Junior Groomer

Petco•Sterling, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Junior Pet Stylist begins a career in Petco Grooming through a ten-week training program. Under close supervision from 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 grooming while prioritizing pets’ comfort, safety, and well-being and providing effective customer service to pet parents. Training covers dog behavior, pet and employee safety, check-in and check-out procedures, customer service, grooming policies, and bathing and drying techniques during weeks 1–3. During weeks 3–10, the Junior Pet Stylist performs bathing and walk-in services while working toward weekly productivity goals. The job is primarily indoors in a grooming salon and involves direct contact with pets, pet parents, and salon coworkers.

Requirements

Zero to one year of animal-related experience, which may include 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 bend, kneel, lift up to 30 pounds as necessary, and stand for long periods.
Ability to work in a noisy and wet environment and potentially work at heights using a two-step ladder or other support tools for cleaning and maintenance.

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-related inquiries, and resolve issues in a timely manner.
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 tasks.
Schedule grooming appointments, manage paperwork, and maintain accurate grooming records.
Learn and follow Petco grooming policies, standards, and guidelines.
During the training program, learn dog behavior, 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.