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Entry Level Pet Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Pet information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Pet Care Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Pet Care Associate, you need basic animal care knowledge, attention to detail, and a genuine love for animals—typically demonstrated through prior volunteer or work experience, though formal education is not always required. Familiarity with kennel management systems, scheduling software, and proper sanitation protocols is helpful. Strong communication, reliability, and patience are vital soft skills for interacting with both animals and their owners. These skills ensure animal welfare, client satisfaction, and the smooth operation of pet care facilities.

What types of tasks and responsibilities can I expect in an entry-level pet care position?

In an entry-level pet care position, you'll typically be responsible for feeding, grooming, exercising, and monitoring the health and behavior of animals in your care. You might also assist with cleaning enclosures, maintaining a safe environment, and providing basic training or enrichment activities. Collaboration with more experienced staff is common, as you'll often work as part of a team to ensure the well-being of the pets. This role can be physically demanding and may require flexibility in working hours, but it provides valuable hands-on experience for those interested in animal care careers.

What are entry level pet jobs?

Entry level pet jobs are positions suitable for individuals who are new to the pet care industry and may not have prior professional experience. These roles typically include tasks such as dog walking, pet sitting, grooming assistant, kennel attendant, or working at pet stores. They offer hands-on experience working with animals and are a great way to start a career in pet care. Entry level pet jobs often require a love for animals, reliability, and good communication skills, but usually do not require formal training or certifications.

What is the difference between Entry Level Pet vs Pet Care Assistant?

AspectEntry Level PetPet Care Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic animal handling knowledgeHigh school diploma; some certifications in pet care or animal handling preferred
Work EnvironmentPet stores, animal shelters, grooming salonsAnimal shelters, pet boarding facilities, veterinary clinics
Employer & Industry UsageRetail pet stores, shelters, grooming businessesAnimal shelters, pet care facilities, veterinary clinics
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Pet vs Pet Care Assistant

The main difference between an Entry Level Pet and a Pet Care Assistant lies in their typical work environments and certifications. Entry Level Pets are often associated with retail or grooming settings, requiring basic animal handling skills. Pet Care Assistants usually work in shelters or veterinary clinics, often with additional certifications. Both roles serve similar functions in caring for animals but differ in specific job settings and qualifications.

More about Entry Level Pet jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Pet jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Pet job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pet jobs? The most popular types of Pet jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Pet jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Pet jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Pet jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Pet jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Pet job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 38% Full Time, 57% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Pet Groomer - Store 8020: 2600 McFarland Blvd E.

USR Team Franchise of Pet Supplies Plus

Tuscaloosa, AL

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

GROOMER

Overview/Description:
A Groomer contributes to Pet Supplies Plus’ vision of America’s Favorite Neighborhood Pet Store by grooming pets and providing other services such as bathing/brushing, ear and teeth cleaning, or nail trims. This role works closely with the grooming team to develop new relationships in the community. Ideal candidates are excited about our pets and our customers (“neighbors”) and go the extra mile to ensure they are delighted with services when leaving our groom rooms. In conjunction with the pet center team, groomers will be responsible for providing neighborly, petcentric, trustworthy, and knowledgeable service.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Perform grooming services, delighting our neighbors and pets, including brushing, bathing, and conditioning of animals.
  • Groom and style pets based on pet owner instructions and requests. Follow standard procedures and breed standards.
  • Ensure wellness and safety of those in our care at all times.
  • Approach and greet pet parents, providing quick and courteous service by learning about pets, neighbor preferences, and determining their needs.
  • Drive neighbor satisfaction by developing long-term relationships with pet parents, sharing product knowledge, and suggesting products and services needed for happy and healthy pets.
  • Community outreach to attract new neighbors into “our neighborhood.”
  • Suggest customized, additional services over the basic self-wash or groom.
  • Perform routine cleaning, keeping our environment inviting, and assist the pet center team with tasks and neighbor engagement in downtime.
  • Successful completion of Safety, Bather/Brusher and Grooming Academy training certification.
  • Candidates with less than 1 year/no grooming experience will first complete Safety and Bather/Brusher training and successfully provide bathing services before endorsement to begin Grooming Academy.
Successful Candidates Will Have the Following Qualifications:
  • High School diploma or GED.
  • 1+ years’ experience grooming with formal training certification and/or experience under an established certified groomer. Entry-level candidates must have an interest in working with and handling pets for several hours at a time and completing Grooming Academy Training to become a groomer.
  • A minimum of 1 year of experience in retail or other service provider with an emphasis on providing topnotch service.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to ask probing questions to ensure clarity around pet needs and neighbor preferences.
  • Ability to quickly build neighbor and pet relationships.
  • Ability to increase and maintain long-term client business.
  • Passion for pets and an understanding of what pets mean to their owners.
  • Must successfully complete Pet Supplies Plus training and certification programs.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Experienced candidates must be skilled in bathing/brushing and scissoring with multiple dog breeds.
  • Ability to balance quality and quantity of grooms.
  • Ability to work with and manage small, medium and large dogs and work around fur and dander.
  • Ability to move or lift merchandise, equipment, and pets weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to stand, bend and stoop for extended period of time.
  • Candidates must have reliable transportation to pet center, including ability to travel to other locations within the market for training, etc., as needed.
  • Flexibility in work schedule including the ability to work extended hours, mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Candidates must own or purchase personal grooming tools.
  • All candidates must pass the drug, background and validated selection test, and be 18 years or older.