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Dog Daycare 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 Daycare information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$9

$13

$18

How much do dog daycare jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog daycare in Decatur, IL is $13.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.12 and $15.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dog daycare?

A dog daycare is a facility where pet owners can leave their dogs during the day to be cared for, exercised, and socialized with other dogs under professional supervision. These centers offer a safe environment where dogs can engage in playtime, rest, and sometimes receive basic training or grooming services. Dog daycares are ideal for busy pet owners who want to ensure their dogs are not left alone for long periods and have opportunities to expend energy in a structured setting.

What is the difference between Dog Daycare vs Dog Trainer?

AspectDog DaycareDog Trainer
Required CredentialsBasic pet care knowledge, sometimes certifications in pet first aidCertifications in dog training (e.g., CPDT-KA), experience in behavior modification
Work EnvironmentPet care facilities, group play areas, indoor and outdoor spacesTraining centers, client homes, or outdoor settings
Employer & Industry UsagePet care companies, kennels, pet resortsDog training schools, private clients, pet behavior consultancies

Dog Daycare and Dog Trainer roles both involve working with dogs, but they differ in focus. Dog Daycare primarily provides supervised socialization and care in a group setting, while Dog Trainers focus on behavior modification and obedience training. Understanding these differences helps pet owners choose the right service for their dog's needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dog daycare attendant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dog Daycare Attendant, you need a basic understanding of animal behavior, pet first aid, and experience caring for dogs in group settings, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with pet care management software, cleaning protocols, and safety equipment is commonly required. Strong communication, patience, and problem-solving skills help you effectively interact with both pets and their owners. These abilities ensure the well-being of the dogs, maintain a safe environment, and provide excellent customer service to clients.

What are jobs at a dog daycare?

Jobs at a dog daycare fall into three major categories. Attendant jobs focus on direct interaction with each pet. In this position, you clean, bathe, and groom each dog. As a dog daycare manager, you oversee the facility and ensure each animal gets the attention and support they need. Finally, the veterinary staff provides healthcare as necessary to animals. Most doggy daycares do not allow dogs to stay without proper vaccination, so as a member of the veterinary staff, your duties may include vaccinating new clients. Many vet clinics offer boarding or daycare services, so if you work in this type of daycare, you may be able to provide a full range of personalized care and support for pets with medical conditions. Regardless of position, all jobs at dog daycares involve near-constant interaction with canine companions.

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

Dog daycare attendants often encounter challenges such as managing dogs with different temperaments, handling group dynamics, and ensuring the safety of all pets. It's important to stay alert, recognize canine body language, and intervene early to prevent conflicts. Regular training on animal behavior and clear communication with colleagues help create a safe and positive environment for both dogs and staff. Building relationships with the dogs and maintaining consistent routines also contribute to a smoother workflow and happier pets.
What are popular job titles related to Dog Daycare jobs in Decatur, IL? For Dog Daycare jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Dog Daycare jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Dog Daycare jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Dog Daycare jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Dog Daycare job openings:
Infographic showing various Dog Daycare job openings in Decatur, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,625 per year, or $13.8 per hour.

$15.15 - $27.44/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


PetSmart rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,102 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