About the Role
We are seeking an experienced, self-directed Pet Groomer to join our team. You bring your grooming expertise, and we provide the support and infrastructure to help you succeed.
This is a commissioned employee position, giving you the protections and benefits of being an employee while allowing your income to grow with the number of pets you groom. You will have the opportunity to build and grow your grooming schedule while working with minimal supervision.
We handle the administrative side of the business, including scheduling, payment processing, payroll and taxes, and liability insurance. You will have a dedicated grooming space and the supplies and equipment you need to provide high-quality grooming services.
Your grooming business can grow as much as you can handle. We can also work together on marketing and other opportunities to help you build your client base.
What You'll Do
- Provide professional grooming services for dogs and cats of varying sizes, breeds, coat types, and temperaments.
- Safely and compassionately handle animals throughout the grooming process.
- Use appropriate handling techniques to help pets remain calm, comfortable, and cooperative.
- Bathe pets using medicated and non-medicated shampoos as appropriate.
- Dry and brush coats using appropriate grooming techniques and equipment.
- Perform haircuts and trims, including:
- Face
- Ears
- Feet and paw pads
- Tail
- Sanitary / hygienic areas
- Perform breed-appropriate and client-requested grooming styles.
- Perform deshedding, dematting, undercoat raking, and other coat-care services.
- Trim and contour nails.
- Clean and, when appropriate, pluck ears.
- Brush teeth.
- Express anal glands when appropriate.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary grooming area.
- Manage your workflow and grooming appointments efficiently.
- Recognize when a pet's skin, coat, ears, or overall condition may require additional attention and communicate concerns to the appropriate team member.
- Communicate professionally with pet owners about grooming services, observations, and ongoing coat-care needs.
- Work collaboratively with other members of the veterinary practice team.
- Depending on your experience and skill set, grooming styles may include: kennel cuts, puppy cuts, teddy bear cuts, top knots, lamb cuts, lion cuts, poodle cuts, and other breed-appropriate styles.
What We're Looking ForRequired Qualifications
- At least 2 years of hands–on, professional grooming experience with dogs and cats.
- Knowledge of bathing, drying, brushing, clipping, trimming, deshedding, dematting, and other common grooming techniques.
- Ability to safely handle animals of different sizes, breeds, coat types, and temperaments.
- Strong understanding of animal behavior and the ability to use gentle handling techniques to keep pets calm and cooperative during grooming.
- Knowledge of grooming tools, products, and equipment, including their appropriate uses, benefits, and limitations.
- Ability to work independently and manage your grooming workflow with minimal supervision.
- Commitment to maintaining a clean, organized, and sanitary grooming environment.
- Professional communication skills and the ability to interact respectfully with clients and team members.
- Compassionate approach to animal care.
Nice to Have
- Experience grooming additional species or exotic pets.
- Experience with show cuts or other advanced grooming styles.
- Experience documenting grooming services and behavioral observations in a practice management system.
- Ability to recognize common skin and ear conditions and alert the veterinarian when a pet may need veterinary attention.
- Ability to recognize conditions such as dry or sensitive skin and adjust grooming products or techniques appropriately.
- Knowledge of dog and cat breeds and their specific grooming needs.
- Experience communicating with clients about grooming recommendations and at-home coat care.
Equipment & Supplies
You will provide your own professional clippers and blades.
We provide:
- Dedicated grooming room
- Bathtub
- Grooming restraint equipment
- Dryers
- Shampoos and conditioners
- Scheduling and appointment management
- Payment processing
- Payroll and tax administration
- Liability insurance
We can also work together on marketing to help grow the grooming service and your client base.
Work Schedule
- Set your own grooming hours within the availability of our facility.
- Our facility is open on weekends and major holidays.
- Your work schedule is based on client demand.
- Work with minimal supervision while managing your own grooming schedule and workflow.
Physical Requirements & Working Environment
- Ability to stand for extended periods.
- Ability to bend, kneel, reach, and move throughout the workday.
- Ability to occasionally lift or carry up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to safely work with animals of varying sizes and temperaments.
- Ability to work in an environment that may include exposure to cleaning chemicals, animal waste, water, fur, and noise.
Benefits
- Commission-based compensation as an employee. Commission based on negotiation.
- Paid time off.
- Employee discounts on pet products and services.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- Administrative and operational support from the practice.
- Dedicated grooming space.
- Opportunity to grow your grooming schedule and client base.
Apply Today
If you are an experienced groomer who takes pride in providing high-quality, compassionate care and enjoys working independently, we'd love to meet you!
Bring your grooming skills and expertise. We'll provide the space, administrative support, and veterinary practice environment to help you build a successful grooming service.
Pay: $14.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- Are you able to perform the essential physical duties of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation?
- Are you available to work on holiday weekends, such as President’s Day and Veteran’s Day?
- Have you bathed and groomed cats in a professional setting?
- Do you have experience grooming rabbits, birds, and/or other exotic pets?
- Briefly describe your philosophy around animal handling.
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- Pet grooming: 2 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Tallahassee, FL 32308 (Required)
Work Location: In person
