Junior Groomer

Petco•Downers Grove, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Junior Pet Stylist begins a career in Petco Grooming through a ten-week training period designed to build fundamental grooming skills with guidance from experienced groomers. The role learns and performs bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, while assisting in the grooming process and prioritizing each pet’s comfort, safety, and well-being. It also provides customer service to pet parents and supports the salon’s daily operations. During weeks 1–3, the trainee 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 trainee performs bathing and walk-in services while working toward weekly productivity goals. The majority of duties take place indoors in a grooming salon; the environment can be noisy and wet, with frequent direct contact with dogs, pet parents, and salon partners.

Requirements

0–1 year of animal-related experience, including shelter volunteering or pet sitting.
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 interactions 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 at heights using a two-step ladder or other support tools when performing assigned cleaning and maintenance duties.

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 policies and procedures.
Ensure the well-being and safety of every animal in the salon at all times.
Interact professionally with pet parents, provide customer service, respond to grooming-related inquiries, and resolve issues promptly.
Maintain a clean and safe grooming area and salon; disinfect and sanitize tools and equipment; complete daily and weekly cleaning duties and other assigned cleaning and maintenance tasks.
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, and bathing and drying techniques.
Perform bathing and walk-in services and work toward weekly productivity goals.