Junior Groomer

Petco•Bellingham, WA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Junior Pet Stylist begins a career in Petco Grooming through a ten-week training program designed to build fundamental grooming skills under the guidance and close supervision of experienced groomers. Training covers bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, as well as dog behavior, pet and personal safety, check-in and checkout procedures, customer service, and grooming policies. During the program, trainees progress from learning and on-the-job practice to performing bathing and walk-in services while working toward weekly productivity goals. The role assists with grooming services while prioritizing pets’ comfort, safety, and well-being and providing effective customer service to pet parents. Most duties take place indoors in a grooming salon, with frequent direct contact with dogs and pet parents and collaboration with other salon partners. The environment may be noisy and wet. The position involves standing for long periods, bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds as necessary, and may involve working at heights with a two-step ladder or using support tools for cleaning and maintenance.

Requirements

Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required by the Pet Care Center’s grooming schedule.
Genuine passion for animals and a desire to pursue a career in pet grooming.
Basic understanding of dog breeds, behavior, and common grooming practices.
Ability to handle pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy.
Effective verbal and written communication skills for interacting with pet parents and grooming team members.
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 support tools for cleaning and maintenance.

Nice To Haves

0–1 year of animal-related experience, including shelter volunteering or pet sitting.
Prior grooming salon assistance experience is preferred.
High-school diploma or GED is preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Under close supervision, perform limited grooming services, including bathing, drying, nail trimming, brushing, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, following pet parents’ instructions and company policies.
Ensure the well-being and safety of every animal in the salon.
Interact professionally with pet parents, provide customer service, respond to grooming-related inquiries, and resolve concerns in a timely manner.
Keep the grooming area and salon clean and safe; disinfect and sanitize tools and equipment and complete daily and weekly cleaning duties in accordance with hygiene and sanitation policies.
Perform other assigned cleaning and maintenance tasks, including cleaning air filters, vents, and drains.
Schedule grooming appointments, manage paperwork, and maintain accurate grooming records.
Learn and follow Petco grooming policies, standards, and guidelines.
Complete training in dog behavior, pet and self-safety, check-in and checkout procedures, customer service, and bathing and drying techniques.
Perform bathing and walk-in services and work toward weekly productivity goals during the training program.