Compensation

• 48%–54% commission, based on experience, skill, and agreed compensation structure
• Final compensation terms will be confirmed in writing

Job Type and Schedule

• Full-time
• Generally 40 hours per week
• Grooming operates Monday through Friday
• Occasional Saturday availability may be requested
• No Sunday or holiday shifts

About the Position

Ames Pet Resort is seeking an experienced Pet Groomer to join our established grooming team.

This position is responsible for providing safe, professional grooming services while maintaining strong communication with clients and coworkers. Groomers are generally expected to complete approximately five to eight dogs per day, depending on breed, size, coat condition, behavior, and requested services.

An existing client list is not required. Cat-grooming experience is preferred but not required.

Primary Responsibilities

• Consult with clients regarding requested styles, services, coat condition, and maintenance needs
• Perform bathing, drying, brushing, de-shedding, clipping, styling, nail care, ear cleaning, and other approved grooming services
• Review pet history, grooming notes, behavior information, and service instructions
• Handle pets safely, respectfully, and humanely throughout the grooming process
• Monitor pets for stress, discomfort, skin concerns, injury, illness symptoms, or unsafe behavior
• Pause or stop a service when it cannot be completed safely or humanely
• Communicate delays, service limitations, concerns, or incomplete services promptly
• Maintain accurate grooming notes and client records
• Coordinate appointments, pet handoffs, and client communication with Reception and the grooming team
• Clean and sanitize grooming tables, tubs, kennels, tools, equipment, and work areas
• Report injuries, bites, incidents, equipment concerns, or other safety issues immediately

Groomers may describe observable concerns but may not diagnose medical conditions or provide veterinary advice.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old
• At least two years of professional grooming experience or successful completion of a formal grooming education program
• Ability to independently complete full-service grooms
• Knowledge of coat types, breed-appropriate styling, bathing, drying, brushing, clipping, nail care, and safe tool use
• Strong animal-handling and behavior-awareness skills
• Ability to manage an appointment schedule while maintaining service quality and animal safety
• Professional and respectful client communication
• Dependable attendance, organization, and follow-through
• Willingness to work cooperatively with Reception, bathers, Groomers, and Management
• Must provide and maintain personal professional grooming tools unless otherwise agreed

A grooming portfolio, references, or test groom may be requested as part of the hiring process.

Essential Functions

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including:

• Stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and remain physically active for extended periods
• Safely handle dogs and cats of varying sizes, behavior, mobility, and strength
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds and request assistance or use approved equipment for heavier animals
• Perform repeated hand, wrist, arm, and shoulder movements
• Safely use clippers, scissors, dryers, tubs, grooming tables, restraints, and related equipment
• Work around water, loud dryers, barking, animal hair, dander, odors, animal waste, grooming products, and cleaning chemicals
• Respond promptly to unexpected animal movement and safety concerns
• Read and follow detailed service and care instructions
• Maintain reliable attendance and arrive prepared for scheduled appointments

Benefits

Benefits may include, subject to eligibility requirements and applicable plan terms:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match

Equal Employment Opportunity

Ames Pet Resort is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to disability or any other status protected by applicable law.

APR provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees when required by law. Applicants who need an accommodation during the application or interview process may notify Management.