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Dog Grooming Trainee information

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How much do dog grooming trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 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
What cities are hiring for Dog Grooming Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Dog Grooming Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Dog Grooming jobs? The most popular types of Dog Grooming jobs are:
What states have the most Dog Grooming Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Dog Grooming Trainee jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Dog Grooming Trainee jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Dog Grooming Trainee jobs are:
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, 59% Full Time, 39% 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.

Associate Coordinator Trainee, Animal Care

Nestle

Saint Joseph, MO • On-site

$35K - $45K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Driven by integrity and united by the people-and-pet bond, we find strong purpose in the work we do and an even greater joy in those we get to work alongside. Together, we harness the expertise of our long-standing tradition of excellence to embrace possibility and continuously push to do what's never been done before in pet care. Discover your purpose and fuel your passions when you bring your love of pets to a team that prides itself on the power of togetherness-We are Proudly Connected. Purely Driven.

Position Summary

Our Nestle Development Center (NDC) in St. Joseph, MO is home to confident, well socialized dogs and cats who help us learn, research, and better understand the well-being of pets and promote the human animal bond. You'll work alongside a team passionate about pet care that ensures our pets have the best quality of care while participating in cutting edge pet food research. Our center is located near the metropolitan area of Kansas City, within 30 minutes of the Kansas City International airport. St. Joseph is a tight-knit, rural community packed with character, still within commuting distance to the city thus, providing many residential opportunities.

As the Associate Animal Care Coordinator Trainee (Cat NT), you'll be responsible for performing care and maintenance for pets in the facility. By maintaining a safe, clean, and sanitary work environment, you'll be able to ensure we practice safety in the workplace. You will also actively participate in training and skill development as needed.

  • Provide care for pets including daily feedings, basic grooming, enrichment activities, etc.
  • Obtain accurate body weights and body condition scoring as required
  • Ensure reliable data entry for all pet-related information
  • Learn and implement socialization and training programs as per guidelines
  • Perform necessary cleaning and sanitation duties to maintain a clean environment
  • Adhere to Nestle Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
  • Acquire knowledge of and comply with the Animal Welfare Act and Nestle Purina Petcare Manual procedures and protocols
  • Report any sick animals or unusual behavior observed in the pets to the veterinary staff

Requirements

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • 6+ months of experience of animal husbandry and/or regular care of animals

The approximate pay range for this position is $35,000.00 to $45,000.00. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to background, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as geographic location of the position. Nestle offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with Company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at About Us | Making an Impact | Nestle Careers (nestlejobs.com).

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestle. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestle seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you'll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestle home.
 

The Nestle Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship. 

Review our applicant privacy notice before applying at https://www.nestlejobs.com/privacy.

Job Requisition: 410278 

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