Pet Groomer & Salon Trainer
PetSmart
The Breakroom Take
- People enjoy this job
- Recommended by students
- Respectful managers
- Uninterrupted breaks
About PetSmart
PetSmart is a retailer. They sell pet supplies and accessories, and offer veterinary, grooming, and pet adoption services.
Job description from PetSmart
PetSmart does Anything for Pets and Everything for You - JOIN OUR TEAM!
Pet Groomer and Salon Trainer
About Life at PetSmart
At PetSmart, we're more than just a company obsessed with pets; we're obsessed with our people too. Our values are rooted in unconditional love-a lesson we learn from our pets-and staying united together. We believe when our associates are happy and healthy, they can provide the best possible care for our furry, scaled, and feathery friends while enjoying a work experience that celebrates them as their authentic selves.
Benefits that benefit you
Take care of yourself and your family members-whether they be two-legged or four, have feathers, fur or fins. Enjoy true rewards (plus lots of warm, fuzzy feelings)! Check out some of our awesome offerings:
- Paid weekly
- Full time hours
- Health benefits: medical, dental, vision
- 401k
- Tuition assistance
- Associate discounts and perks
- Paid time off for fulltime associates
- Career pathing
- Development opportunities
JOB SUMMARY
PetSmart's Salon Experience Lead (Groomer & Salon Trainer) is responsible for providing exceptional service to pet parents and supporting a high performing team while upholding the company's vision, mission, values, and strategy. This role will deliver professional quality services with the upmost focus on quality and care of pets. The Salon Experience Lead will support the development of bathers and new stylists, seeing them through the entire pet stylist development program.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following and may vary depending on store characteristics and needs:
People Leadership:
- Facilitates the associate experience and supports associate development. This includes but is not limited to training, onboarding, mentoring, and coaching for growth. as well as providing feedback into associate performance reviews, disciplinary action and promotions.
- Responsible for developing new and existing associates through bather and/or stylist certification process.
- Identifies candidates internally to attend academy training to become stylists.
- Delegate and validate completion of daily tasks for salon.
- Address and administer associate complaints and grievances.
- Recognizes and celebrates associates driving overall associate engagement.
Salon and Overall Store Experience:
- Responsible for pet parent experience and the outcomes of interactions conducted over the telephone, in person or online, and responding to general pet parent concerns.
- Greets and supports pet parents, answers their questions and recommends wellness solutions based on the pets' need.
- Engages with pet parents at checkout to drive connection and rebooking.
- Communicates and drives pet parent engagement around marketing promotions.
- Utilizes salon tools including the booking system and call logs to make reservations and conduct necessary appointment calls.
- Maintains store standards and leads a culture of empowerment by ensuring compliance to our policies and procedures (P&Ps) and code of ethics.
- Independently performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone services, such as nail trims, teeth brushing, and sanitary services in accordance with PetSmart's bathing standards and procedures.
- Promotes opportunities to grow salon sales to help achieve sales targets and productivity, and any other relevant salon metrics.
- Maintains operational standards including cleanliness, sanitation, and humane conditions for all pets in the grooming area.
- Responsible for taking immediate action and reporting when a sick/injured pet is identified in the store; transport to the vet as needed.
- Maintains communication with Experience Leader on business trends and provides best practices to suggest for implementation.
- Communicates and reports any facilities or supply needs to the Experience Leader or Leader on Duty.
- Recommends, informs, and sells services and merchandise.
- Assists and works in other departments as required. Other duties may be assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 2+ years grooming experience; may be asked to complete a technical exam.
- Full time availability required, flexibility in schedule, able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
- Proficiency with use of tools, equipment and products to perform technical work safely.
- Proficiency in computer applications.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to react under pressure and maintain composure.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail and safety measures.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
- No direct reports, however, are expected to guide and support the development of other associates.
- Provides feedback on associate performance to direct supervisor.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Associate required to stand, walk, climb a ladder, and use hands to handle, feel, hold, write, etc. The associate frequently is required to reach with hands and arms: stoop, kneel, crouch, talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include depth perception. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Associate must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally team lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include depth perception.
- While performing the duties of this job, the associate is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, as well as a wet environment with an abundance of pet hair. The noise level is moderate in the work environment; however, associates may be exposed to high levels of noise at times. Exposure to live animals and their handling is common.
