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Veterinary Groomer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Wendy Kurtz, our Chief of Staff, is a certified veterinary mentor * Hands-on mentorship from Dr ... and grooming areas * Expanding dental, ultrasound, and laser services * Digital and dental ...

Work cross functionally with the grooming and veterinary teams to provide holistic whole health solutions for all pet parents. * Complete and apply ongoing training programs to maintain a high level ...

Work cross functionally with the grooming and veterinary teams to provide holistic whole health solutions for all pet parents. * Complete and apply ongoing training programs to maintain a high level ...

Work cross functionally with the grooming and veterinary teams to provide holistic whole health solutions for all pet parents. * Complete and apply ongoing training programs to maintain a high level ...

Veterinary Groomer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$10

$23

$39

How much do veterinary groomer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary groomer in Rochester, NY is $23.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $28.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a veterinary groomer?

Veterinary Groomers are professionals trained to provide grooming services such as bathing, brushing, trimming, and nail clipping for animals, typically in a veterinary clinic or animal hospital setting. Unlike standard pet groomers, they often work closely with veterinarians to ensure the health and comfort of pets, especially those with medical conditions or special needs. Veterinary Groomers play a key role in maintaining animal hygiene, detecting potential health issues, and supporting the overall well-being of pets. Their work may also include handling anxious or medically fragile animals and assisting with pre- or post-surgical grooming.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a veterinary groomer?

To thrive as a Veterinary Groomer, you need expertise in animal handling, grooming techniques, and a basic understanding of animal health and behavior, often supported by a grooming certification or relevant experience. Familiarity with grooming tools, pet-safe products, and scheduling or record-keeping software is typically required. Patience, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help build trust with both pets and their owners. These skills are vital for ensuring animal safety, delivering high-quality grooming services, and maintaining client satisfaction.

What are some common challenges veterinary groomers face when working with anxious or aggressive animals?

Veterinary Groomers often encounter pets who are anxious or display aggressive behaviors, especially in unfamiliar environments. Handling these situations requires patience, gentle restraint techniques, and strong communication skills to help calm both the animal and its owner. Groomers may collaborate closely with veterinarians and veterinary technicians to ensure the pet's safety and comfort, sometimes using mild sedation under veterinary supervision if necessary. Developing trust with the animal over repeated visits is key to making grooming a positive experience for everyone involved.

What is the difference between Veterinary Groomer vs Pet Stylist?

AspectVeterinary GroomerPet Stylist
CertificationsGrooming certification, veterinary assistant trainingGrooming certification, cosmetology or pet styling courses
Work EnvironmentVeterinary clinics, animal hospitalsPet salons, grooming shops
Employer & IndustryVeterinary practices, animal healthcarePet grooming salons, pet boutiques

Veterinary Groomers and Pet Stylists both groom animals, but Veterinary Groomers have additional veterinary-related training, allowing them to handle animals with medical issues and work within veterinary clinics. Pet Stylists primarily focus on aesthetic grooming in salons. While both roles involve grooming skills, Veterinary Groomers are equipped to address health concerns alongside grooming, making their roles more integrated with animal healthcare.

Where do veterinary groomers make the most money?

Veterinary groomers tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for pet services, such as urban areas or affluent communities. Experience, certifications, and the type of employer also influence earnings, with specialized or high-end grooming salons often offering higher pay.

What are popular job titles related to Veterinary Groomer jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Veterinary Groomer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Veterinary Groomer jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Veterinary Groomer jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Veterinary Groomer jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Veterinary Groomer job openings:

Infographic showing various Veterinary Groomer job openings in Rochester, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,355 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Veterinarian - Ontario, NY

County Line Animal Hospital

Ontario, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Who we are:

Associate Veterinarian | Ontario, NY | No Evenings, No Weekends, No On-CallFlexible Schedule - Full-Time or Part-Time | New Grads Welcome!

County Line Animal Hospital is seeking an Associate Veterinarian to join our experienced and collaborative team in Ontario, NY. Whether you are an experienced DVM looking to grow your dentistry, surgery, or leadership skills, or a new graduate seeking hands-on mentorship, we would love to connect.

Established in 1992 and part of the Vetcor family since 2015, we combine small-town charm with progressive medicine along the shores of Lake Ontario.

Why You'll Love Working Here

A genuinely supportive, collaborative environment:

  • 1:1 doctor-to-technician ratio so you can focus on what matters most: high-quality medicine and connecting with your clients
  • Experienced RVTs and a collaborative leadership team
  • Supportive Hospital Manager who prioritizes communication and efficiency
  • Close-knit, family-like atmosphere that genuinely prioritizes mental well-being and work-life balance

Our team is open, welcoming, and excited to support both experienced veterinarians and new grads alike.

Mentorship & Growth into Leadership

  • Dr. Wendy Kurtz, our Chief of Staff, is a certified veterinary mentor
  • Hands-on mentorship from Dr. Wendy Kurtz and Dr. Tim Vleuten
  • Structured one-on-one surgical training and shadowing
  • Opportunity to grow into leadership or management over time
  • Excellent fit for experienced veterinarians looking to refine skills or newer doctors seeking strong clinical development

We are also open to candidates who want to bring a new skillset or expand services, including exotics or specialty interests.

Facility and Equipment Highlights

  • Recently remodeled hospital designed for efficiency
  • 5 exam rooms with dedicated surgical, treatment, and grooming areas
  • Expanding dental, ultrasound, and laser services
  • Digital and dental radiography
  • In-house IDEXX laboratory
  • Onsite ultrasound and therapeutic laser

Life in Ontario, NY

Enjoy waterfront living near Rochester with easy access to the Finger Lakes, wineries, hiking trails, and Niagara Falls. It is the perfect mix of small-town charm and Western New York adventure.

Compensation and Benefits

We take care of our people. Your emotional and physical well-being matter here.

We offer:

  • Base salary range of $125,000 to $145,000 for a 40-hour work week, determined by skillset and experience
  • Competitive sign-on bonus
  • Quarterly production bonus with no negative accrual
  • Health, dental, and vision benefits
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Generous CE allowance and CE days
  • Vacation and paid time off
  • Liability coverage
  • Dues and licensure reimbursement
  • And more

We would love to tell you more! Apply today or reach out directly to Melissa at Melissa.Geerlof@vetcor.com

Employment Type: FULL_TIME