Pet Grooming Assistant / Bather

National Veterinary Associates, Inc.; Painter (VA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Eastern Shore Animal Hospital is seeking a part-time Grooming Assistant to support professional groomers by handling, bathing, drying, brushing, and maintaining salon cleanliness. The role emphasizes caring for pets of various sizes with a focus on excellent customer service.

The position requires comfort working in a fast-paced grooming environment, strong reliability, and a willingness to learn grooming techniques. Hours include Monday–Wednesday 8:00am–12:00pm and some Thursdays 8:00am–12:00pm.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience with animals preferred but not required.
• Ability to safely handle dogs and cats of various breeds, sizes, and temperaments.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented.
• Willingness to learn grooming techniques and salon procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist groomers with bathing, drying, brushing, and basic coat preparation.
• Safely handle and restrain pets during grooming procedures.
• Clean ears, trim nails, and perform other basic grooming tasks as directed.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of grooming stations, tools, kennels, and common areas.
• Monitor pets for signs of stress, illness, or discomfort and report concerns to groomers or management.
• Support the check-in and check-out process for grooming appointments.
• Communicate professionally and courteously with pet owners.
• Launder towels and replenish grooming supplies as needed.
• Ensure compliance with salon safety policies and animal welfare standards.
• Assist with scheduling, inventory, and other administrative duties when required.

Skills

Dog & cat handling

Customer service

Communication

Team player

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Hospital Name: Eastern Shore Animal Hospital

Job Type: Support Staff

Position Summary

Hours - Part-time: Monday - Wednesday, 8:00a - 12:00p - Some Thursdays, 8:00a - 12:00p.

Compensation: Minimum Wage Plus Tips

The Grooming Assistant provides support to professional groomers by assisting with pet handling, bathing, drying, brushing, and maintaining salon cleanliness. The ideal candidate is passionate about animal care, comfortable handling pets of various sizes and temperaments, and committed to providing exceptional customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist groomers with bathing, drying, brushing, and basic coat preparation.
• Safely handle and restrain pets during grooming procedures.
• Clean ears, trim nails, and perform other basic grooming tasks as directed.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of grooming stations, tools, kennels, and common areas.
• Monitor pets for signs of stress, illness, or discomfort and report concerns to groomers or management.
• Support the check-in and check-out process for grooming appointments.
• Communicate professionally and courteously with pet owners.
• Launder towels and replenish grooming supplies as needed.
• Ensure compliance with salon safety policies and animal welfare standards.
• Assist with scheduling, inventory, and other administrative duties when required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience working with animals is preferred but not required.
• Ability to safely handle dogs and cats of various breeds, sizes, and temperaments.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented.
• Willingness to learn grooming techniques and salon procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Frequent bending, lifting, and reaching.
• Ability to lift and carry pets weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance for larger animals when necessary.
• Comfortable working in a wet environment with exposure to pet hair, shampoos, and cleaning products.

Preferred Skills

• Basic knowledge of animal behavior and handling.
• Experience in pet care, veterinary, kennel, daycare, or grooming settings.
• Attention to detail and commitment to pet safety.
• Ability to remain calm and patient with nervous or anxious animals.