Dog Groomer job description template
Dog groomers bathe, brush, clip and style dogs, and at a small grooming salon or pet shop they're the reason customers trust you with their pets every few weeks. Strong dog groomer posts mention the breeds and sizes you see, how many dogs a groomer usually handles in a day, and whether you'll train a bather to groom.
Dog Groomer
Full-timeYour Company is hiring a skilled dog groomer who is patient, gentle and careful with every dog on the table. You'll bathe, dry, brush and trim dogs of all sizes, deliver breed-standard and custom cuts, and keep each pet calm and safe from drop-off to pickup. We provide a clean, well-equipped salon, a steady book of regulars and a supportive team. Experienced groomers and bathers ready to move up are welcome.
What you’ll do
- Bathe and blow-dry dogs of all sizes and coat types, then brush and de-shed them
- Perform breed-standard and custom haircuts with clippers and shears
- Trim nails, clean ears and do sanitary trims safely and gently
- Handle nervous or reactive dogs calmly and use safe, humane restraint
- Check each dog for lumps, skin problems, fleas or injuries and tell the customer at pickup
- Talk with customers at drop-off about the cut they want and their dog's needs
- Clean and disinfect tubs, tables, kennels and tools between dogs
- Keep grooming notes on each dog's cut, behavior and any special handling
What we’re looking for
- Hands-on dog grooming experience, including clipper work, scissoring and breed cuts
- Patient, gentle handling and a strong focus on safety for every dog
- Able to lift dogs up to 50 lbs onto a table, using a lift table or help for larger dogs
- Able to stand for most of the day and work comfortably around water, dryers and barking
- Clear, friendly communication with customers about what's realistic for their dog's coat
Nice to have
- Grooming certification, such as through the National Dog Groomers Association of America
- Completion of a grooming school or apprenticeship program
- Pet first aid and CPR training
- Experience with hand-stripping or cat grooming
Schedule
Full-time, typically weekdays plus Saturdays, with early-morning drop-offs and pickups by late afternoon. Let us know your availability and preferred days.
What we offer
- Commission plus tips, with a steady book of regulars
- Professional tables, tubs, high-velocity dryers and shampoos provided
- A bather to help with baths and drying on busy days
- Grooming and supply discounts for your own pets
Add your pay, location and schedule when you post. Jobs that show pay get noticeably more applicants.
Dog Groomer our company is hiring a skilled dog groomer who is patient, gentle and careful with every dog on the table. You'll bathe, dry, brush and trim dogs of all sizes, deliver breed-standard and custom cuts, and keep each pet calm and safe from drop-off to pickup. We provide a clean, well-equipped salon, a steady book of regulars and a supportive team. Experienced groomers and bathers ready to move up are welcome. What you’ll do • Bathe and blow-dry dogs of all sizes and coat types, then brush and de-shed them • Perform breed-standard and custom haircuts with clippers and shears • Trim nails, clean ears and do sanitary trims safely and gently • Handle nervous or reactive dogs calmly and use safe, humane restraint • Check each dog for lumps, skin problems, fleas or injuries and tell the customer at pickup • Talk with customers at drop-off about the cut they want and their dog's needs • Clean and disinfect tubs, tables, kennels and tools between dogs • Keep grooming notes on each dog's cut, behavior and any special handling What we’re looking for • Hands-on dog grooming experience, including clipper work, scissoring and breed cuts • Patient, gentle handling and a strong focus on safety for every dog • Able to lift dogs up to 50 lbs onto a table, using a lift table or help for larger dogs • Able to stand for most of the day and work comfortably around water, dryers and barking • Clear, friendly communication with customers about what's realistic for their dog's coat Nice to have • Grooming certification, such as through the National Dog Groomers Association of America • Completion of a grooming school or apprenticeship program • Pet first aid and CPR training • Experience with hand-stripping or cat grooming Schedule Full-time, typically weekdays plus Saturdays, with early-morning drop-offs and pickups by late afternoon. Let us know your availability and preferred days. What we offer • Commission plus tips, with a steady book of regulars • Professional tables, tubs, high-velocity dryers and shampoos provided • A bather to help with baths and drying on busy days • Grooming and supply discounts for your own pets
Screening questions for a dog groomer
Ask these on the application form to sort applicants quickly. They’re added automatically when you post this template.
- Do you have professional dog grooming experience, including clipper and scissor work?Yes / No · required
- Which breeds and coat types are you most comfortable grooming?Short answer · required
- Tell us how you handle a dog that's scared or snappy on the grooming table.Paragraph
Dog Groomer interview questions
- How do you handle a dog that won't stand still or tries to bite during a nail trim?
- A customer wants a long, fluffy cut, but their dog is badly matted. What do you tell them?
- Walk me through a full groom on a doodle, from bath to finish.
- What do you do if you nick a dog's skin or cut a nail into the quick?
- How many full grooms can you do well in a day?
- What signs of stress or health problems do you watch for while a dog is on the table?
- How do you keep your tools, tub and table sanitary between dogs?
Tips for hiring a dog groomer
- Do a paid working interview with a few dogs from your book. How a groomer handles a nervous dog matters as much as the finished cut.
- Ask to see before-and-after photos, especially of the breeds you groom most often.
- Consider training a reliable bather to groom. Someone who already handles dogs well can be easier to develop than an experienced groomer is to find.
- Let local grooming schools know you're hiring, and mention your equipment and typical daily dog count in the post.