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Assistant Dog Groomer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

In addition to bathing and drying services, the Junior Pet Stylist will assist in the grooming ... Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming ...

In addition to bathing and drying services, the Junior Pet Stylist will assist in the grooming ... Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming ...

In addition to bathing and drying services, the Junior Pet Stylist will assist in the grooming ... Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming ...

Retail Assistant

Canandaigua, NY · On-site

$16.19 - $17.24/hr

The Retail Assistant at Bad Dog Boutique plays an important role in creating a positive and ... Responsibilities * Assist groomer as directed during appointments as needed. * Perform cleaning ...

Retail Assistant

Canandaigua, NY · On-site

$16.19 - $17.24/hr

The Retail Assistant at Bad Dog Boutique plays an important role in creating a positive and ... Responsibilities * Assist groomer as directed during appointments as needed. * Perform cleaning ...

The Retail Assistant at Bad Dog Boutique plays an important role in creating a positive and ... Responsibilities * Assist groomer as directed during appointments as needed. * Perform cleaning ...

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Assistant Dog Groomer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$9

$22

$34

How much do assistant dog groomer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant dog groomer in Rochester, NY is $22.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $26.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dog Groomer jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Dog Groomer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Dog Groomer jobs in Rochester, NY? For Assistant Dog Groomer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Dog Groomer jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Dog Groomer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Assistant Dog Groomer jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Assistant Dog Groomer job openings:
Junior Groomer

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 hours ago


Petco rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 624 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

421st of 710 rated retailers


Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?

We're proud to be where the pets go and where thepet peoplego. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing,Petco is the place for you.

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.

  • Pet First - Protect & Empower.All pets shouldLive their Best Life.We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

  • Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond.OurPassionfor pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through district experiences, products, and services.

  • Let's Go! Own & Commit.We are stronger asOne Petco team.We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco:

We're proud to be"where the pets go"to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years - from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are29,000+strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than1,500Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico,250+Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we foundedPetco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately7 million animalsthrough in-store adoption events.

Your Petco Grooming Career:

Begin your Petco journey as a Junior Pet Stylist in Grooming!

During this ten-week training period as a Junior Pet Stylist, you will learn fundamental grooming tasks such as brushing, bathing, drying, cutting nails, and more! Gaining hands-on experience with guidance from seasoned groomers, our industry leading program is designed to develop essential grooming skills and set the foundation for your future career with Petco Grooming.

In addition to our commitment to continuous training, development, and career growth, we also offer:

  • Competitive base pay
  • Medical, dental, vision and more
  • 401k and more
  • Paid Time Off
  • Petco Discounts
  • All the supplies & equipment you need, including, brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoo, sprays, tools, etc.
  • State of the art equipment, including bathing system, kennels, tables, and dryers

Purpose:

The Junior Pet Stylist's primary purpose is to learn how to perform the following services: bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, alongside seasoned groomers. In addition to bathing and drying services, the Junior Pet Stylist will assist in the grooming process, prioritizing the comfort, safety, and well-being of the pets in our care and delivering optimal customer services to pet parents. This is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about animals and grooming to start their career in the pet care industry.

Essential Job Functions:

The incumbent must be able to consistently perform all the following duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.

  • Under close supervision of experienced groomers, perform limited grooming services including bathing, drying, nail trimming, brushing, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning according to the pet parents' instructions and in adherence to company policies and procedures
  • Ensure the well-being and safety of every animal in the salon at all times
  • Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide optimal customer service, address grooming related inquiries and provide timely resolution
  • Maintain a clean and safe grooming area and salon, disinfect and sanitize grooming tools and equipment, perform daily and weekly cleaning duties in the salon and in adherence to Petco hygiene and sanitation policies, other cleaning and maintenance tasks as assigned, including but not limited to cleaning air filters, vents, and drains
  • Schedule grooming appointments, manage paperwork, and maintain accurate grooming records
  • Learn and adhere to Petco's grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure safety, quality, and consistency in all activities and areas of the grooming business

Training Program Outline:

  • Weeks 1-3: Learning and On-the-Job Training
    • Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming policies, and begin on-the-job training in bathing and drying techniques
  • Weeks 3-10: Performing and Achieving Productivity
    • Perform bathing and walk-in services while achieving weekly productivity goals

Education/Experience:

  • 0-1 year of animal related experience, including shelter volunteering or pet sitting, prior grooming salon assistance is preferred
  • High-school diploma or GED is preferred, though not required
  • Genuine passion for animals and a desire to pursue a career in pet grooming
  • Basic understanding of dog breeds, behavior, and common grooming practices
  • Capable of handling pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills for interactions with pet parents and grooming team members
  • Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, as required by the Pet Care Center's grooming schedule

Work Environment:

The majority of job duties are conducted indoors in the grooming salon. Position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds, as necessary) and standing for long periods of time. Position may require exposure to heights using a two-step ladder or other support tools, such as vacuums, to perform assigned cleaning and maintenance duties. A large amount of this partner's time will be spent in direct contact with our pet parents and their dogs, and the remaining time will be with the other salon partners. The work environment can be noisy and wet.

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.

The pay ranges outlined below are presented in accordance with state-specific regulations. These ranges may differ in other areas and could be subject to variation based on regulatory minimum wage requirements. Actual pay rates will depend on factors such as position, location, level of experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds the minimum indicated in the pay range below, the regulatory minimum wage will be the minimum rate applied.

$10.00 - $19.50

Hourly or Salary Range will be reflected above. For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO -see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits

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