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Grooming Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Petco

Junior Groomer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

In addition to bathing and drying services, the Junior Pet Stylist will assist in the grooming process, prioritizing the comfort, safety, and well-being of the pets in our care and delivering optimal ...

Petco

Junior Groomer

Mason City, IA · On-site

In addition to bathing and drying services, the Junior Pet Stylist will assist in the grooming process, prioritizing the comfort, safety, and well-being of the pets in our care and delivering optimal ...

Petco

Junior Groomer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

In addition to bathing and drying services, the Junior Pet Stylist will assist in the grooming process, prioritizing the comfort, safety, and well-being of the pets in our care and delivering optimal ...

Petco

Junior Groomer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

In addition to bathing and drying services, the Junior Pet Stylist will assist in the grooming process, prioritizing the comfort, safety, and well-being of the pets in our care and delivering optimal ...

iCAN Staffing Agency LLC

LTC CNA

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

This includes assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. The CNA will also monitor patients' vital signs and report any changes to the RN or ...

Eagle Point Corp

CNA

Clinton, IA · On-site

Provide daily personal care assistance, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting * Assist residents with mobility and transfers * Take vital signs and monitor changes in condition

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Grooming Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$18

$53

How much do grooming assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for grooming assistant in Iowa is $18.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $19.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a grooming assistant?

A grooming assistant helps with various administrative and clerical tasks related to grooming services for pet animals. As a grooming assistant, your job duties include preparing workstations, washing and prepping animals for grooming, cleaning kennels, stocking inventory, and providing assistance to dog owners and other pet owners. The qualifications for this career include a high school diploma and, preferably, some experience or training, which you can gain through an apprenticeship or grooming school. You should be comfortable around all sorts of animals and have excellent attention to detail and customer service skills.

What are some common challenges faced by grooming assistants and how can they be managed?

Grooming Assistants often encounter challenges such as handling anxious or uncooperative animals, managing time effectively during busy periods, and maintaining a clean, safe workspace. Building patience and strong animal-handling skills are essential for minimizing stress for both pets and staff. Effective communication with groomers and pet owners also helps ensure a smooth workflow and clear expectations. Over time, experience and support from the grooming team can help new assistants become more confident and efficient in their role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a grooming assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Grooming Assistant, you need foundational knowledge of animal care, basic grooming techniques, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with grooming tools (such as clippers, brushes, and dryers), pet restraint systems, and safety protocols is important. Patience, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal skills help you work effectively with animals and communicate with pet owners. These skills are crucial to ensure animal safety, customer satisfaction, and efficient operation in a pet grooming environment.

What is the difference between Grooming Assistant vs Pet Groomer?

AspectGrooming AssistantPet Groomer
CredentialsBasic animal handling, grooming support skillsCertification or licensing often required, specialized grooming training
Work EnvironmentAssist grooming professionals in salons or pet storesPerform grooming services directly on pets in salons or mobile units
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in pet grooming salons, pet stores, veterinary clinicsPrimarily employed in grooming salons, pet spas, or mobile grooming services

The main difference is that a Grooming Assistant supports and assists pet groomers, focusing on preparation and handling, while a Pet Groomer performs the actual grooming services. Grooming Assistants typically require less certification and work under supervision, whereas Pet Groomers often need specialized training and certification to perform grooming independently.

More about Grooming Assistant jobs
What are popular job titles related to Grooming Assistant jobs in Iowa? For Grooming Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Grooming Assistant jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Grooming Assistant jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Grooming Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Grooming Assistant job openings:
Grooming Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Grooming Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,879 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Junior Groomer

Petco

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Petco rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 637 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

457th of 730 rated retailers

Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?
We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.
Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.
  • Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

  • Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through distinct experiences, products, and services.

  • Let's Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team. We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco:
We're proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years - from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.
Your Petco Grooming Career:
Begin your Petco journey as a Junior Pet Stylist in Grooming!
During this ten-week training period as a Junior Pet Stylist, you will learn fundamental grooming tasks such as brushing, bathing, drying, cutting nails, and more! Gaining hands-on experience with guidance from seasoned groomers, our industry leading program is designed to develop essential grooming skills and set the foundation for your future career with Petco Grooming.
In addition to our commitment to continuous training, development, and career growth, we also offer:
  • Competitive base pay
  • Medical, dental, vision and more
  • 401k and more
  • Paid Time Off
  • Petco Discounts
  • All the supplies & equipment you need, including, brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoo, sprays, tools, etc.
  • State of the art equipment, including bathing system, kennels, tables, and dryers

Purpose:
The Junior Pet Stylist's primary purpose is to learn how to perform the following services: bathing, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, alongside seasoned groomers. In addition to bathing and drying services, the Junior Pet Stylist will assist in the grooming process, prioritizing the comfort, safety, and well-being of the pets in our care and delivering optimal customer services to pet parents. This is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about animals and grooming to start their career in the pet care industry.
Essential Job Functions:
The incumbent must be able to consistently perform all the following duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Under close supervision of experienced groomers, perform limited grooming services including bathing, drying, nail trimming, brushing, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning according to the pet parents' instructions and in adherence to company policies and procedures
  • Ensure the well-being and safety of every animal in the salon at all times
  • Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide optimal customer service, address grooming related inquiries and provide timely resolution
  • Maintain a clean and safe grooming area and salon, disinfect and sanitize grooming tools and equipment, perform daily and weekly cleaning duties in the salon and in adherence to Petco hygiene and sanitation policies, other cleaning and maintenance tasks as assigned, including but not limited to cleaning air filters, vents, and drains
  • Schedule grooming appointments, manage paperwork, and maintain accurate grooming records
  • Learn and adhere to Petco's grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure safety, quality, and consistency in all activities and areas of the grooming business

Training Program Outline:
  • Weeks 1-3: Learning and On-the-Job Training
    • Learn dog behavior, pet and self-safety, proper check-in/out procedures, customer service, grooming policies, and begin on-the-job training in bathing and drying techniques
  • Weeks 3-10: Performing and Achieving Productivity
    • Perform bathing and walk-in services while achieving weekly productivity goals

Education/Experience:
  • 0-1 year of animal related experience, including shelter volunteering or pet sitting, prior grooming salon assistance is preferred
  • High-school diploma or GED is preferred, though not required
  • Genuine passion for animals and a desire to pursue a career in pet grooming
  • Basic understanding of dog breeds, behavior, and common grooming practices
  • Capable of handling pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills for interactions with pet parents and grooming team members
  • Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, as required by the Pet Care Center's grooming schedule

Work Environment:
The majority of job duties are conducted indoors in the grooming salon. Position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds, as necessary) and standing for long periods of time. Position may require exposure to heights using a two-step ladder or other support tools, such as vacuums, to perform assigned cleaning and maintenance duties. A large amount of this partner's time will be spent in direct contact with our pet parents and their dogs, and the remaining time will be with the other salon partners. The work environment can be noisy and wet.
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.
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