Junior Groomer

Petco Animal Supplies Stores•Hartsdale, NY

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Junior Pet Stylist begins a grooming career through a ten-week training period, learning fundamental grooming tasks with guidance from experienced groomers. The role supports bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning while prioritizing pets’ comfort, safety, and well-being and providing effective customer service to pet parents. Training covers dog behavior, pet and personal safety, check-in and check-out procedures, customer service, grooming policies, and bathing and drying techniques. The trainee progresses to bathing and walk-in services while working toward weekly productivity goals. Most duties take place indoors in a grooming salon. The job involves direct contact with pets and pet parents, as well as collaboration with salon partners. The environment may be noisy and wet. Duties require bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds as necessary, and standing for extended periods. Some cleaning and maintenance may involve working at height with a two-step ladder or using support tools such as vacuums. Weekend, evening, and holiday availability may be required according to the grooming schedule.

Requirements

0–1 year of animal-related experience, including shelter volunteering or pet sitting.
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.
Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required by the grooming schedule.
Ability to perform duties involving bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds as necessary, and standing for long periods.

Nice To Haves

Prior grooming salon assistance 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 according to pet parents’ instructions and company procedures.
Help ensure the well-being and safety of every animal in the salon.
Interact professionally with pet parents, provide customer service, respond to grooming inquiries, and resolve issues 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 grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to promote safety, quality, and consistency.
During weeks 1–3, learn dog behavior, pet and personal safety, check-in and check-out procedures, customer service, grooming policies, and bathing and drying techniques through on-the-job training.
During weeks 3–10, perform bathing and walk-in services while working toward weekly productivity goals.