Position Summary
The Lead Mobile Dog Groomer will help launch and represent The Velvet Collar as a premium mobile grooming brand. This person should be able to complete full dog grooms independently, communicate professionally with clients, maintain a calm and safe environment, and help establish high grooming, sanitation, and service standards from day one.
Key Responsibilities
- Complete full-service dog grooms including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts, sanitary trims, nail trims, ear cleaning, de-shedding, and breed-appropriate or pet-style trims.
- Assess each dog's coat condition, temperament, age, size, health considerations, and grooming needs before beginning service.
- Operate in a mobile grooming van safely, professionally, and in compliance with company procedures.
- Communicate clearly with clients about coat condition, matting, behavior concerns, service recommendations, and aftercare.
- Maintain a clean, sanitized, organized van and properly dispose of hair, solids, and wastewater according to company policy.
- Protect the brand experience by delivering calm, premium, reliable service at every appointment.
- Help document grooming notes, client preferences, dog behavior, photos, and follow-up recommendations.
- Support training of future junior groomers, bathers, or assistants as the business grows.
- Follow safety protocols for handling, restraint, drying, tools, bites/scratches, heat, stress, and emergency situations.
- Recommend ways to improve scheduling, service packages, client experience, grooming standards, and mobile operations.
Ideal Qualifications
- Professional grooming experience with the ability to complete full grooms independently.
- Comfortable with a range of breeds, coat types, sizes, ages, and temperaments.
- Strong scissoring, clipper, bathing, drying, brushing, de-matting, and finishing skills.
- Excellent animal handling judgment and ability to recognize stress, pain, fear, aggression, overheating, or medical concerns.
- Professional, kind, reliable, punctual, and comfortable speaking with clients.
- Valid driver's license and clean driving record required for mobile van operation.
- Portfolio or grooming photos strongly preferred.
- Interest in helping build a luxury grooming brand and eventually mentoring others is a plus.
What We Offer
- W-2 employment structure.
- Competitive hourly guarantee plus commission and tips.
- Earning potential of $50,000–$80,000+ based on schedule, experience, productivity, client demand, and tips.
- No overbooking and realistic appointment flow.
- Drive time, setup, cleanup, and sanitation time built into the schedule.
- Premium mobile grooming van environment, quality products, and organized client support.
- Sign-on/retention bonus opportunity for experienced groomers, paid in milestones.
- Growth path into Trainer, Mobile Grooming Manager, or multi-van operations role.
Working Style and Brand Fit
- The Velvet Collar is not designed to be a rushed, high-volume grooming shop. The right person values quality, safety, clear communication, beautiful grooming, and a calm client experience. This role is ideal for a groomer who wants to be respected as a professional and help shape a premium brand from the beginning.
Pay: $25.00 - $40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: On the road
