Junior Groomer

Petco is a category‑defining health and wellness company focused on improving the lives of pets, pet parents and our partners. With 29,000 associates and 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 are purpose‑driven and firmly believe that what’s good for pets, people and our planet is good for Petco.

Core Values

• 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 welcoming as we are

Begin your Petco journey as a Junior Pet Stylist in Grooming! During the ten‑week training period you will learn fundamental grooming tasks such as brushing, bathing, drying, cutting nails, and more. With guidance from seasoned groomers, the industry‑leading curriculum develops essential grooming skills and sets the foundation for a future career with Petco Grooming.

• Competitive base pay
• Medical, dental, vision and more
• 401(k) and more
• Paid Time Off
• Petco Discounts
• All supplies and equipment needed (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 services such as bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning under the guidance of seasoned groomers. Additionally, the Junior Pet Stylist will assist in the grooming process, prioritizing the comfort, safety, and well‑being of pets and delivering optimal customer service to pet parents.

• 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.
• Ensure the well‑being and safety of every animal in the salon at all times.
• Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, providing optimal customer service, addressing grooming‑related inquiries, and delivering timely resolution.
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area and salon, disinfect and sanitize grooming tools and equipment, and perform daily and weekly cleaning duties in accordance with Petco hygiene and sanitation policies. Other cleaning and maintenance tasks as assigned, including but not limited to cleaning air filters, vents and drains.
• 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 grooming 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 Pet Care Center grooming schedule.

The majority of job duties are conducted indoors in the grooming salon. The position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 lbs as necessary) and standing for long periods. It may require exposure to heights using a two‑step ladder or other support tools such as vacuums to perform assigned cleaning and maintenance duties. A large amount of time will be spent in direct contact with pet parents and their dogs, and the remaining time with other salon partners.

The work environment can be noisy and wet.

For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401(k), incentives, and PTO, see

Equal Opportunity Employer

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.

Seniority level: Internship

Employment type: Part‑time

Job function: Other

Industries: Retail