Groomer

Petco•Sterling, VA

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 animal’s safety, comfort, and well-being while delivering high-quality customer service to pet parents. Groomers evaluate each pet’s individual needs, follow pet-parent instructions and breed standards, and share recommendations for grooming maintenance and at-home care. The position works under moderate to limited supervision and may include training, supporting, or supervising entry-level trainees when a Grooming Salon Leader is absent. Additional tasks may be assigned by the Grooming Salon Leader, Solutions Manager, or Store General Manager. Petco describes opportunities for career development, including paths to Grooming Salon Leader, Grooming Mentor, and Grooming Instructor. Most duties take place indoors in the grooming salon. The work involves frequent direct contact with pets and pet parents, as well as interaction with other salon partners. The environment may be noisy and wet. The role requires bending, kneeling, standing for long periods, lifting up to 30 pounds as needed, and may involve working at heights using a two-step ladder or support tools for cleaning and maintenance.

Requirements

Successful completion of Petco’s Pet Stylist Apprentice program, or previous experience as a professional groomer and/or completion of a technical grooming training program.
Demonstrated 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 interactions with pet parents and grooming team members.
Ability to handle pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy.
Ability 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.
Ability to work in a noisy and wet environment and, when required, use a two-step ladder or other support tools for cleaning and maintenance.
Results-driven approach and commitment to productivity, performance, and ownership of the role.
Strong attention to detail and ability to deliver grooming services accurately and to high standards.
Genuine passion for animals and desire to continue a career in pet grooming.
Ability to use grooming skills and knowledge to solve routine to moderately complex problems, with some guidance when necessary.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED is preferred.

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, including 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, offer recommendations, and resolve questions or concerns in a timely manner.
Educate pet parents and provide tailored recommendations about 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, including cleaning air filters, vents, and drains.
Apply Petco grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to maintain safety, quality, consistency, and salon standards.
Train, support, and supervise entry-level trainees when the Grooming Salon Leader is absent, as needed.
Complete additional tasks as assigned by the Grooming Salon Leader, Solutions Manager, or Store General Manager.