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Assistant Dog Groomer Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

... * Assist in store operations as needed Required Qualifications Experience: Minimum of 1-year experience grooming/styling pets. Must be comfortable working with dogs and cats. Must provide own tools ...

... * Assist in store operations as needed Required Qualifications Experience: Minimum of 1-year experience grooming/styling pets. Must be comfortable working with dogs and cats. Must provide own tools ...

Assistant Dog Groomer information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$9

$21

$32

How much do assistant dog groomer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant dog groomer in Rio Rancho, NM is $21.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $24.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant Dog Groomer vs Dog Groomer?

AspectAssistant Dog GroomerDog Groomer
CertificationsBasic grooming courses, on-the-job trainingAdvanced grooming certifications, specialized training
Work EnvironmentAssists senior groomers, supports grooming stationsPerforms full grooming services independently
Employer & Industry UsageSalons, pet grooming businesses, kennelsSalons, pet grooming businesses, independent groomers

The main difference between an Assistant Dog Groomer and a Dog Groomer lies in experience, responsibilities, and certification level. Assistant Dog Groomers typically support senior groomers and have basic training, while Dog Groomers perform complete grooming services independently with advanced skills and certifications.

How much do you tip a $100 Dog Groomer?

For an assistant dog groomer, tipping 15-20% of the service cost is customary, so a $100 grooming session would typically warrant a tip of $15 to $20. Tipping reflects appreciation for the groomer's skill and care, especially if the service exceeds expectations or involves special attention to the pet's needs.

What does FFF mean in dog grooming?

In dog grooming, FFF typically stands for 'Fur, Face, Feet,' indicating the areas that require special attention during grooming. Groomers often focus on these parts to ensure a neat and comfortable finish for the dog. Understanding grooming abbreviations helps assistants follow specific instructions and maintain grooming standards.

What are the most common challenges Assistant Dog Groomers face in their daily work?

Assistant Dog Groomers often encounter challenges such as handling anxious or uncooperative dogs, managing time efficiently during busy periods, and maintaining a safe, clean environment. Building trust with each pet and understanding canine body language are key to ensuring a positive grooming experience. Additionally, assistants must communicate effectively with groomers and pet owners to clarify instructions and expectations, all while developing their own technical skills on the job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Dog Groomer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Dog Groomer, you need basic animal care knowledge, manual dexterity, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with grooming tools such as clippers, brushes, and pet-safe cleaning products is essential, and some employers may require pet CPR certification. Patience, attention to detail, and effective communication with both pets and owners are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring pet safety, quality grooming outcomes, and strong customer satisfaction.

What does an Assistant Dog Groomer do?

An Assistant Dog Groomer helps professional groomers with various tasks such as bathing, drying, brushing, and prepping dogs for haircuts. They may also help clean and maintain grooming tools and the work area, as well as assist in calming and handling pets. This role is essential in ensuring the grooming process runs smoothly and that dogs are comfortable and safe throughout their visit.

How to become a Dog Groomer with no experience?

To become an assistant dog groomer with no experience, start by gaining basic knowledge of dog breeds and grooming tools through online courses or tutorials. Seek entry-level positions at grooming salons or pet stores to learn on the job, and consider completing a certification program to develop skills and improve employability.

What does a groomer assistant do?

A groomer assistant supports professional dog groomers by preparing animals for grooming, such as bathing, drying, and brushing, and handling equipment and supplies. They may also help with cleaning grooming areas and ensuring the safety and comfort of the pets during the grooming process.
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Dog Groomer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? For Assistant Dog Groomer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Dog Groomer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Dog Groomer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Assistant Dog Groomer jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Assistant Dog Groomer job openings:
Grooming Salon Leader Petsense

Grooming Salon Leader Petsense

Tractor Supply Company

Los Lunas, NM

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 16 days ago


Tractor Supply rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 1,281 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

455th of 717 rated retailers


Job description

Overall Job Summary

This role offers a $3.00/hr. stipend from start date for 120 days to allow time for new team members to build a clientele, while providing income stability.

This position is responsible for leading the operations of the grooming salon, achieving targeted goals and driving results to grow the business. This includes overseeing daily operations of the salon, training and coaching staff, and providing exceptional customer service to all pet parents and their dogs. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Min 5%)

As a Salon Leader, it is essential that you be available, flexible, adaptable and service-oriented, as you must be able to fulfill all of the the following requirements:

  • Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
  • Work scheduled shifts and have the ability to work varied hours, days, nights, weekends and overtime as dictated by business needs.
  • Take the initiative to support selling initiatives (TEAM):
    • Thank the Customer
    • Engage with the customer and/or pet
    • Advise products or services
    • Make it Memorable
  • Salon Leaders are required to perform a combination of the following duties throughout their day. Although daily tasks may vary day to day, our business and staffing model makes it essential every Salon Leader be able to perform all fo the following duties accurately, efficiently, and safely on a regular basis and without advance notice:
    • Manage the day to day operations of the Groom Shop; including scheduling, safety checklists, and salon audits
    • Assist in hiring and onboarding all new Groomers and Groom Technicians. This includes ensuring timely completion of all training requirements, mentoring where needed throughout training and evaluating potential and current employee grooming skills
    • Partner with Store Manager daily/weekly; filter communication to salon and manage business to plan
    • Drive salon growth - calling existing and new customers, scheduling appointments, follow-up phone calls and reminders to customers, attending community events, holding in-store events, working with rescue groups and more
    • Lead salon team members by driving professional development, coaching for improvement and reviewing performance key metrics
    • Provide professional grooming services for dogs using the knowledge of canine characteristics and grooming styles and techniques
    • Safe Pet Handling
    • Demonstrating Professionalism
    • Equipment Handling and Maintenance
    • Ensures the safety and well-being of animals
    • Inspects animals for external signs of parasites, disease or injury and reports findings to pet owners.
    • Practice Safety and Sanitization protocols
    • Sanitizes and maintains upkeep of all grooming tools and equipment to eliminates injury and spread of diseases to other pet clients.
    • Maintains records of all pet clients to include services provided and vaccination records.
    • Operate computer as needed.
    • Recovery of store, if needed.
    • Ensure the safety and well-being of live animals. Sanitize and maintain holding tanks and care for live animals as required
    • Complete all documentation associated with any of the above job duties
  • Enforce and follow all salon policies and procedures.
  • May also be required to perform other duties as assigned.
     
Required Qualifications

Experience: Must demonstrate knowledge and skills in the grooming industry with a minimum of 2+ years experience grooming pets under the leadership of a professional groomer. Supervisory experience preferred. Must be comfortable working with dogs and cats. Ability to demonstrate patience and compassion for animals. Must provide own tools (clippers, blades, shears) or be willing purchase required tools.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Any suitable combination of education and experience will be considered. Regardless of education level, Associates must be able to read, write and count accurately.
 

High Demand IT Specialized Skills
Platform Knowledge
Preferred knowledge, skills or abilities
  • Operate and use all grooming tools and equipment including bathing tubs, brushes, combs, scissors, clippers, dryers, and bathing products such as perfumed shampoo and soaps
  • Communicate effectively with Associates and customers
  • Display compassion with animals and treat them accordingly
  • Exhibit attention to detail
  • Read, write and count to accurately complete all documentation
  • Problem solving skills
  • Basic computer skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to resolve issues ethically and with minimal conflict.
     
Working Conditions
  • Working environment is favorable, generally working inside with moderate noise.
  • Indoor floors and outdoor lots generally are hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, etc.) lighting and temperature are adequate.
  • Exposure to wet conditions, particularly when bathing dogs.
  • Exposure to sharp grooming instruments, perfumed shampoos and soaps, pets, and pet waste.
  • Exposure to cats and dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
  • Work shifts vary from one store to another, but generally are no less than 4 hours and may exceed 8 hours
  • Promote a safe and productive work environment for Team Members and customers and adhere to Company safety training and guidelines
Physical Requirements
  • This position is non-sedentary.
  • It is essential that Team Members have the physical and mental stamina and ability to move throughout the store and outdoor areas quickly and safely.
  • It is essential to operate all equipment related to their job duties efficiently, safely, properly and accurately; and to provide the highest level of customer service.
  • Ability to move and transfer live animals, equipment, and merchandise weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to stand and maintain a stationary position for up to 8 hours while grooming animals.
  • Ability to frequently move for 4-8 hours per day around the salon to groom animals, clean, and maintain the salon.
  • Ability to utilize grooming instruments including shears and dryers.
  • Ability to occasionally lift or reach merchandise overhead.
  • Ability to bend, kneel, and squat frequently to position oneself to groom animals, clean shelves, and stock merchandise and equipment.
  • Ability to constantly operate store equipment such as computer, cash register, and other store equipment.
  • Ability to read, write, and count accurately to complete all documentation.
  • Ability to utilize strong written and verbal communication skills to communicate effectively with team members and customers.
  • Ability to successfully complete all required training.
Disclaimer

This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position.  It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities.  An Associate should perform all duties as assigned by his/ her supervisor.

Company Info

At Tractor Supply and Petsense by Tractor Supply, our Team Members are the heart of our success. Their dedication, passion, and hard work drive everything we do, and we are committed to supporting them with a comprehensive and accessible total reward package. We understand the evolving needs of our Team Members and their families, and we strive to offer meaningful, competitive, and sustainable benefits that support their well-being today and in the future.

Our benefits extend beyond medical, dental, and vision coverage, including company-paid life and disability insurance, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and family planning resources such as adoption and surrogacy assistance, for all full-time Team Members and all part-time Team Members. Part time new hires gain eligibility for TSC Benefits by averaging at least 15 hours per week during their 90-day lookback period. The lookback period starts the first of the month following the date of hire. If the 15-hour requirement was met, the benefits eligibility date will be the first day of the month following 4 months of continuous service.

Please visit this link for more specific information about the benefits and leave policies applicable to the position you're applying for.


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