Junior Groomer

Petco • Auburn, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Junior Pet Stylist begins a career in Petco Grooming through a ten-week training program, learning foundational grooming skills with guidance from experienced groomers. The role learns and performs bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, and assists with grooming while prioritizing pets’ comfort, safety, and well-being and providing quality customer service to pet parents.

During weeks 1–3, the trainee learns dog behavior, pet and personal 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.

Most duties take place indoors in a grooming salon. The work involves frequent direct contact with pets and pet parents, as well as collaboration with salon partners. The environment may be noisy and wet. The position includes bending, kneeling, standing for long periods, lifting up to 30 pounds as necessary, and may involve working at heights with a two-step ladder or using support tools such as vacuums for cleaning and maintenance.

Requirements

• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required by the Pet Care Center’s grooming schedule.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 0–1 year of animal-related experience, including shelter volunteering or pet sitting.
• Prior grooming salon assistance experience.
• High school diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

• Under close supervision, perform limited grooming services, including bathing, drying, nail trimming, brushing, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, following pet parents’ instructions and company policies and 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 them in a timely manner.
• Keep the grooming area and salon clean and safe; disinfect and sanitize tools and equipment and complete daily and weekly cleaning duties in accordance with hygiene and sanitation policies.
• Perform assigned cleaning and maintenance tasks, including 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 to support safety, quality, and consistency.
• Learn dog behavior, pet and personal safety, check-in and check-out procedures, customer service, and bathing and drying techniques during the training program.
• Perform bathing and walk-in services during the training program while working toward weekly productivity goals.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay.
• Medical, dental, vision, and other benefits.
• 401(k).
• 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.
• Training, development, and career growth opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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