What It's Really Like to Work in Grooming at Petco

If you ask Petco groomers what their day-to-day is really like, you’ll often hear a mix of two things at once: it’s fast-paced and hands-on- but I wouldn’t trade it.

Because grooming at Petco sits at the intersection of something deeply meaningful and something undeniably demanding. And that’s exactly what makes it different.

The Reality: It's Not Always Easy

Let’s start with what people often hear - and what Petco groomers actually experience.

There are a lot of opinions out there. So, let’s break it down.

What People Say: “It’s an assembly line.”

What Groomers Experience: Personalized care, not one-size-fits-all.

At Petco, every pet is scheduled with dedicated time based on their size, coat condition, breed, and service complexity. Our trained groomers consult with pet parents, build ongoing relationships, and tailor each appointment to the individual pet.

They are also trained to spot many skin and coat conditions, and other symptoms which may require veterinary attention.

As a Petco groomer, it’s not all bubbles and blow outs - you’re delivering thoughtful, customized care that improves the lives of pets every day.

What People Say: “You can’t make good money.”

What Groomers Experience: Multiple income streams and consistent demand.

Groomers earn through a combination of hourly wages, tips, and commission incentive, all boosted by a steady flow of salon traffic. With built-in marketing support and strong pet parent loyalty, Petco groomers maintain full schedules and grow a consistent book of business.

And with training and career growth paths – Petco groomers can easily advance to salon managers and mentors – taking their career and earnings to the next level. 

What People Say: “You’re thrown in without real training.”

What Petco Groomers Experience: Structured, hands-on training before working independently.

Petco provides you with the training, knowledge and confidence to become a great groomer!

• • Paid, supervised training hours
  • Formal coursework and hands-on education
  • Breed-specific grooming techniques
  • Safety, pet handling, and basic anatomy training
  • Ongoing mentorship throughout certification
  • Continuing education and growth opportunities

Training is a full-time commitment that follows a multi-week progression from foundational safety and salon standards to supervised grooming and advanced techniques - so Petco groomers feel confident, supported, and fully prepared.

What People Say: “You’re not a real groomer.”

What Groomers Experience:  High standards. Safety. Training and mentorship. Autonomy.

Groomers at Petco:

• • Are W-2 professionals paid fair hourly wages, tips, and commission incentive 
  • Build and maintain their own client relationships and grow their business
  • Make decisions about styling and services based on each pet’s individual needs
  • Work alongside professionals: veterinarians, dog trainers, and nutrition experts
  • Receive benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance and retirement savings plans

At Petco, grooming is a specialized, skill-based service with high standards, hands-on training, and rewarding career path.

Why That Work Actually Matters

This role goes beyond grooming - it’s about care, trust, and transformation.

It is:

• • Helping a nervous dog feel safe and comfortable
  • Seeing a pet leave happier, healthier, and more confident
  • Building relationships with pet parents who trust you time and time again
  • Being part of a team that genuinely cares about pets and each other

Petco groomers build lasting relationships with pets they see regularly - watching them grow, change, and thrive over time.

That’s what makes the work meaningful.

The Real Experience of Groomers at Petco

Across the country, groomers describe the role as a mix of:

• • Creativity and artistry
  • Technical skill and precision
  • Emotional connection with pets and their families
  • Fast-paced days that move quickly
  • A supportive community that looks out for each other

It’s physical work. There are busy days, as in any high-volume salon. But teams are structured to support safety, quality, and sustainable pacing.

And one thing you’ll hear often? “My team is a big part of why I stay.”

🐾 So, What’s It Really Like?

Working in grooming at Petco means showing up for pets, pet parents, and each other.

It means doing work that’s hands-on, challenging, and deeply rewarding.
It means using your skill, creativity, and care to make a difference in real time.
And it means being part of something where what you do actually matters.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about grooming, it’s about helping pets live their best lives.

If that’s the kind of work you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.