Groomer

Petco Animal Supplies Stores • Springfield, MA

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Pet Stylist provides expert-level professional grooming services to customers’ pets, including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning. The role prioritizes each pet’s safety, comfort, and well-being while delivering high-quality customer service and satisfaction to pet parents. Grooming is performed according to pet-parent instructions, breed standards, and company policies and procedures. The Pet Stylist may also take on additional tasks assigned by the Grooming Salon Leader, Solutions Manager, or Store General Manager. This role offers groomers with proven technical experience an opportunity to develop their grooming expertise and individual productivity.

Most duties take place indoors in the grooming salon. The work involves direct contact with pets and pet parents, as well as collaboration with other salon partners. The environment can be noisy and wet. The position involves bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds as necessary, and standing for extended periods. Some cleaning and maintenance duties may involve exposure to heights using a two-step ladder or other support tools.

Requirements

• Successfully complete Petco’s Pet Stylist Apprentice program, or have previous professional grooming experience and/or completion of a technical grooming training program.
• High school diploma or GED preferred; not stated as required.
• Demonstrate judgment and problem-solving ability using grooming skills and knowledge to handle routine to moderately complex situations, with guidance when necessary.
• Be results-driven and committed to productivity, performance, and ownership of the role in the grooming salon.
• Have strong attention to detail and execute grooming services accurately to high standards.
• Have a genuine passion for animals and a desire to continue a career in pet grooming.
• Have expert knowledge of dog breeds, grooming requirements, common health issues, and behaviors.
• Have a high level of proficiency in breed-specific cuts, styling techniques, and grooming standards.
• Have strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with pet parents and grooming team members.
• Be capable of handling pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy.
• Be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required by the Pet Care Center’s grooming schedule.
• Be able to bend, kneel, lift up to 30 pounds as necessary, and stand for long periods.
• May need to work at heights using a two-step ladder or other support tools for cleaning and maintenance duties.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or GED.
• Previous professional grooming experience and/or completion of a technical grooming training program, as an alternative to Petco’s Pet Stylist Apprentice program.

Responsibilities

• Perform professional grooming services, including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, in accordance with pet-parent instructions, breed standards, and company policies and procedures.
• Operate and maintain grooming instruments such as clippers, blades, shears, brushes, and dryers.
• Prioritize animal safety and well-being, monitor pets for discomfort, illness, or injury, and promptly report concerns to pet owners and store management.
• Evaluate each pet’s individual needs, including coat type, skin conditions, and temperament.
• Interact professionally with pet parents, provide customer service, answer grooming-related inquiries, make recommendations, and resolve questions or concerns in a timely manner.
• Educate pet parents and recommend grooming maintenance, at-home care practices, and products to support their pets’ well-being.
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area and salon; disinfect and sanitize tools and equipment; complete daily and weekly cleaning duties and other assigned cleaning and maintenance, including cleaning air filters, vents, and drains.
• Apply Petco grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure safety, quality, consistency, and maintained standards in the grooming salon.
• May train, support, and supervise entry-level trainees in the absence of a Grooming Salon Leader.
• Complete additional tasks as assigned by the Grooming Salon Leader, Solutions Manager, or Store General Manager.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay.
• Medical, dental, vision, and other benefits.
• 401(k).
• Paid time off.
• Petco discounts.
• Supplies and equipment needed for grooming, including brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoo, sprays, and tools.
• State-of-the-art equipment, including a bathing system, kennels, tables, and dryers.
• Career development and growth opportunities, including Grooming Salon Leader, Grooming Mentor, and Grooming Instructor roles.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed