, tables, and dryers

For details on health and financial benefits, 401(k), incentives, and PTO, see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits.

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.