Do what you love
Join us for a chance to make a meaningful impact every day. Whether it's helping a customer choose their first fish, celebrating a pet's birthday, or seeing the smile on a pet parent's face after a fresh groom-you'll create moments that matter. At PetSmart, we cherish diversity and the unique perspectives of our 50,000 associates, all united by a passion for pets.
We're delighted you're interested in joining our pack and helping us in our commitment to doing Anything for Pets, and the people who love them. We're excited to hear your story and learn more about you! Apply Now!
*This listing is not an indication that the position is currently open or available. We are continually looking to build a strong network of talented candidates to join our organization and are always accepting applications. Feel free to contact your local PetSmart store to check on which roles they are actively hiring for.
This job summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work associates/leaders assigned to this job perform. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. You will be provided with a copy of a job description for the actual position you are hired into. Exact rate of pay will be based on relevant experience level, training, skills or knowledge and store location. In no instance will PetSmart pay less than the local minimum wage. This position is also eligible for benefits, as described at https://benefits.petsmart.com/us/
PetSmart is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, as well as any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, or local law.
Applicants must be over the age of 18 (except in Montana or where otherwise required by local or state law)
For applicants in our Waterloo, San Francisco, or Los Angeles locations: Pursuant to the Waterloo and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, as well as the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring, we will consider for employment, qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with the law
What employees say
Pay
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Okay
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Only some people get paid breaks
Do dog bathers at PetSmart get paid breaks?
Sometimes. Only some people get paid breaks.
How we know this
65% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.Based on data from 52 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2025.
Why this matters
Good jobs pay you for your break time.
You should get paid for all the time you’re at work, even when you’re on break.
Needs improving
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Most people don’t get paid sick leave
Does PetSmart give dog bathers paid sick leave?
No. Most people don’t get paid leave when they’re sick.
How we know this
79% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.Based on data from 62 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2025.
Why this matters
Most US companies don’t have to pay you when you’re sick - only some states require it.
But we believe a good job should pay you when you can’t work because you’re sick. Everyone gets sick sometimes.
Good
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Most people don’t do unpaid extra work
Do dog bathers at PetSmart do extra work that they don't get paid for?
Rarely. Most people don’t do unpaid extra work.
How we know this
84% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid work.Based on data from 62 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2025.
Why this matters
You should be paid for all the work you do.
A good job pays you for every minute you spend working for your employer.
Hours and flexibility
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Needs improving
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Less than 4 weeks notice of work schedule
How far ahead of time do dog bathers find out their work schedule?
Most people find out their schedule less than four weeks ahead of time.
How we know this
- 27% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts one week or less ahead of time.
- 27% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts two weeks ahead of time.
- 17% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts three weeks ahead of time.
- 29% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts four weeks or more ahead of time.
Based on data from 59 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2025.
Why this matters
We believe your workplace should tell you your schedule at least 4 weeks ahead of time.
You need to know when you’ll be working so you can plan your life and know how much money you’ll earn.
Okay
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Some people worry about their hours
Do dog bathers at PetSmart worry about hours?
Some people worry about getting enough hours.
How we know this
50% of people report they worry about getting enough hours.Based on data from 66 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2025.
Why this matters
A good employer should give you the hours you need each week.
You shouldn’t have to struggle or beg for work time.
Okay
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Only some people can choose their shifts
Do dog bathers at PetSmart get to choose the shifts they work?
Some people don’t get to choose which shifts they work.
How we know this
41% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.Based on data from 64 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2025.
Why this matters
A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.
Okay
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Can be hard to change shifts
How easy is it for dog bathers at PetSmart to change shifts?
Some people find it hard to change shifts.
How we know this
52% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.Based on data from 48 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2025.
Why this matters
A good job works with your personal life.
It should be easy to change your schedule when you need to - both for emergencies and when you’re planning ahead.
Okay
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Can be hard to get time off
How easy is it for dog bathers to get time off at PetSmart?
Some people find it hard to get time off.
How we know this
43% of people report it’s hard to get time off.Based on data from 46 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2025.
Why this matters
A good job should let you use your vacation time when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a hassle to arrange.
Okay
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Schedules can get changed at the last minute
Do PetSmart managers change dog bathers schedules at the last minute?
Some managers change people’s schedules at the last minute.
How we know this
47% of people say their manager changes their shift schedule at the last minute.Based on data from 58 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2025.
