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Dog Boarding Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Pet Groomer

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$15.15 - $27.44/hr

Development opportunities Job Summary PetSmart's Pet Stylist (Dog and/or Cat Groomer) is responsible for engaging with pet parents and their pets while providing positive experiences and best in ...

Pet Groomer

Forsyth, IL

$15.15 - $27.44/hr

Development opportunities Job Summary PetSmart's Pet Stylist (Dog and/or Cat Groomer) is responsible for engaging with pet parents and their pets while providing positive experiences and best in ...

Development opportunities Job Summary PetSmart's Pet Stylist (Dog and/or Cat Groomer) is responsible for engaging with pet parents and their pets while providing positive experiences and best in ...

Development opportunities Job Summary PetSmart's Pet Stylist (Dog and/or Cat Groomer) is responsible for engaging with pet parents and their pets while providing positive experiences and best in ...

Development opportunities Job Summary PetSmart's Pet Stylist (Dog and/or Cat Groomer) is responsible for engaging with pet parents and their pets while providing positive experiences and best in ...

Development opportunities Job Summary PetSmart's Pet Stylist (Dog and/or Cat Groomer) is responsible for engaging with pet parents and their pets while providing positive experiences and best in ...

Development opportunities Job Summary PetSmart's Pet Stylist (Dog and/or Cat Groomer) is responsible for engaging with pet parents and their pets while providing positive experiences and best in ...

Development opportunities Job Summary PetSmart's Pet Stylist (Dog and/or Cat Groomer) is responsible for engaging with pet parents and their pets while providing positive experiences and best in ...

Pet Groomer

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$15.15 - $27.44/hr

Development opportunities Job Summary PetSmart's Pet Stylist (Dog and/or Cat Groomer) is responsible for engaging with pet parents and their pets while providing positive experiences and best in ...

Dog Boarding information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$8

$17

$27

How much do dog boarding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog boarding in Decatur, IL is $17.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $19.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a dog boarding?

To become a dog boarding provider, you should gain experience with animals, obtain any required local licenses or permits, and ensure a safe, clean environment for dogs. Good communication skills and knowledge of pet care are also important for success in this role.

What is the difference between Dog Boarding vs Dog Daycare?

AspectDog BoardingDog Daycare
Credentials/CertificationsPet care certifications, animal first aidPet care certifications, animal first aid
Work EnvironmentOvernight care at boarding facility or homeDaytime care at daycare center
Employer/Industry UsagePet boarding facilities, kennels, pet hotelsDog daycare centers, pet care services
Common Search/ComparisonPeople comparing overnight pet care optionsPeople seeking daytime dog supervision

Dog Boarding involves caring for dogs overnight, providing a safe environment while owners are away. Dog Daycare offers daytime supervision and socialization for dogs. Both roles require pet care certifications and are common in pet care industry settings, but they differ mainly in hours and setting.

How much can you make from dog boarding?

Dog boarding professionals typically earn between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and the number of clients. Earnings can increase with additional services like grooming or training, and some may charge daily or per stay rates. Successful dog boarders often build repeat clientele and may operate independently or through pet care facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Dog Boarding, and why are they important?

To thrive in Dog Boarding, you need a solid understanding of animal care, basic pet first aid, and experience handling various breeds and temperaments. Familiarity with pet management software, booking systems, and possibly pet CPR certification is often beneficial. Strong communication, patience, and attention to detail help build trust with pet owners and ensure the animals’ well-being. These skills are crucial to provide safe, reliable care and a positive experience for both pets and their owners.

What qualifications do you need to be a dog sitter?

To be a dog sitter, relevant qualifications include experience with dogs, good communication skills, and reliability. Some employers or platforms may require a background check or pet care certifications, and basic knowledge of dog behavior and first aid can be beneficial.

What are some common challenges faced by dog boarding staff, and how can they be managed effectively?

Dog boarding staff often encounter challenges such as managing dogs with different temperaments, handling separation anxiety, and maintaining a clean, safe environment. To address these, staff should be trained in canine behavior, use positive reinforcement techniques, and follow strict cleaning protocols. Effective communication with pet owners about their dog's needs and routines also helps ensure a smooth boarding experience for both the dogs and the team.

Can I make money boarding dogs?

Dog boarding is a service where individuals care for dogs temporarily, often in their own homes or at a facility, and can generate income depending on demand, location, and pricing. Successful dog boarders typically need good animal handling skills, proper facilities, and may require certifications or insurance to operate legally and safely.

What Are Dog Boarding Jobs?

Dog boarding facilities provide short- or long-term care for dogs. Dog owners may use them as a daycare, dropping off their dog in the morning and picking them at the end of their workday. Others use them for longer trips, such as for vacations that last multiple days or even weeks. Some dog boarding facilities also offer dog grooming. There are various positions necessary to ensure the boarding facility functions efficiently. A dog boarding attendant's duties include cleaning the kennels and living areas, maintaining equipment (brushes, leashes, bowls, carriers), providing fresh water and food as directed, socializing the dogs, taking dogs out for a walk, and assisting with the overall care of the pet. There are also positions as a dog groomer, dog trainer, boarding manager, or receptionist, depending on the size of the facility and the services offered.

What is dog boarding?

