Junior Groomer

Petco • La Habra, CA

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Junior Pet Stylist begins a career in Petco Grooming through a ten-week training program. Working under close supervision of experienced groomers, the employee learns and performs fundamental grooming services, including bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning. The role also assists with the grooming process while prioritizing pets’ comfort, safety, and well-being and providing customer service to pet parents.

During weeks 1–3, the employee learns dog behavior, pet and self-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, the employee performs bathing and walk-in services while working toward weekly productivity goals.

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

Requirements

• Genuine passion for animals and 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 with or without reasonable accommodation, including bending, kneeling, standing for long periods, lifting up to 30 pounds as necessary, and potentially using a two-step ladder or support tools.

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, provide limited grooming services, including bathing, drying, nail trimming, brushing, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, according to pet parent instructions and company policies and procedures.
• 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 issues in a timely manner.
• Keep the grooming area and salon clean and safe; disinfect and sanitize tools and equipment; perform daily and weekly cleaning, including assigned maintenance tasks such as 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.
• Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, check-in and check-out procedures, customer service, and bathing and drying techniques.
• Perform bathing and walk-in services and work toward weekly productivity goals.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and more.
• 401(k) and more.
• Paid Time Off.
• Petco discounts.
• Supplies and equipment needed for the role, including brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoo, sprays, and other tools.
• State-of-the-art equipment, including a bathing system, kennels, tables, and dryers.
• Competitive base pay.

What This Job Offers

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