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Dog Grooming Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bark and Mane

Pet Groomer Trainee

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$1.3K - $1.6K/wk

... dogs, horses, or other animals, this job could be a great fit! We provide paid training to develop grooming skills. If you really love animals this is the perfect career path for you. Our groomers ...

Bark & Mane of Westoplex

Pet Groomer Trainee

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$1.3K - $1.6K/wk

... dogs, horses, or other animals, this job could be a great fit! We provide paid training to develop grooming skills. If you really love animals this is the perfect career path for you. Our groomers ...

Bark and Mane

Pet Groomer Trainee

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$1.3K - $1.6K/wk

... dogs, horses, or other animals, this job could be a great fit! We provide paid training to develop grooming skills. If you really love animals this is the perfect career path for you. Our groomers ...

Petco Health and Wellness

Groomer

Brentwood, CA · On-site

May need to train, support, and supervise entry-level trainees in the absence of a Grooming Salon ... various dog breeds, grooming requirements, common health issues and behaviors High level of ...

Petco Health and Wellness

Groomer

Brentwood, CA · On-site

May need to train, support, and supervise entry-level trainees in the absence of a Grooming Salon ... various dog breeds, grooming requirements, common health issues and behaviors High level of ...

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Dog Grooming Trainee information

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$9

$29

$40

How much do dog grooming trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog grooming trainee in the United States is $29.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $34.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dog grooming trainee?

Dog Grooming Trainees are individuals who are learning the skills necessary to professionally groom dogs. They typically work under the supervision of experienced groomers, assisting with bathing, brushing, nail trimming, and other grooming tasks while receiving hands-on training. This role helps trainees develop expertise in animal handling, grooming techniques, and safety procedures. Over time, Dog Grooming Trainees may become certified groomers and take on more responsibilities. The position is ideal for those who love animals and are interested in a career in pet care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dog grooming trainee?

To thrive as a Dog Grooming Trainee, you need basic animal handling skills, attention to detail, and a genuine interest in animal care, with a high school diploma often required. Familiarity with grooming tools such as clippers, shears, and dryers, along with safety protocols, is typically taught on the job, though certification from grooming schools can be beneficial. Patience, strong communication, and a calm demeanor are important soft skills for building trust with pets and interacting with pet owners. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring animal safety, delivering quality grooming services, and creating positive customer experiences.

What are some common challenges faced by dog grooming trainees, and how can they be overcome?

Dog grooming trainees often face challenges such as handling anxious or uncooperative dogs, mastering grooming tools, and learning breed-specific grooming standards. It's important to remain patient, observant, and gentle with each animal to build trust and ensure safety. Seeking feedback from experienced groomers, enrolling in hands-on training programs, and practicing regularly can help trainees develop the necessary skills and confidence to overcome these initial obstacles.

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

AspectDog Grooming TraineeDog Groomer
CertificationsOften in training, may have beginner certificationsCertified or experienced professional
Work ExperienceOn-the-job training, limited experienceExperienced with grooming techniques
Work EnvironmentSupervised grooming salons, training settingsIndependent grooming salons, pet stores
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting, learning grooming skillsPerforming grooming services independently

The main difference between a Dog Grooming Trainee and a Dog Groomer is experience and responsibility level. Trainees are in training, assisting with grooming tasks, while groomers are fully qualified professionals performing grooming services independently.

More about Dog Grooming Trainee jobs

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What are the most commonly searched types of Dog Grooming jobs?

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What states have the most Dog Grooming Trainee jobs?

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Dog Grooming Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dog Grooming Trainee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,079 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Pet Bather / Groomer in Training - Cary

Pet Paradise

Apex, NC • On-site

$13.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Description
Pet Paradise is looking for an individual with a passion for pets to join our team as a Pet Bather for our four-legged friends.
Starting Rate: $13.50/hour ($0.50 increase 6 months from hire date, additional $0.50 increase on annual anniversary date)
We are seeking an individual who would love to grow their career and become a groomer through our grooming academy. As a groomer trainee you will be eligible for entry into our grooming academy with a scholarship to become an in-house groomer.
PERKS AND BENEFITS:
  • Opportunity for ADVANCEMENT! You will be eligible to apply for:
    • Unleashed Leadership Academy where you can train for that next step in management with opportunities across the Southeast!
    • Grooming Academy to become a Groomer!
    • STRIVE scholarship programs to become a Veterinary Assistant, Technician or Practice Manager
    • Canine Training Program! Learn to become a dog trainer! (We are currently expanding this service across many of our locations)
  • Complimentary Pet Day Camp - Bring your dog with you to work!
  • 30 Days of Complimentary Pet Boarding (non-holidays)
  • Eligible for TIPS!
  • On-demand pay with DailyPay
  • Discounted Veterinary Care and Grooming Services (per location)
  • Dog/Cat Adoption Assistance
  • Fitness Reimbursement
  • Paid Time Off (both full-time and part-time status)
  • 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance (full-time status)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with added mental health benefit, available to all employees

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF A PET BATHER INCLUDE:
  • Assisting the grooming department with baths prior to scheduled grooms
  • Being responsible for providing "go-home" baths as requested by clients or management
  • May be tasked with performing nail trims, brushing teeth, and cleaning ears in a safe manner as trained
  • Properly securing and reassuring the pets to ensure optimal safety and comfort
  • Responsible for keeping bathing stations clean and having tools cleaned and ready for next use
  • Asking for assistance immediately if a pet demonstrates unusual stress
  • Performing other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS TO BE A PET BATHER:
  • Ability to handle a variety of animals safely and comfortably; prior animal handling experience highly preferred
  • Must have the physical strength, mobility, and stamina to lift or move heavy pets or objects from time to time
  • Ability to calmly handle and bathe pets that may be scared or show hesitation
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, and attention to detail
  • Flexibility to resort schedule needs including days, night, weekends, holidays, and peak times

WHAT IT IS LIKE TO WORK HERE
WE ARE PET PEOPLE! At Pet Paradise, team members ensure that our furry friends get extra loving care and focused attention while playing and staying with us in a safe and entertaining environment. Dog boarding is just the start of what we do! The relationship you build with pets and their parents makes going to work fun and rewarding and the benefits we offer are top notch! We offer career development with our Unleashed Leadership Academy where you can train for that next step in management with opportunities across the Southeast. Or you can expand your skills in pet care in other company-paid training programs. As a team member, you are eligible to apply for our Grooming Academy to become a groomer, or canine training roles as we expand this service across our many locations. If you have a pet of your own, they can enjoy complimentary Pet Day Camp, Boarding and discounts on grooming and veterinary care at all our locations and clinics. Working with pets is not always easy, but we love what we do, and we care about giving you the tools to grow and succeed.
ABOUT PET PARADISE
Pet Paradise's full-service pet care destination is dedicated to giving pet parents access to all the premium care they need to give their furry family member the happiest, healthiest, longest life possible. The Pet Paradise brand has grown to offer resort-style pet day camp and care, professional pet grooming, low-stress and high-quality veterinary care, and of course, overnight boarding that feels like home, all under one roof. Located in nine states with more than 60 locations in operation or under development, Pet Paradise continues to expand in the United States.
WE ARE A DRUG-FREE, SMOKE-FREE, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Company Policy, Federal and State Laws Forbid Discrimination Because of Age, Color, Race, Religion, Sex, Disability, Sexual Orientation or National Origin. The characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

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