Dog boarding is a service where pet owners can leave their dogs at a specialized facility or with a professional caregiver for a set period, usually when they travel or are unable to care for their pets temporarily. These facilities provide food, exercise, socialization, and supervision to ensure the dog's well-being. Boarding can range from traditional kennels to home-like environments, and many offer additional services like grooming or training. It's important to choose a reputable boarding provider to ensure your dog is safe and comfortable while you're away.
What are popular job titles related to Dog Boarding jobs in Decatur, IL? For Dog Boarding jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Dog Boarding jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Dog Boarding jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Dog Boarding jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Dog Boarding job openings:
Infographic showing various Dog Boarding job openings in Decatur, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,647 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

$15.15 - $27.44/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


PetSmart rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

PetSmart does Anything for Pets – JOIN OUR TEAM! 

Pet Groomer

About Life at PetSmart 

Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart. Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection, and teamwork. Our goal is to create a culture where associates learn and grow together, thrive as effective teams, and challenge each other to be the best they can be.

Benefits that benefit you 

  • Paid Weekly
  • Health & Wellness Benefits*
  • 401k Plan with company match
  • Paid Time off for full-time associates
  • Associate discounts 
  • Tuition Assistance 
  • Career pathing 
  • Development opportunities 

Job Summary

PetSmart’s Pet Stylist (Dog and/or Cat Groomer) is responsible for engaging with pet parents and their pets while providing positive experiences and best in class salon services while upholding the company’s vision, mission, values, and strategy. This role shares responsibility of cleanliness and pet health and safety standards.  

Essential Responsibilities

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following and may vary depending on store characteristics and needs: 

  • Independently performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone services, such as nail trims, teeth brushing, and sanitary services in accordance with PetSmart’s bathing standards and procedures. 
  • Recommends additional health and wellness solutions with pet parents based on pet’s needs. 
  • Responsible for the pet parent experience and outcomes conducted in person, over the phone and at the sales register. 
  • Greets pet parents, answers their questions and assists with making reservations in the salon. 
  • Conducts salon appointment reminder calls, maintains client records and consults with pet parents on services offered.  
  • Performs check-in and check-out procedures for grooming appointments, including applicable paperwork and rebooking.  
  • Promotes opportunities to grow salon sales to help achieve sales targets and productivity, and any other relevant salon metrics. 
  • Recommends, informs, and sells merchandise and services. 
  • Maintains the highest level of cleanliness, sanitation, and humane conditions for all pets in the grooming area, by performing maintenance throughout the day including end of day cleaning in accordance with the maintenance checklist. 
  • Responsible for taking immediate action when a sick/injured pet is identified in the store; transport to the vet as needed. 
  • Assists and works in other departments as required. Other duties may be assigned. 
  • Participates in our culture of Belonging and Recognition.   
  • Follows all Company Policies and Procedures. 

Qualifications

  • Prior grooming experience; or 6 months of experience in the Stylist in Training job with Successful completion of PetSmart’s Salon Academy training and safety certification. program or passes the salon technical evaluation.  
  • Proficiency in computer applications. 
  • Ability to react under pressure and maintain composure.  
  • Flexibility in schedule, able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed 
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail and safety measures  
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

Essential physical demands and work environment

  • Associate required to stand, walk, climb a ladder, and use hands to handle, feel, hold, write, etc. The associate frequently is required to reach with hands and arms: stoop, kneel, crouch, talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include depth perception. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
  • Associate must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally team lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include depth perception. 
  • While performing the duties of this job, the associate is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, as well as a wet environment with an abundance of pet hair. The noise level is moderate in the work environment; however, associates may be exposed to high levels of noise at times. Exposure to live animals and their handling is common. 

Do what you love 

Join us for a chance to make a meaningful impact every day. Whether it's helping a customer choose their first fish, celebrating a pet's birthday, or seeing the smile on a pet parent’s face after a fresh groom—you'll create moments that matter. At PetSmart, we cherish diversity and the unique perspectives of our 50,000 associates, all united by a passion for pets.  

We’re delighted you’re interested in joining our pack and helping us in our commitment to doing Anything for Pets, and the people who love them. We're excited to hear your story and learn more about you! Apply Now!  

PetSmart is an Equal Opportunity Employer  

PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We offer reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout our application process, upon request and as required by law.        

This listing is not an indication that the position is currently open or available. We are continually looking to build a strong network of talented candidates to join our organization and are always accepting applications. Feel free to contact your local PetSmart store to check on which roles they are actively hiring for.

This job summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work associates/leaders assigned to this job perform. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. You will be provided with a copy of a job description for the actual position you are hired into.

Exact base rate of pay will be based on relevant experience level, training, skills or knowledge and store location. Pay for this position is the greater of the base pay rate or groom pay (a designated percentage of the associate’s grooming sales based on the job code) and can vary by pay period. In no instance will PetSmart pay less than the local minimum wage. This position is also eligible for benefits, as described at https://benefits.petsmart.com/us/.

Applicants must be over the age of 18 (except in Montana or where otherwise required by local or state law)   

For applicants in our Waterloo, San Francisco, or Los Angeles locations: Pursuant to the Waterloo and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, as well as the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring, we will consider for employment, qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with the law   

*In accordance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), associates who average at least 30 hours per week (or 130 hours per month) during a designated measurement period may be eligible for medical benefits.


Qualifications:UNAVAILABLEEducation:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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About PetSmart

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we empower our teams with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and succeed. With 50,000+ associates nationwide, we foster a culture grounded in integrity, teamwork, and inclusion - where your voice is heard, your efforts are valued and your career can thrive. Together, we make a difference for pets, their people and each other.

Industry

Retail and legal services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US