Junior Groomer

Petco; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 13,776 - 29,618; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401k

Paid Time Off

Petco Discounts

All supplies and equipment for grooming

Job summary

Petco is seeking a Junior Pet Stylist for Grooming in Washington, D.C. This position includes a 10-week training program that focuses on fundamental grooming tasks and provides an opportunity to begin a rewarding career at Petco.

Responsibilities include performing grooming services, ensuring animal safety, and maintaining salon cleanliness. Candidates should have a passion for animals and effective communication skills. A competitive salary of $10.00 - $21.50 per hour is offered.

Qualifications

• 0-1 year of animal-related experience, prior grooming assistance preferred.
• Genuine passion for animals and pursuing a career in grooming.
• Effective communication skills for client interactions.

Responsibilities

• Perform limited grooming services under supervision.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation in the grooming area.
• Interact and provide service to pet parents.

Skills

Animal handling

Customer service

Grooming awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Overview

Junior Pet Stylist in Grooming — a 10-week training program to learn fundamental grooming tasks and begin a career with Petco Grooming.

Responsibilities

• Under close supervision of experienced groomers, perform limited grooming services including bathing, drying, nail trimming, brushing, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning according to the 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 with pet parents, provide optimal customer service, address grooming inquiries, and provide timely resolution.


• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area and salon, disinfect and sanitize grooming tools and equipment, and perform daily/weekly cleaning duties per Petco hygiene and sanitation policies.


• Schedule grooming appointments, manage paperwork, and maintain accurate grooming records.


• Learn and adhere to Petco grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure safety, quality, and consistency.

Training Program Outline

• Weeks 1-3: Learning and On-the-Job Training — dog behavior, safety, check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming policies, and beginning 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.

Education/Experience

• 0-1 year of animal-related experience (shelter volunteering or pet sitting); prior grooming salon assistance is 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 schedule.

Work Environment

The majority of duties are indoors in the grooming salon. Physical requirements include bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and standing for long periods. Work may involve exposure to height via a two-step ladder and cleaning tasks; the work environment can be noisy and wet. Position involves direct contact with pet parents and dogs.

Salary Range

Salary Range: $10.00 - $21.50 per hour. Pay may vary by location and regulatory requirements. Actual pay rates depend on position, location, experience, and applicable minimum wage laws.

Benefits / Additional Information

• Competitive base pay


• Medical, dental, vision and more


• 401k and more


• Paid Time Off


• Petco Discounts


• All supplies and equipment needed for grooming

Equal Opportunity

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.