Junior Groomer

Petco•Mount Vernon, NY

About The Position

The Junior Pet Stylist begins a Petco grooming career through a ten-week training program. With close supervision and guidance from experienced groomers, the employee learns and performs basic 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 quality service to pet parents. During weeks 1–3, 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 3–10, the employee performs bathing and walk-in services and works toward weekly productivity goals. The position also involves maintaining a clean salon, scheduling appointments, managing paperwork, and keeping accurate grooming records. Most duties take place indoors in the grooming salon. The work involves frequent direct contact with dogs and pet parents, as well as interaction with salon coworkers. The environment may be noisy and wet. The role requires bending, kneeling, standing for extended periods, and lifting up to 30 pounds; some cleaning and maintenance tasks may require working at heights using a two-step ladder or other support tools. Petco lists a pay range of $10.00–$21.50 per hour, subject to location and applicable wage requirements. Benefits mentioned include medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k), paid time off, Petco discounts, and provided grooming supplies and equipment.

Requirements

Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required by the grooming schedule.
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.
Ability to perform the essential 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.
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 questions, 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, weekly, and other assigned cleaning and maintenance duties.
Schedule grooming appointments, manage paperwork, and maintain accurate grooming records.
Learn and follow Petco grooming policies, standards, and guidelines.
Complete the training program, including learning dog behavior and safety, check-in and check-out procedures, customer service, bathing and drying, and performing bathing and walk-in services toward weekly productivity goals.