Junior Groomer

Want to help pets live their best lives? We’re proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. 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.

During this ten‑week training period, you will learn fundamental grooming tasks such as brushing, bathing, drying, cutting nails, and more. Gain 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
• 401(k) and more
• Paid Time Off
• Petco Discounts
• All supplies & 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 the following services: bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, alongside seasoned groomers. Assist in the grooming process, prioritizing the comfort, safety and well‑being 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) following pet parents’ instructions and company policies.
• Ensure the well‑being and safety of every animal in the salon at all times.
• Interact professionally with pet parents, providing optimal customer service and resolving inquiries.
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area; disinfect and sanitize tools and equipment, perform daily and weekly cleaning.
• Schedule 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.

• Weeks 1–3:
  Learning and On‑the‑Job Training – Learn dog behavior, pet & self‑safety, check‑in/out procedures, customer service, grooming policies, and begin training in bathing & drying.
• Weeks 4–10:
  Performing and Achieving Productivity – Perform bathing and walk‑in services while achieving weekly productivity goals.

• 0–1 year of animal‑related experience (shelter volunteering or pet sitting); prior grooming salon assistance preferred.
• High‑school diploma or GED preferred but not required.
• Passion for animals and desire to pursue a career in pet grooming.
• Basic understanding of dog breeds, behavior, and common grooming practices.
• Capability to handle pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required by the grooming schedule.

The majority of duties are conducted indoors in the grooming salon. Requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 lbs.), standing for long periods, and occasional exposure to heights using a two‑step ladder or other tools. Work can be noisy and wet.

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.