Junior Groomer

Job Title

Junior Groomer at Petco

Petco is a category‑defining health and wellness company focused on improving the lives of pets, pet parents and Petco partners. With 29,000 employees, we operate more than 1,500 pet care centers across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Begin your journey as a Junior Pet Stylist in Grooming! During the ten‑week training program, you will learn essential grooming tasks such as brushing, bathing, drying, cutting nails, and more, under the guidance of seasoned groomers.

• Competitive base pay
• Medical, dental, vision and more
• 401(k) and additional retirement benefits
• Paid Time Off
• Petco Discounts
• All supplies and equipment, including brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoo, sprays, and tools
• State‑of‑the‑art equipment such as bathing systems, 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 while working alongside seasoned groomers. The role prioritizes the comfort, safety, and well‑being of pets, and delivers optimal customer service to pet parents.

• Perform limited grooming services under close supervision, 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 and resolving inquiries.
• Maintain a clean and safe grooming area, disinfect and sanitize tools and equipment, and perform daily and weekly cleaning duties, including maintenance of 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.

• 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 (e.g., shelter volunteering, pet sitting). Prior grooming salon assistance is 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 grooming schedule.

The majority of duties are conducted indoors in the grooming salon. The position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds), and standing for long periods. Exposure to heights using a two‑step ladder or support tools may be required. The environment can be noisy and wet.

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

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.