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Grooming Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Amerivet

Grooming Assistant

Upper Marlboro, MD · On-site

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Dog Bather/Assistant to join our grooming team. As an animal bather, you will provide professional grooming services for dogs, prioritizing their comfort ...

AmeriVet

Grooming Assistant

Upper Marlboro, MD · On-site

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Dog Bather/Assistant to join our grooming team. As an animal bather, you will provide professional grooming services for dogs, prioritizing their comfort ...

Masterpiece Canine Spa

Groomer

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $125K/yr

We are a boutique, high end grooming shop consistently voted best in the city. Looking to hire talented groomers that take great pride in their work as well as groomer's assistants for bathing and ...

Masterpiece Canine Spa

Groomer

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $125K/yr

We are a boutique, high end grooming shop consistently voted best in the city. Looking to hire talented groomers that take great pride in their work as well as groomer's assistants for bathing and ...

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Grooming Assistant information

See Washington salary details

$9

$22

$64

How much do grooming assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for grooming assistant in Washington is $22.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $23.41 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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Grooming jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Grooming jobs in Washington are:

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For Grooming Assistant jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Grooming Assistant jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Grooming Assistant jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Grooming Assistant jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Grooming Assistant job openings:

Grooming Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Grooming Assistant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,882 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Grooming Assistant

Upper Marlboro, MD • On-site

Amerivet
Veterinary Services

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 52 rated veterinary

People enjoy working here

Recommended by parents

Respectful managers

Learn more about Amerivetexternal

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Position Overview:We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Dog Bather/Assistant to join our grooming team. As an animal bather, you will provide professional grooming services for dogs, prioritizing their comfort, safety, and overall satisfaction. Your expertise will help ensure every pet receives high-quality care, while you contribute to an exceptional customer experience.Key Qualifications
  • Love for Dogs: Must genuinely enjoy working with dogs and understand that "FUR kids" are family.
  • Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment.
  • Animal Care Knowledge: Familiarity with animal care practices, including handling and restraint techniques.
  • Calm Demeanor: Skill in interacting with dogs of all temperaments in a calm, gentle manner.
  • Physical Ability: Comfortable with bending, kneeling, standing for extended periods, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • Communication Skills: Excellent verbal communication and ability to follow instructions precisely.
  • Patient and Caring: Compassionate, attentive, and focused on safely caring for dogs of all sizes and breeds.
  • Experience: Previous experience in dog handling or pet grooming is preferred but not required.
  • Comfort with Animals: Comfortable being around dogs and cats.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Bathe, shampoo, and dry pets according to breed standards and personalized client specifications.
  • Brush and detangle fur to prepare dogs for further grooming.
  • Trim and grind dog nails; brush teeth and clean ears.
  • Handle animals safely and effectively, ensuring their comfort throughout the grooming process.
  • Assist with animal restraint as needed during grooming procedures.
  • Help groomers prepare pets for more intricate grooming tasks.
  • Maintain cleanliness of the grooming area, equipment, and kennel/hospital spaces.
  • Provide compassionate care to pets, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times.
  • Meet the physical demands of the job, including lifting, moving equipment, and handling larger animals.
  • Communicate clearly with team members and clients to deliver exceptional customer service.
Work Environment & Expectations
  • Work in a busy, team-oriented grooming facility.
  • Tasks may include standing, bending, kneeling, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • Expect to get a little dirty, but know that every dog will be comfortable, clean, and happy thanks to your efforts.
  • Maintain a positive attitude and stay engaged throughout your shift.
Why Join Us?Our team is passionate about animals and dedicated to providing the highest level of care. We treat every pet as family and believe in fostering a safe, supportive, and fun work environment. If you love dogs, enjoy helping others, and are committed to delivering quality service, we invite you to apply and make a difference for pets and their people.

At AmeriVet, we're committed to your growth, development, well-being, and success. We empower team members with the resources, support, and opportunities needed to thrive in their careers and make a lasting impact in our communities.

Here's what you can expect when you join our team:

  • Tailored development programs, mentorship, and career pathing to help you achieve your unique goals.

  • Competitive pay, performance bonuses, 401(k) matching, and student loan assistance to foster your financial well-being.

  • Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and mental health resources to support your overall well-being.

  • Generous paid time off and holidays, because your personal time matters.

  • A supportive, collaborative environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Please note: Any Benefits listed above apply to full-time employees.

At AmeriVet, your unique skills and passion are celebrated, and every team member has the tools to thrive. Our people-focused approach is centered on helping you grow in your career while making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.

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