Pet Retail Store Groomer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of pet care, the role of pet retail store groomers has never been more important.
As pet ownership continues to rise, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can expertly groom, care for, and enhance the well-being of our furry friends.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a pet retail store groomer?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
- A store manager looking to define the ideal candidate,
- Or simply fascinated by the realm of pet grooming,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable pet retail store groomer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right into it.
Pet Retail Store Groomer Duties and Responsibilities
Pet Retail Store Groomers perform a variety of grooming services to enhance the appearance and health of pets.
They must maintain a safe and clean environment, while also providing high-quality customer service.
The daily duties and responsibilities of a Pet Retail Store Groomer include:
- Consult with pet owners to discuss grooming needs and desired results
- Perform grooming services including washing, cutting, brushing, and styling pet’s fur
- Trim pets’ nails, clean their ears, and provide other grooming services as needed
- Inspect pets for signs of skin conditions or parasites and advise owners on necessary treatments
- Maintain a clean and safe grooming area, ensuring all equipment is cleaned and sterilized after each use
- Handle pets in a gentle manner to minimize stress and ensure a positive grooming experience
- Manage appointment bookings and process payments for grooming services
- Order grooming supplies and ensure all products are in stock
Pet Retail Store Groomer Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a skilled Pet Retail Store Groomer to join our team.
You will be responsible for providing grooming services for our customers’ pets in a safe and humane manner.
The Pet Retail Store Groomer will be tasked with bathing, trimming fur, clipping nails, and providing general care for dogs and cats.
Your love for animals, coupled with your patience and grooming skills, will make you an ideal candidate for this role.
Responsibilities
- Bathe, brush, clip, and groom customer’s pets according to their specifications.
- Comfort, encourage and reassure pets during grooming process to minimize their stress.
- Maintain clean and safe environment including cleaning and sanitizing grooming tools and work areas.
- Inspect pets for any skin or health issues and report findings to the owner.
- Assist in recommending suitable grooming products to pet owners.
- Manage grooming bookings and maintain a schedule with regular clients.
- Provide excellent customer service, answering questions and providing advice on pet grooming and care.
Qualifications
- Proven work experience as a professional pet groomer.
- Knowledge of different breeds and their grooming needs.
- Proficient in various grooming techniques and styles.
- Ability to handle pets in a calm, effective manner.
- Patient and empathetic disposition.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Certification from a reputable pet grooming school is preferred.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Employee discount
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Pet Retail Store Groomer
- Work Environment: Retail store setting. Must be comfortable working with animals and around pet hair.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Store Manager.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Pet Retail Store Groomer Do?
Pet Retail Store Groomers work primarily in pet stores, pet care centers, and even veterinary clinics.
Their primary clientele are pet owners who need grooming services for their pets, mainly dogs and cats.
These grooming professionals are responsible for washing, drying, brushing, and trimming pets’ fur using a variety of grooming tools such as clippers, scissors, and brushes.
They often provide services like nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing.
Pet Retail Store Groomers may also perform additional tasks such as applying flea and tick treatments or providing specialized grooming services in response to specific breed standards or owner requests.
They are trained to handle pets in a gentle and safe manner to ensure the pets’ comfort and safety during the grooming process.
They often communicate closely with pet owners, providing advice on grooming and general pet care.
At times, they may also be responsible for identifying potential health problems in pets, such as skin conditions or ear infections, and referring the owners to veterinary professionals for further treatment.
Overall, a Pet Retail Store Groomer plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of pets, while also ensuring their appearance is clean and tidy.
Pet Retail Store Groomer Qualifications and Skills
A professional Pet Retail Store Groomer should possess the following skills and qualifications:
- Experience in pet grooming techniques with a variety of animal breeds and types, demonstrating a practical knowledge of different cuts, trims and styles.
- Strong interpersonal skills to build rapport with pet owners, understand their grooming requirements and provide exceptional service.
- Patience and caring nature to deal with animals that may be nervous or aggressive during grooming sessions.
- Excellent attention to detail to notice any abnormalities or health issues that may require veterinary attention, such as skin conditions, parasites or infections.
- Communication skills to effectively explain grooming processes, post-grooming care, and any potential health concerns to pet owners.
- Physical stamina and strength to handle larger animals and stand for long periods of time during grooming sessions.
- Ability to handle grooming tools and equipment safely and effectively.
