Why Join PetSmart

PetSmart does Anything for Pets, and it starts with our passionate team. As a Pet Groomer Trainee in Chicago, you'll join a supportive environment where every associate creates meaningful experiences for pets and their families. We empower you with industry-leading training, career growth opportunities, and a culture of belonging and recognition.

Role Overview

The Pet Groomer Trainee (Pet Stylist in Training) role is your entry into professional pet grooming. After completing PetSmart’s Grooming Academy, you'll work under supervision from expert stylists, mastering safe techniques for baths, brushes, nail trims, and full grooming services. This position emphasizes pet safety, customer satisfaction, store cleanliness, and driving salon success in a fast-paced Chicago location.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver full grooming services under supervision while developing technical skills to meet company standards.
• Engage pet parents with personalized recommendations, handle appointments, check-ins, check-outs, and reminder calls.
• Maintain impeccable salon hygiene, perform daily maintenance, and ensure humane conditions for all pets.
• Drive sales by promoting services, merchandise, and wellness solutions to achieve targets.
• Assist in other store areas, respond to pet health issues, and uphold all company policies.

Experience & Skills

Prior grooming experience is preferred but not required—complete our Salon Academy for certification. You'll need strong communication, organizational skills, composure under pressure, and physical ability to lift 50+ lbs in a pet-filled environment. Flexibility for evenings, weekends, and holidays is essential, along with computer proficiency.

Benefits

Enjoy paid weekly wages, health & wellness benefits*, 401k with company match, PTO for full-time roles, associate discounts, tuition assistance, and clear career pathing. Grow with PetSmart's development opportunities while making a difference for pets in Chicago.