Junior Groomer

Petco • Piscataway, NJ

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Junior Pet Stylist begins a ten-week training period to learn fundamental grooming tasks under the close supervision and guidance of experienced groomers. Training covers bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, along with dog behavior, safety, customer service, grooming policies, and salon procedures. The role assists with grooming while prioritizing pets’ comfort, safety, and well-being and providing 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. The position is primarily indoors in a grooming salon and involves direct contact with pets, pet parents, and salon partners.

Requirements

• 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 Pet Care Center’s grooming schedule.
• Ability to perform the listed duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

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, according to pet parents’ instructions and company policies and procedures.
• Ensure the well-being and safety of every animal in the salon.
• Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide customer service, answer grooming-related inquiries, and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area and salon; disinfect and sanitize grooming tools and equipment; and perform daily and weekly cleaning and maintenance duties in accordance with hygiene and sanitation policies.
• Schedule grooming appointments, manage paperwork, and maintain accurate grooming records.
• Learn and follow Petco grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to support safety, quality, and consistency.
• Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, check-in and check-out procedures, customer service, grooming policies, and bathing and drying techniques.
• Perform bathing and walk-in services and work toward weekly productivity goals.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay.
• 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 tools.
• State-of-the-art equipment, including a bathing system, kennels, tables, and dryers.

What This Job Offers

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