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Dog Grooming Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Do you love dogs? Do you love helping people? Do you possess great customer service skills? We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We ...

Do you love dogs? Do you love helping people? Do you possess great customer service skills? We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We ...

This position is responsible providing professional grooming services for dogs using the knowledge of canine characteristics and grooming styles and techniques. Essential Duties and Responsibilities ...

Dog Trainer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$70K/yr

Do you love dogs? Do you love helping people? Do you possess great customer service skills? We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We ...

Dog Trainer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$70K/yr

Do you love dogs? Do you love helping people? Do you possess great customer service skills? We are a part of the fastest growing dog training company in the country- Off Leash K9 Training, LLC. We ...

Overall Job Summary This position is responsible providing professional grooming services for dogs using the knowledge of canine characteristics and grooming styles and techniques. Essential Duties ...

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Dog Grooming information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$8

$20

$31

How much do dog grooming jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog grooming in Rio Rancho, NM is $20.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $23.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is dog grooming?

Dog grooming is the process of cleaning, maintaining, and caring for a dog's coat, skin, nails, ears, and overall hygiene. Professional dog groomers provide services such as bathing, hair trimming, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and sometimes even teeth brushing. Regular grooming helps keep dogs healthy, reduces the risk of infections, and makes them look and feel better. It's essential for all breeds, but the frequency and specific services needed may vary depending on the dog's coat type and lifestyle.

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

To thrive as a Dog Groomer, you need knowledge of animal behavior, grooming techniques, and breed-specific styling, often supported by formal training or certification in pet grooming. Familiarity with grooming tools such as clippers, shears, dryers, and specialized shampoos is essential for safe and effective service. Patience, attention to detail, and strong communication help build trust with both pets and their owners. These skills ensure the safety, comfort, and satisfaction of pets and clients, leading to repeat business and a positive reputation.

What are the most common challenges dog groomers face during a typical workday?

Dog groomers often encounter challenges such as handling anxious or aggressive pets, managing varying coat types and grooming needs, and maintaining a clean, safe work environment. Communication with pet owners about the pet’s needs and any potential health issues discovered during grooming can also be demanding. Adapting to each dog's temperament and ensuring their comfort throughout the grooming process requires patience, skill, and attention to detail.

What is the difference between Dog Grooming vs Pet Bathing?

AspectDog GroomingPet Bathing
CredentialsGrooming certifications, grooming licensesNo formal credentials typically required
Work EnvironmentGrooming salons, veterinary clinics, pet storesPet owners' homes, grooming salons, kennels
Industry UsageProfessional grooming services for dogsBasic bathing services, often performed by pet owners or assistants
Common Search IntentDog grooming techniques, certifications, careerPet bathing tips, DIY pet bathing

Dog grooming involves comprehensive grooming services including haircuts, styling, nail trimming, and ear cleaning, often requiring specialized skills and certifications. Pet bathing primarily focuses on cleaning the pet's coat and skin, usually as part of grooming but can be a simple task performed by pet owners or assistants. While both are related, dog grooming is a professional service with a broader scope and formal credentials, whereas pet bathing is a basic cleaning process.

Is being a dog groomer a good career?

Dog grooming is a skilled profession that involves bathing, trimming, and styling dogs, often requiring certification or training. It can offer flexible hours and the opportunity to work independently or in salons, but income varies based on experience, location, and client base.

What qualifications do I need to groom dogs?

Dog grooming professionals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue certification through specialized grooming programs or apprenticeships. Skills in handling animals, knowledge of grooming tools, and understanding of different breeds are essential, and some states or employers may require licensing or certification.

What are popular job titles related to Dog Grooming jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

For Dog Grooming jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Dog Grooming jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Dog Grooming job openings:

Infographic showing various Dog Grooming job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,984 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Grooming Salon Leader Petsense

Tractor Supply Company

Los Lunas, NM

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 10 days ago


Tractor Supply rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 1,316 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

430th of 734 rated retailers


Job description

Overall Job Summary

This role offers a $3.00/hr. stipend from start date for 120 days to allow time for new team members to build a clientele, while providing income stability.

This position is responsible for leading the operations of the grooming salon, achieving targeted goals and driving results to grow the business. This includes overseeing daily operations of the salon, training and coaching staff, and providing exceptional customer service to all pet parents and their dogs. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Min 5%)

As a Salon Leader, it is essential that you be available, flexible, adaptable and service-oriented, as you must be able to fulfill all of the the following requirements:

  • Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
  • Work scheduled shifts and have the ability to work varied hours, days, nights, weekends and overtime as dictated by business needs.
  • Take the initiative to support selling initiatives (TEAM):
    • Thank the Customer
    • Engage with the customer and/or pet
    • Advise products or services
    • Make it Memorable
  • Salon Leaders are required to perform a combination of the following duties throughout their day. Although daily tasks may vary day to day, our business and staffing model makes it essential every Salon Leader be able to perform all fo the following duties accurately, efficiently, and safely on a regular basis and without advance notice:
    • Manage the day to day operations of the Groom Shop; including scheduling, safety checklists, and salon audits
    • Assist in hiring and onboarding all new Groomers and Groom Technicians. This includes ensuring timely completion of all training requirements, mentoring where needed throughout training and evaluating potential and current employee grooming skills
    • Partner with Store Manager daily/weekly; filter communication to salon and manage business to plan
    • Drive salon growth - calling existing and new customers, scheduling appointments, follow-up phone calls and reminders to customers, attending community events, holding in-store events, working with rescue groups and more
    • Lead salon team members by driving professional development, coaching for improvement and reviewing performance key metrics
    • Provide professional grooming services for dogs using the knowledge of canine characteristics and grooming styles and techniques
    • Safe Pet Handling
    • Demonstrating Professionalism
    • Equipment Handling and Maintenance
    • Ensures the safety and well-being of animals
    • Inspects animals for external signs of parasites, disease or injury and reports findings to pet owners.
    • Practice Safety and Sanitization protocols
    • Sanitizes and maintains upkeep of all grooming tools and equipment to eliminates injury and spread of diseases to other pet clients.
    • Maintains records of all pet clients to include services provided and vaccination records.
    • Operate computer as needed.
    • Recovery of store, if needed.
    • Ensure the safety and well-being of live animals. Sanitize and maintain holding tanks and care for live animals as required
    • Complete all documentation associated with any of the above job duties
  • Enforce and follow all salon policies and procedures.
  • May also be required to perform other duties as assigned.
     
Required Qualifications

Experience: Must demonstrate knowledge and skills in the grooming industry with a minimum of 2+ years experience grooming pets under the leadership of a professional groomer. Supervisory experience preferred. Must be comfortable working with dogs and cats. Ability to demonstrate patience and compassion for animals. Must provide own tools (clippers, blades, shears) or be willing purchase required tools.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Any suitable combination of education and experience will be considered. Regardless of education level, Associates must be able to read, write and count accurately.
 

High Demand IT Specialized Skills
Platform Knowledge
Preferred knowledge, skills or abilities
  • Operate and use all grooming tools and equipment including bathing tubs, brushes, combs, scissors, clippers, dryers, and bathing products such as perfumed shampoo and soaps
  • Communicate effectively with Associates and customers
  • Display compassion with animals and treat them accordingly
  • Exhibit attention to detail
  • Read, write and count to accurately complete all documentation
  • Problem solving skills
  • Basic computer skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to resolve issues ethically and with minimal conflict.
     
Working Conditions
  • Working environment is favorable, generally working inside with moderate noise.
  • Indoor floors and outdoor lots generally are hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, etc.) lighting and temperature are adequate.
  • Exposure to wet conditions, particularly when bathing dogs.
  • Exposure to sharp grooming instruments, perfumed shampoos and soaps, pets, and pet waste.
  • Exposure to cats and dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
  • Work shifts vary from one store to another, but generally are no less than 4 hours and may exceed 8 hours
  • Promote a safe and productive work environment for Team Members and customers and adhere to Company safety training and guidelines
Physical Requirements
  • This position is non-sedentary.
  • It is essential that Team Members have the physical and mental stamina and ability to move throughout the store and outdoor areas quickly and safely.
  • It is essential to operate all equipment related to their job duties efficiently, safely, properly and accurately; and to provide the highest level of customer service.
  • Ability to move and transfer live animals, equipment, and merchandise weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to stand and maintain a stationary position for up to 8 hours while grooming animals.
  • Ability to frequently move for 4-8 hours per day around the salon to groom animals, clean, and maintain the salon.
  • Ability to utilize grooming instruments including shears and dryers.
  • Ability to occasionally lift or reach merchandise overhead.
  • Ability to bend, kneel, and squat frequently to position oneself to groom animals, clean shelves, and stock merchandise and equipment.
  • Ability to constantly operate store equipment such as computer, cash register, and other store equipment.
  • Ability to read, write, and count accurately to complete all documentation.
  • Ability to utilize strong written and verbal communication skills to communicate effectively with team members and customers.
  • Ability to successfully complete all required training.
Disclaimer

This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position.  It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities.  An Associate should perform all duties as assigned by his/ her supervisor.

Company Info

At Tractor Supply and Petsense by Tractor Supply, our Team Members are the heart of our success. Their dedication, passion, and hard work drive everything we do, and we are committed to supporting them with a comprehensive and accessible total reward package. We understand the evolving needs of our Team Members and their families, and we strive to offer meaningful, competitive, and sustainable benefits that support their well-being today and in the future.

Our benefits extend beyond medical, dental, and vision coverage, including company-paid life and disability insurance, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and family planning resources such as adoption and surrogacy assistance, for all full-time Team Members and all part-time Team Members. Part time new hires gain eligibility for TSC Benefits by averaging at least 15 hours per week during their 90-day lookback period. The lookback period starts the first of the month following the date of hire. If the 15-hour requirement was met, the benefits eligibility date will be the first day of the month following 4 months of continuous service.

Please visit this link for more specific information about the benefits and leave policies applicable to the position you're applying for.


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