Dog Grooming Careers at Petco: FAQs

Do I need grooming experience to work at Petco?

No experience? No problem! 

Petco hires at all experience levels, including anyone brand new to grooming. You can start in an entry-level salon role as a Junior Pet Stylist and build your skills step by step through hands-on training and mentorship.

How does training work for new groomers?

Petco’s grooming training program is designed to meet you where you are - whether you’re brand new or have grooming experience.

If you’re new to grooming, you’ll start as a Junior Pet Stylist, where you will:

• • Learn from experienced Petco grooming trainers and mentors where your success is their success
  • Understand pet safety, handling, and salon standards
  • Build important foundational skills like bathing, drying, brushing, nail trims, and ear cleaning
  • Gain confidence working with different breeds, coat types, and behaviors
  • Begin building relationships with pet parents

From there, you’ll progress through a structured training pathway that combines:

• • Online learning
  • Hands-on salon experience
  • Ongoing coaching from experienced groomers and certified mentors

You’re supported every step of the way and paid while you learn.

What is Petco Grooming Academy?

Petco Grooming Academy is the first major step in your journey to becoming a Certified Petco Pet Stylist.

It’s a structured, hands-on training experience where you’ll:

• • Learn core grooming techniques in a real salon environment
  • Work alongside experienced groomers and mentors
  • Begin transitioning from foundational care into technical grooming skills
  • Build the confidence needed to safely and effectively groom pets

Petco Grooming Academy focuses on introducing and accelerating your hands-on skills, while setting the foundation for continued growth through mentorship and real-world experience.

How long does grooming school take?

There are two parts to your grooming training journey, and together they create a clear path to certification:

Part One: Junior Pet Stylist (Initial Training)

• • Typically takes about 4–6 weeks
  • Focused on building foundational grooming skills and hands-on experience

Part Two: Petco Grooming Academy Pathway (Full Development)

• • Approximately 240 hours over 6 weeks total
  • Includes:
    • • Progressive hands-on training
      • Mentorship with a Petco-certified Grooming Mentor
      • Completion of 100+ supervised grooming services
      • A final skills assessment across multiple breed types

This phased approach ensures you’re not just learning quickly, you’re developing real skill, confidence, and long-term career potential.

 How much do Petco groomers get paid?

Petco offers competitive pay with growth potential.

Compensation may include:

• • Hourly base pay
  • Commission opportunities as you advance
  • Tips from pet parents

As your skills and client base grow, so does your earning potential.

 Is grooming at Petco a long-term career?

Absolutely!

Grooming at Petco is more than a job, it’s a career path. You can grow into roles like:

• • Groomer
  • Pet Stylist Pro
  • Grooming Salon Leader
  • Petco Certified Grooming Mentor

What does a typical day look like for a groomer?

Every day is a little different, but you can expect to:

• • Groom and style dogs based on breed and pet parent preferences
  • Build relationships with repeat clients and their pets
  • Work closely with a supportive salon team
  • Stay active and hands-on throughout your shift

It’s a mix of creativity, skill, and connection.

 Is the job physically demanding?

Yes, grooming is an active, hands-on role.

You’ll be:

• • On your feet for most of your shift
  • Lifting and handling dogs of different sizes
  • Using tools and equipment throughout the day

Is grooming ever stressful?

Like any role, working with animals and people can be.

You may work with:

• • Nervous or anxious pets
  • Busy schedules during peak times
  • Multiple appointments in a day
  • Pet parents with different expectations and needs

The good news? You’ll build confidence, skill, and support from a team that understands the work.

What if I already have grooming experience?

Great! You’ll have opportunities to grow even further.

Petco offers:

• • Advanced skill development
  • Opportunities to certify and expand your expertise
  • Leadership pathways within the salon

You won’t be starting over, you’ll be building on what you already know.