- Excellent customer service skills for scheduling appointments, managing payments, and ensuring a positive store experience for all customers.
Pet Retail Store Groomer Experience Requirements
For entry-level Pet Retail Store Groomer positions, candidates may be required to have at least 6 months to a year of hands-on experience in a similar role.
This could be obtained through internships, part-time roles or volunteering at animal shelters or veterinary clinics.
A major part of this job involves handling animals and understanding their needs and behaviors, therefore, direct experience with pet care is highly valuable.
Some stores may also prefer groomers who have completed a professional grooming certification program, which provides theoretical and practical training in pet grooming.
For candidates aiming for a senior Pet Retail Store Groomer role, more than 2 years of professional grooming experience may be required.
These candidates should have refined their grooming techniques, animal handling skills, and customer service abilities throughout their experience.
They may also be expected to have experience with more complex grooming tasks such as breed-specific cuts, handling difficult animals, or dealing with pets having specific health conditions.
Pet Retail Store Groomers with over 5 years of experience might be ready for a managerial role within the grooming department.
This role would require not only advanced grooming skills but also leadership abilities, experience in managing a team, and an understanding of the business aspects of pet grooming services.
Pet Retail Store Groomer Education and Training Requirements
A Pet Retail Store Groomer typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
Most pet groomers gain their skills through an apprenticeship program that lasts 6 to 10 weeks.
The apprenticeship allows aspiring groomers to work under the supervision of an experienced groomer to learn about dog breeds and grooming styles.
Many individuals choose to attend a grooming school.
These programs can last between two and eighteen weeks, where students learn everything from grooming basics, breed-specific grooming techniques, safety procedures to customer service.
Several states require pet groomers to obtain a licensure or certification.
The criteria for licensure typically include a high school diploma, completion of a pet grooming program, and passing a practical and written examination.
While not mandatory, a pet groomer can choose to get certified by a professional organization like the National Dog Groomers Association of America.
This certification demonstrates that a groomer has reached a certain level of expertise in the profession.
Continuing education is also important in this field as it helps groomers stay current with the latest grooming styles, techniques, and safety protocols.
Pet Retail Store Groomer Salary Expectations
A Pet Retail Store Groomer can expect to earn an average wage of $11.43 (USD) per hour.
However, this can vary depending on the groomer’s level of experience, the location of the store, and the store’s reputation and customer base.
Pet Retail Store Groomer Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Pet Retail Store Groomer need?
A Pet Retail Store Groomer should have excellent animal handling skills and a deep love for animals.
They should be familiar with different grooming techniques and understand the needs of different breeds.
They also need good customer service skills to interact with pet owners and understand their grooming requests.
Physical stamina is also important as grooming can be physically demanding.
Do Pet Retail Store Groomers need a degree?
A degree is not necessary to become a Pet Retail Store Groomer.
However, a certification from a reputable grooming school can enhance a groomer’s credibility.
Moreover, a solid understanding of animal behavior, knowledge of safety procedures, and hands-on experience are crucial for this role.
What should you look for in a Pet Retail Store Groomer resume?
Experience is critical in this role, so look for candidates who have spent time working with animals.
Any formal training in pet grooming, knowledge of different breeds, and experience with different grooming tools should be highlighted.
Customer service experience is also a plus, as is any additional certification in animal care or grooming.
What qualities make a good Pet Retail Store Groomer?
A good Pet Retail Store Groomer is patient, compassionate, and has a genuine love for animals.
They should be detail-oriented to carry out specific grooming requests and observe any abnormalities in a pet’s skin or fur.
Good physical stamina and strength are also necessary due to the physical demands of the job.
Is it difficult to hire Pet Retail Store Groomers?
Hiring can be a challenge if you’re looking for experienced groomers with a specific set of skills.
However, there are many passionate animal lovers who are willing to learn and gain experience.
Offering competitive pay, a positive working environment, and opportunities for advancement can attract high-quality candidates.
Conclusion
And that’s the scoop.
Today, we’ve taken a good look at what it truly entails to be a pet retail store groomer.
Surprising, isn’t it?
It’s not just about trimming fur.
It’s about shaping a pet’s health and happiness, one grooming session at a time.
With our handy pet retail store groomer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to leap into action.
But don’t just stop here.
Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precision-crafted job postings or refining your resume to paw-fection.
Remember:
Every grooming session contributes to a pet’s overall well-being.
Let’s nurture that happiness. Together.