Internship Cat Behaviorist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Location: Tailwaggers Pets Position Type: Full-Time or Part-Time Compensation:  $25 per hour + Daily Incentives (up to $100/day) + Tips

Tailwaggers Pets is seeking an experienced, compassionate, and highly skilled Professional Dog & Cat Groomer to join our grooming team. This role is responsible for providing safe, humane, high-quality grooming services while delivering exceptional customer service and maintaining salon cleanliness, safety, and operational standards. No assembly-line grooming, Groomers and bathers do the complete grooms and baths. We believe this builds a better relationship between the groomer and the dog.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of advanced grooming knowledge, strong breed-standard grooming skills, the ability to manage pets safely and compassionately, and a commitment to professionalism in a fast-paced environment.

• Perform grooming services for dogs and cats, including bathing, brushing, drying, clipping, hand scissoring, de-matting, nail trimming/grinding, ear cleaning, and coat finishing

• Conduct client consultations regarding pet grooming needs, coat condition, behavior, and service recommendations

• Safely handle pets of varying sizes, breeds, temperaments, and behavioral needs using humane handling practices

• Monitor pet health and notify management or pet parents of visible skin, coat, ear, or health concerns

• Maintain grooming quality standards and breed-specific styling when requested

• Ensure proper sanitation and disinfection of grooming stations, tools, tubs, kennels, and salon areas according to company policy

• Follow all safety procedures for pets, staff, and customers

• Maintain accurate pet details, consultation service cards, report cards and customer communication

• Support front desk or salon operations as needed

• Follow opening and closing procedures and completing a grooming checklist. 

• Promote salon, spa, and retail products/services when appropriate

• Maintain compliance with company policies, local laws, and workplace safety regulations

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Minimum 5+ years of professional grooming experience

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Grooming certification from an accredited grooming school OR equivalent documented apprenticeship/internship experience

• Demonstrated proficiency in:

• Breed-standard cuts

• Hand scissoring

• Clipper work

• Nail trimming/grinding

• Ear cleaning

• De-matting

• Bathing and drying

• Ability to safely groom both dogs and cats of all ages

• Strong verbal communication and customer service skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

• Verifiable professional references

• Reliable transportation and punctual attendance

• English proficiency sufficient to perform job duties safely and effectively

• Additional grooming certifications

• Pet CPR / First Aid certification

• Cat Grooming

• Experience in high-volume salons

• Customer retention or retail sales experience

• Professional portfolio or social media portfolio of grooming work

• Hand Stripping would be great

This position requires:

• Standing for extended periods

• Repetitive hand and wrist movements

• Bending, kneeling, and reaching

• Lifting and carrying pets and equipment up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation

• Safely securing animals as necessary

• Exposure to water, cleaning products, pet dander, fur, and grooming equipment

• Flexible scheduling available based on business needs

• Weekend availability might be required

• Holidays may be required (Closed on Christmas, New Years & Thanksgiving)

• Overtime may be available or required in accordance with applicable CA state law

• $25+ per hour depending on experience

• Daily incentives up to $100/day based on performance metrics; most groomers make the daily incentives

• Customer tips

• Employee discounts (if applicable)

• Career growth opportunities

• Ongoing education opportunities (if applicable)

• Commitment to humane animal treatment

• Professional appearance and hygiene

• Compliance with all attendance, safety, and operational policies

• Respectful communication with clients and coworkers

• Maintenance of confidentiality regarding customer and company information

Tailwaggers Pets is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Employment may be contingent upon satisfactory professional reference checks, prior employment verification, and any legally permissible background screenings consistent with applicable CA state law.

Employment with Tailwaggers Pets is at-will, meaning either the employee or employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law.

Applicants can submit:

• Resume online at www.tailwaggerspets.com 

• Grooming certifications

• Portfolio/photos of grooming work

• Professional references

• Personal references

• Availability