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Pet Grooming Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pet Groomer Trainee

Monroe, MI · On-site

$13.83 - $19.33/hr

Pet Groomer Trainee About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people ... While under supervision, performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone ...

Pet Groomer Trainee About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people ... While under supervision, performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone ...

Pet Groomer Trainee About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people ... While under supervision, performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone ...

Pet Groomer Trainee About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people ... While under supervision, performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone ...

Pet Groomer Trainee

Dothan, AL · On-site

$13.07 - $17.57/hr

Pet Groomer Trainee About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people ... While under supervision, performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone ...

Pet Groomer Trainee

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$17.09 - $29.85/hr

Pet Groomer Trainee About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people ... While under supervision, performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone ...

Pet Groomer Trainee

Woodstock, GA · On-site

$13.07 - $18.57/hr

Pet Groomer Trainee About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people ... While under supervision, performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone ...

Pet Groomer Trainee

College Station, TX · On-site

$13.07 - $18.57/hr

Pet Groomer Trainee About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people ... While under supervision, performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone ...

Pet Groomer Trainee

Liverpool, NY · On-site

$16.32 - $26.34/hr

Pet Groomer Trainee About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people ... While under supervision, performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone ...

Pet Groomer Trainee About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people ... While under supervision, performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone ...

Pet Groomer Trainee About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people ... While under supervision, performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone ...

Pet Groomer Trainee About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people ... While under supervision, performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone ...

Pet Groomer Trainee About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people ... While under supervision, performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone ...

Pet Groomer Trainee About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people ... While under supervision, performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone ...

Pet Groomer Trainee

Carmel, IN · On-site

$13.07 - $18.09/hr

Pet Groomer Trainee About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people ... While under supervision, performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone ...

Pet Groomer Trainee About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people ... While under supervision, performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone ...

Pet Groomer Trainee About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people ... While under supervision, performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone ...

Pet Groomer Trainee About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people ... While under supervision, performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone ...

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Showing results 1-20

Pet Grooming Trainee information

See salary details

$10

$23

$39

How much do pet grooming trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for pet grooming trainee in the United States is $23.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $29.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Pet Grooming Trainee vs Pet Grooming Apprentice?

AspectPet Grooming TraineePet Grooming Apprentice
CredentialsBasic training, often no certification requiredSimilar, may include certification or mentorship programs
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised grooming salons or pet storesSimilar, often in grooming salons or training facilities
Employer UsageUsed by employers to describe beginners in groomingUsed interchangeably, sometimes emphasizing mentorship

Pet Grooming Trainee and Pet Grooming Apprentice are often used interchangeably to describe individuals learning grooming skills. Both roles typically involve entry-level work in grooming salons, with minimal credentials required initially. The main difference is in terminology, with 'apprentice' sometimes implying a more formal mentorship. Overall, both roles serve as stepping stones toward becoming a professional pet groomer.

What is a Pet Grooming Trainee?

A Pet Grooming Trainee is an entry-level worker who is learning how to care for and groom animals, typically dogs and cats, under the supervision of experienced groomers. Their responsibilities usually include bathing, brushing, drying, nail trimming, and sometimes assisting with basic haircuts or styling. Trainees gain hands-on experience while developing skills in animal handling, safety procedures, and grooming techniques. Over time, they may progress to more advanced grooming tasks as they gain competence and confidence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pet Grooming Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pet Grooming Trainee, you need a basic understanding of animal care, safety protocols, and a willingness to learn grooming techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with grooming tools such as clippers, shears, brushes, and bathing systems is typically required, and on-the-job training or certification may be beneficial. Patience, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help in handling pets calmly and interacting with pet owners. These skills ensure the well-being of animals, provide quality service, and build trust with clients for success in the grooming industry.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Pet Grooming jobs? The most popular types of Pet Grooming jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Pet Grooming Trainee jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pet Grooming Trainee jobs are:
Pet Bather/Groomer Trainee - Cary

Pet Bather/Groomer Trainee - Cary

Pet Paradise Resort

Apex, NC

$13.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Pet Paradise rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 61 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 35 rated pet care providers


Job description

Description

Pet Paradise is looking for an individual with a passion for pets to join our team as a Pet Bather for our four-legged friends.

