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Assistant Dog Grooming Jobs in Rochester, MN (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 ...

Assistant Dog Grooming information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$8

$20

$57

How much do assistant dog grooming jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant dog grooming in Rochester, MN is $20.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $21.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are assistant dog groomers?

Assistant dog groomers are professionals who help certified dog groomers with various tasks in a grooming salon or pet care facility. Their responsibilities often include bathing, brushing, drying, nail trimming, cleaning work areas, and handling dogs to keep them calm and safe. They support the main groomer by preparing dogs for grooming sessions and ensuring that equipment is sanitized and ready for use. This entry-level position is a common starting point for those interested in becoming professional dog groomers.

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

AspectAssistant Dog GroomingDog Groomer
CredentialsBasic grooming training, certifications varyAdvanced grooming certifications, licenses often required
Work EnvironmentAssists in grooming salons, supports lead groomersPerforms full grooming services independently
Employer & IndustryGrooming salons, pet care facilitiesGrooming salons, pet spas, mobile grooming units
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Assistant Dog Grooming roles focus on supporting and assisting experienced groomers, often requiring basic training. Dog Groomers perform comprehensive grooming services independently, with more advanced certifications. Both roles are essential in pet grooming industry settings, but the main difference lies in responsibility level and certification requirements.

What does a typical day look like for an Assistant Dog Grooming professional?

A typical day for an Assistant Dog Grooming professional involves supporting lead groomers by bathing dogs, drying and brushing their coats, trimming nails, cleaning ears, and ensuring the grooming area stays safe and clean. You’ll also interact with pet owners, helping check in and out clients, and occasionally assist with scheduling appointments. Working as part of a team, you’ll learn grooming techniques and animal handling skills, making this a great hands-on role for those looking to advance in the pet care industry. Teamwork, patience, and strong communication skills are essential for a smooth workflow and a positive experience for both pets and their owners.

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 hands-on experience with pet care, basic grooming techniques, and knowledge of animal behavior, typically supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Familiarity with grooming tools such as clippers, shears, dryers, and pet-safe cleaning products is essential. Strong attention to detail, patience, and effective communication with both pets and owners are crucial soft skills. These qualities ensure the safety, comfort, and satisfaction of both the animals and clients, while supporting efficient grooming operations.
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Assistant Dog Grooming jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Assistant Dog Grooming job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Dog Grooming job openings in Rochester, MN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,076 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Junior Groomer

Junior Groomer

Petco

Rochester, MN • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Petco rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 630 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

431st of 727 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 distinct 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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