Why this matters
If your bosses keep changing your schedule at the last minute, that shows they aren’t planning well.
Good jobs don’t switch your hours around without warning.
Okay
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Some people find it hard to take sick leave
How easy is it for dog bathers to take sick leave at PetSmart?
Some people find it hard to take sick leave.
How we know this
46% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.Based on data from 56 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2025.
Why this matters
Everyone gets sick sometimes.
You should be able to stay home when you need to get better.
A good job should make it easy to take sick time and have clear steps for letting them know you’re sick.
Benefits
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Okay
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Only some part-time workers get health insurance
Do part-time dog bathers at PetSmart get health insurance?
Some people who work part-time get health insurance.
How we know this
56% of people who work fewer than 30 hours a week say they don't get health insurance.Based on data from 16 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and February 2025.
Why this matters
Everyone needs medical care sometimes, but it costs a lot.
We believe all workers should get health insurance, no matter how many hours they work or what kind of job they have.
Workplace
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Okay
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Only some people feel treated with respect
Do dog bathers at PetSmart feel treated with respect by their managers?
Some people don’t feel treated with respect by their managers.
How we know this
43% of people say they’re not treated with respect by their managers.Based on data from 51 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2025.
Why this matters
Your boss should treat you with respect.
No one at work should bully you or treat you unfairly.
If you have a problem, you should be able to talk to someone else who can help.
Okay
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Only some people get breaks without interruption
Do dog bathers at PetSmart get to take their breaks without interruption?
Only some people get breaks without interruption.
How we know this
42% of people report that their breaks get interrupted.Based on data from 52 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2025.
Why this matters
When you take a break it should be a proper rest. You should be able to do what you want to and not get pulled off it early.
Needs improving
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Most people are stressed out
Is it stressful for dog bathers to work at PetSmart?
Most people feel stressed out here.
How we know this
88% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.Based on data from 64 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2025.
Why this matters
Work can be hard sometimes, but you shouldn’t feel stressed all the time.
Your boss should make sure there are enough people and resources to get the work done without feeling overwhelmed.
Good
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Most people enjoy their job
Do dog bathers at PetSmart enjoy their jobs?
Most people enjoy their job.
How we know this
80% of people report they enjoy their job.Based on data from 55 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2025.
Needs improving
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Most people don’t recommend their team
Do dog bathers at PetSmart recommend working with their team?
Not many people recommend working with their team.
How we know this
77% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.Based on data from 66 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2025.
Why this matters
The people you work with every day are important. They can make the difference between a bad day and a good one.
Okay
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Only some people get enough training
Do dog bathers get enough training when they start at PetSmart?
Some people didn’t get enough training when they started.
How we know this
50% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.Based on data from 66 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2025.
Why this matters
A good job should train you well from your first day, not just throw you into the deep end.
Nobody can do their job well without proper training at the start.
Okay
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Only some people get support to advance
Do dog bathers get support to advance at PetSmart?
Only some people are given support to advance their career here.
How we know this
In the last year, 37% of people report not being given support to advance their career here.Based on data from 60 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2025.
Why this matters
A good job should help you grow, if you want to.
This could mean getting better at your current job, learning new things, becoming a team leader, or taking on more duties.
This helps you build skills and earn more money.
Needs improving
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Headquarters doesn't understand what's happening
Do dog bathers think PetSmart’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?
Most people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
How we know this
88% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.Based on data from 60 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2025.
Why this matters
In a good job, the people running the organisation should support the workers who do the hands-on work.
To do this well, they need to know what’s really happening at each location.
This is extra important when an organisation has many different sites.
Okay
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Only some people feel well informed by headquarters
Do dog bathers feel well informed about how PetSmart is doing?
Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
How we know this
55% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.Based on data from 60 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2025.
Why this matters
A good employer shares news with all its workers.
You should know how your employer is doing - both the good news and the problems.
Managers should keep you updated about what’s happening.
What PetSmart employees say about their job
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Best thing
The dogs
Worst thing
The pet parents
Groomer at PetSmart, May 2025
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Best thing
the discounts
Worst thing
low pay, quantity over quality, very stressful, managers doing whatever they can to make a pet parent happy and not taking the employees into consideration. drama. rarely have time for lunch breaks. low labor hours.
Dog groomer at PetSmart, April 2025
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About this pay
CloseEstimated pay
This pay estimate is based on data from 31 PetSmart employees who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and May 2025.
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