Pet Stylist & Grooming Expert

Petco; North Plainfield (NJ); On-site; USD 20,664 - 31,684; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Petco Discounts

Grooming supplies provided

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Petco is seeking a Professional Pet Stylist in New Jersey to provide grooming services for dogs and cats, ensuring they look and feel their best. You will bathe, trim, style, and address safety, with a focus on client communication and care.

The role requires knowledge of breed standards, the ability to work weekends, and the capacity to educate owners on grooming maintenance and at‑home care. Training and supervision of trainees may occur when leadership is absent.

Qualifications

• Completion of Pet Stylist Apprentice program or equivalent grooming experience.
• High-school diploma or GED preferred but not required.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and problem-solving in routine to moderately complex situations.
• Commitment to productivity, performance, and ownership of the grooming role.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in grooming services.
• Passion for animals and desire to continue a career in pet grooming.
• Expert knowledge of dog breeds, grooming requirements, and behaviors.
• Proficiency in breed-specific cuts, styling techniques, and grooming standards.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with pet parents and grooming team members.
• Ability to handle pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required by the grooming schedule.

Responsibilities

• Under moderate to limited supervision, perform professional grooming services including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts, styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, following pet parents’ instructions and adhering to breed standards and company policies.
• Operate and maintain grooming instruments such as clippers, blades, shears, brushes, and dryers.
• Prioritize the well‑being and safety of each animal, monitor for discomfort, illness, or injury, and report concerns promptly.
• Evaluate individual pet needs taking into account coat type, skin conditions, and temperament.
• Engage pet parents professionally, provide customer service, address grooming inquiries, recommend grooming products and at‑home care, and resolve questions or concerns promptly.
• Educate pet parents on grooming maintenance and at‑home care practices to promote overall pet well‑being.
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area, disinfect and sanitize tools, perform daily and weekly cleaning, and comply with Petco hygiene and sanitation policies.
• Use knowledge of Petco grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure quality and consistency.
• May train, support, and supervise entry‑level trainees in the absence of a Grooming Salon Leader.

Education

High-school diploma or GED

Job description

Petco is seeking a Professional Pet Stylist in New Jersey to provide grooming services for dogs and cats, ensuring they look and feel their best. You will bathe, trim, style, and address safety, with a focus on client communication and care.

The role requires knowledge of breed standards, the ability to work weekends, and the capacity to educate owners on grooming maintenance and at‑home care. Training and supervision of trainees may occur when leadership is absent.