Location: Tailwaggers Pets Position Type: Full-Time or Part-Time Compensation: $25 per hour + Daily Incentives (up to $100/day) + Tips
Position Summary:Tailwaggers Pets is seeking an experienced, compassionate, and highly skilled Professional Dog & Cat Groomer to join our grooming team. This role is responsible for providing safe, humane, high-quality grooming services while delivering exceptional customer service and maintaining salon cleanliness, safety, and operational standards. No assembly-line grooming, Groomers and bathers do the complete grooms and baths. We believe this builds a better relationship between the groomer and the dog.
The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of advanced grooming knowledge, strong breed-standard grooming skills, the ability to manage pets safely and compassionately, and a commitment to professionalism in a fast-paced environment.
Essential Job Functions:Perform grooming services for dogs and cats, including bathing, brushing, drying, clipping, hand scissoring, de-matting, nail trimming/grinding, ear cleaning, and coat finishing
Conduct client consultations regarding pet grooming needs, coat condition, behavior, and service recommendations
Safely handle pets of varying sizes, breeds, temperaments, and behavioral needs using humane handling practices
Monitor pet health and notify management or pet parents of visible skin, coat, ear, or health concerns
Maintain grooming quality standards and breed-specific styling when requested
Ensure proper sanitation and disinfection of grooming stations, tools, tubs, kennels, and salon areas according to company policy
Follow all safety procedures for pets, staff, and customers
Maintain accurate pet details, consultation service cards, report cards and customer communication
Support front desk or salon operations as needed
Follow opening and closing procedures and completing a grooming checklist.
Promote salon, spa, and retail products/services when appropriate
Maintain compliance with company policies, local laws, and workplace safety regulations
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ideal Qualifications:Minimum 5+ years of professional grooming experience
High school diploma or equivalent
Grooming certification from an accredited grooming school OR equivalent documented apprenticeship/internship experience
Demonstrated proficiency in:
Breed-standard cuts
Hand scissoring
Clipper work
Nail trimming/grinding
Ear cleaning
De-matting
Bathing and drying
Ability to safely groom both dogs and cats of all ages
Strong verbal communication and customer service skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Verifiable professional references
Reliable transportation and punctual attendance
English proficiency sufficient to perform job duties safely and effectively
Preferred Qualifications:Additional grooming certifications
Pet CPR / First Aid certification
Cat Grooming
Experience in high-volume salons
Customer retention or retail sales experience
Professional portfolio or social media portfolio of grooming work
Hand Stripping would be great
Physical Requirements:This position requires:
Standing for extended periods
Repetitive hand and wrist movements
Bending, kneeling, and reaching
Lifting and carrying pets and equipment up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation
Safely securing animals as necessary
Exposure to water, cleaning products, pet dander, fur, and grooming equipment
Work Schedule:Flexible scheduling available based on business needs
Weekend availability might be required
Holidays may be required (Closed on Christmas, New Years & Thanksgiving)
Overtime may be available or required in accordance with applicable CA state law
Compensation & Benefits:$25+ per hour depending on experience
Daily incentives up to $100/day based on performance metrics; most groomers make the daily incentives
Customer tips
Employee discounts (if applicable)
Career growth opportunities
Ongoing education opportunities (if applicable)
Workplace Expectations:Commitment to humane animal treatment
Professional appearance and hygiene
Compliance with all attendance, safety, and operational policies
Respectful communication with clients and coworkers
Maintenance of confidentiality regarding customer and company information
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:Tailwaggers Pets is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.
Background Check / Reference Check Notice:Employment may be contingent upon satisfactory professional reference checks, prior employment verification, and any legally permissible background screenings consistent with applicable CA state law.
At-Will Employment Disclaimer (California):Employment with Tailwaggers Pets is at-will, meaning either the employee or employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law.
Application Requirements:Applicants can submit:
Resume online at www.tailwaggerspets.com
Grooming certifications
Portfolio/photos of grooming work
Professional references
Personal references
Availability
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