Groomer

Petco • Appleton West, WI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Groomer (also referred to as a Pet Stylist) provides professional grooming services to customers’ pets, including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning. The role requires tailoring services to each pet’s needs and pet parent’s instructions while following breed standards and company policies. Groomers prioritize animal safety, comfort, and well-being, and deliver attentive customer service and recommendations to pet parents.

The position works primarily indoors in a grooming salon, with frequent direct contact with pets, pet parents, and salon colleagues. The work can be noisy and wet, and includes standing for extended periods, bending, kneeling, and lifting up to 30 pounds as necessary. The role may also involve working at heights with a two-step ladder or support tools while performing cleaning and maintenance duties. Weekend, evening, and holiday availability may be required according to the Pet Care Center’s grooming schedule.

Requirements

• Successful completion of Petco’s Pet Stylist Apprentice program, or previous professional grooming experience and/or completion of a technical grooming training program.
• High-school diploma or GED preferred; the posting’s education statement is truncated and unclear.
• Ability to solve routine to moderately complex problems using grooming skills and knowledge, with guidance from a Grooming Salon Leader, Solutions Manager, or Store General Manager when necessary.
• Results-driven approach and commitment to productivity, performance, and ownership of the role in the grooming salon.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to execute grooming services accurately and to high standards.
• Genuine passion for animals and desire to continue a career in pet grooming.
• Expert knowledge of dog breeds, grooming requirements, common health issues, and behaviors.
• High proficiency in breed-specific cuts, styling techniques, and grooming standards.
• Strong 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 Pet Care Center’s grooming schedule.
• Ability to bend, kneel, stand for long periods, and lift up to 30 pounds as necessary.
• May need to work at heights using a two-step ladder or other support tools for cleaning and maintenance duties.

Nice To Haves

• Successful completion of Petco’s Pet Stylist Apprentice program, or previous professional grooming experience and/or completion of a technical grooming training program.
• High-school diploma or GED.

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.
• Operate and maintain grooming instruments such as clippers, blades, shears, brushes, and dryers.
• Prioritize the safety and well-being of animals, monitor pets for signs of 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.
• Communicate professionally with pet parents, provide customer service and grooming recommendations, answer inquiries, and resolve questions or concerns in a timely manner.
• Educate pet parents and provide tailored recommendations on grooming maintenance, at-home care practices, and products.
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area and salon; disinfect and sanitize tools and equipment; complete daily and weekly cleaning duties and other assigned maintenance tasks.
• Apply Petco grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to maintain safety, quality, and consistency in the grooming salon.
• May train, support, and supervise entry-level trainees when a Grooming Salon Leader is absent.
• Complete additional tasks as assigned by the Grooming Salon Leader, Solutions Manager, or Store General Manager.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay
• Medical, dental, vision, and more
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Petco discounts
• Supplies and equipment provided
• Career development and growth opportunities, including Grooming Salon Leader, Grooming Mentor, and Grooming Instructor pathways

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED