Junior Groomer

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Create a healthier, brighter future for pets, pet parents and people!
If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.
Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what’s right for pets, people and our planet.

• We love all pets like our own
• We’re the future of the pet industry
• We’re here to improve lives
• We drive outstanding results together
• We’re welcome as we are

Petco is a category-defining health and wellness company focused on improving the lives of pets, pet parents and Petco partners. We are 29,000 strong and operate 1,500+ pet care centers in the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. We’re focused on purpose‑driven work, and strongly believe what’s good for pets, people and our planet is good for Petco.

Begin your Petco journey as a Junior Pet Stylist in Grooming! During this ten‑week training period you will learn fundamental grooming tasks such as brushing, bathing, drying, cutting nails, and more, gaining hands‑on experience with guidance from seasoned groomers. Our industry‑leading program is designed to develop essential grooming skills and set the foundation for your future career with Petco Grooming.

• Competitive base pay
• Medical, dental, vision and more
• 401k and more
• Paid Time Off
• Petco Discounts
• All the supplies & equipment you need, including brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoo, sprays, tools, etc.
• State of the art equipment, including bathing system, kennels, tables, and dryers

The Junior Pet Stylist’s primary purpose is to learn how to perform bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, alongside seasoned groomers, while ensuring the comfort, safety and wellbeing of the pets in our care and delivering optimal customer service to pet parents.

• Under close supervision, perform limited grooming services (bathing, drying, nail trimming, brushing, ear cleaning, gland cleaning) per pet parents’ instructions and company policies.
• Ensure the well‑being and safety of every animal in the salon at all times.
• Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide optimal customer service, address inquiries and provide timely resolution.
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area; disinfect and sanitize tools and equipment, perform daily and weekly cleaning duties per Petco hygiene and sanitation policies.
• Schedule grooming appointments, manage paperwork, and maintain accurate grooming records.
• Learn and adhere to Petco’s grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure safety, quality, and consistency in all activities.

• Weeks 1‑3:
  Learning and On‑the‑Job Training
  • Learn dog behavior, pet and self‑safety, proper check‑in/out procedures, customer service, grooming policies, and begin on‑the‑job training in bathing and drying techniques.
• Weeks 3‑10:
  Performing and Achieving Productivity
  • Perform bathing and walk‑in services while achieving weekly productivity goals.

• 0‑1 year of animal‑related experience, including shelter volunteering or pet sitting; prior grooming salon assistance preferred.
• High‑school diploma or GED preferred, though not required.
• Genuine passion for animals and a desire to pursue a career in pet grooming.
• Basic understanding of dog breeds, behavior, and common grooming practices.
• Capable of handling 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 Pet Care Center’s grooming schedule.

The majority of duties are conducted indoors in the grooming salon. The position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds, as necessary), and standing for long periods. It may require exposure to…