Starting Rate: $13.50/hour ($0.50 increase 6 months from hire date, additional $0.50 increase on annual anniversary date)

We are seeking an individual who would love to grow their career and become a groomer through our grooming academy. As a groomer trainee you will be eligible for entry into our grooming academy with a scholarship to become an in-house groomer.

PERKS AND BENEFITS:

  • Opportunity for ADVANCEMENT! You will be eligible to apply for:
    • Unleashed Leadership Academy where you can train for that next step in management with opportunities across the Southeast!
    • Grooming Academy to become a Groomer!
    • STRIVE scholarship programs to become a Veterinary Assistant, Technician or Practice Manager
    • Canine Training Program! Learn to become a dog trainer! (We are currently expanding this service across many of our locations)
  • Complimentary Pet Day Camp – Bring your dog with you to work!
  • 30 Days of Complimentary Pet Boarding (non-holidays)
  • Eligible for TIPS!
  • On-demand pay with DailyPay
  • Discounted Veterinary Care and Grooming Services (per location)
  • Dog/Cat Adoption Assistance
  • Fitness Reimbursement
  • Paid Time Off (both full-time and part-time status)
  • 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance (full-time status)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with added mental health benefit, available to all employees

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF A PET BATHER INCLUDE:

  • Assisting the grooming department with baths prior to scheduled grooms
  • Being responsible for providing "go-home" baths as requested by clients or management
  • May be tasked with performing nail trims, brushing teeth, and cleaning ears in a safe manner as trained
  • Properly securing and reassuring the pets to ensure optimal safety and comfort
  • Responsible for keeping bathing stations clean and having tools cleaned and ready for next use
  • Asking for assistance immediately if a pet demonstrates unusual stress
  • Performing other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS TO BE A PET BATHER:

  • Ability to handle a variety of animals safely and comfortably; prior animal handling experience highly preferred
  • Must have the physical strength, mobility, and stamina to lift or move heavy pets or objects from time to time
  • Ability to calmly handle and bathe pets that may be scared or show hesitation
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, and attention to detail
  • Flexibility to resort schedule needs including days, night, weekends, holidays, and peak times

WHAT IT IS LIKE TO WORK HERE

WE ARE PET PEOPLE! At Pet Paradise, team members ensure that our furry friends get extra loving care and focused attention while playing and staying with us in a safe and entertaining environment. Dog boarding is just the start of what we do! The relationship you build with pets and their parents makes going to work fun and rewarding and the benefits we offer are top notch! We offer career development with our Unleashed Leadership Academy where you can train for that next step in management with opportunities across the Southeast. Or you can expand your skills in pet care in other company-paid training programs. As a team member, you are eligible to apply for our Grooming Academy to become a groomer, or canine training roles as we expand this service across our many locations. If you have a pet of your own, they can enjoy complimentary Pet Day Camp, Boarding and discounts on grooming and veterinary care at all our locations and clinics. Working with pets is not always easy, but we love what we do, and we care about giving you the tools to grow and succeed.

ABOUT PET PARADISE

Pet Paradise's full-service pet care destination is dedicated to giving pet parents access to all the premium care they need to give their furry family member the happiest, healthiest, longest life possible. The Pet Paradise brand has grown to offer resort-style pet day camp and care, professional pet grooming, low-stress and high-quality veterinary care, and of course, overnight boarding that feels like home, all under one roof. Located in eleven states with more than 60 locations in operation or under development, Pet Paradise continues to expand in the United States.

WE ARE A DRUG-FREE, SMOKE-FREE, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Company Policy, Federal and State Laws Forbid Discrimination Because of Age, Color, Race, Religion, Sex, Disability, Sexual Orientation or National Origin. The characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.


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