Groomer

PetCo - Winchester, VA

Full-time - Entry Level

Winchester, VA

10,001+ employees

Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument, Book, and Miscellaneous Retailers

About the position

As a Pet Stylist at Petco, you will play a crucial role in providing professional grooming services to our valued customers' pets. Your expertise and attention to detail will ensure that each pet receives exceptional care, leaving them looking and feeling their best. This position offers you the opportunity to showcase your grooming skills, creativity, and passion for animals in a dynamic and rewarding environment. You will be responsible for performing a variety of grooming services, including nail trims, ear cleaning, bathing, brushing, haircuts, and styling, all while adhering to breed standards and the preferences of pet owners. In this role, you will safely and efficiently maintain and operate grooming tools and equipment such as clippers, shears, brushes, and dryers. It is essential to learn and follow Petco's grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure quality and consistency in all areas of the grooming business. You will also monitor pets for any signs of discomfort, illness, or injury, promptly reporting any concerns to pet owners and store management. Assessing and addressing each pet's individual needs, taking into consideration their coat type, skin condition, and temperament, will be a key part of your responsibilities. Providing exceptional customer service is paramount; you will actively listen to pet owners' requests, offer grooming recommendations, and address any questions or concerns they may have. Additionally, you will educate pet owners on grooming maintenance and at-home care practices to promote the overall well-being of their pets. Collaboration with fellow groomers and store team members will help create a positive and supportive work environment, making this a fulfilling career choice for those passionate about animal care.

Responsibilities

• Perform grooming services including nail trims, ear cleaning, bathing, brushing, haircuts, and styling, adhering to breed standards and pet owners' preferences.
• Safely and efficiently maintain & operate grooming tools and equipment such as clippers, shears, brushes, and dryers.
• Learn and follow Petco's grooming policies, standards and guidelines to ensure quality and consistency in all areas of the grooming business.
• Monitor pets for any signs of discomfort, illness, or injury, and promptly report any concerns to pet owners and store management.
• Assess and address each pet's individual needs, taking into consideration their coat type, skin condition, and temperament.
• Provide exceptional customer service by actively listening to pet owners' requests, offering grooming recommendations, and addressing any questions or concerns.
• Educate pet owners on grooming maintenance and at home care practices to promote the overall well-being of their pets.
• Collaborate with fellow groomers and store team members to create a positive and supportive work environment.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a professional groomer with a strong portfolio of successful grooming work.
• In-depth knowledge of various dog breeds, their grooming requirements, and common health issues & behaviors.
• Proficiency in breed-specific cuts, styling techniques, and grooming standards.
• Familiarity with grooming tools and equipment, and the ability to handle them safely and effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to interact confidently and professionally with pet owners and team members.
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring grooming services are executed accurately and to the highest standards.
• Physical stamina to stand for extended periods, lift and handle pets of different sizes, and perform repetitive grooming tasks.
• Compassion and patience when handling pets, ensuring their safety, comfort, and well-being throughout the grooming process.
• Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays based on the grooming schedule and customer demand.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay, plus incentive
• Medical, dental, vision and more
• 401k and more
• Paid Time Off
• Petco Discounts
• All the supplies & equipment you need, including clippers, blades, shears, shampoo, sprays, tools, etc.
• State of the art equipment, including bathing system, kennels, tables, and dryers
• Career development and growth opportunities, such as a Grooming Salon Leader, Grooming Mentor and Grooming Instructor