Why Join PetSmart

PetSmart does Anything for Pets, and it starts with our passionate team. As a Pet Groomer Trainee in Richmond, Virginia, 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 comprehensive benefits to help you thrive.

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, teeth brushing, and full grooming services. This position emphasizes pet safety, customer satisfaction, salon hygiene, and driving salon sales while upholding PetSmart's mission.

Key Responsibilities

Under guidance, deliver full grooming services per PetSmart standards. Engage pet parents to recommend wellness solutions, manage appointments via phone and in-person, handle check-ins/outs, and maintain meticulous salon cleanliness. Promote services and merchandise to hit sales goals, ensure pet welfare by addressing health issues promptly, and assist across store departments as needed. Participate in our culture of belonging and follow all policies.

Experience & Skills

Prior grooming experience is preferred (technical exam may apply), but completion of PetSmart’s Salon Academy is required. You need computer proficiency, composure under pressure, flexible scheduling for evenings/weekends/holidays, strong organization, attention to safety, and excellent communication. Physically, expect standing, lifting up to 50lbs (team lifts over 100lbs), working in wet/hairy environments with moderate to high noise.

Benefits

Enjoy paid weekly wages, health & wellness coverage, 401k with match, PTO for full-timers, associate discounts, tuition assistance, and robust career development. Grow with PetSmart while making a difference for pets every day.