PET GROOMER

Description

Position Summary

The Pet Groomer is responsible for providing professional grooming services for resident pets in a manner consistent with Holbrook’s standards for luxury, hospitality, wellness, and exceptional service. This position supports the resident experience by delivering safe, compassionate, high-quality grooming care in a calm, polished, and service-focused environment.

The Pet Groomer is expected to combine technical grooming expertise with strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, and attention to detail. This role contributes to resident satisfaction by helping ensure that pets receive personalized care while residents and families experience thoughtful, attentive service reflective of the Holbrook brand. Holbrook publicly emphasizes upscale amenities, spa and salon services, hospitality, and a culture of purpose-driven service, which informs the tone and expectations of this role.  

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide professional grooming services for dogs and other approved household pets, including bathing, brushing, blow drying, clipping, trimming, de-shedding, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and coat styling.
• Perform breed-standard or owner-preferred grooming services while ensuring the comfort, safety, and wellbeing of each pet.
• Review appointment requests and consult with residents regarding grooming preferences, coat condition, skin sensitivities, temperament, and special handling instructions.
• Observe pets for visible signs of skin irritation, parasites, injury, discomfort, or other concerns and communicate observations to the pet owner and appropriate leadership as needed.
• Maintain grooming tools, bathing stations, tables, dryers, and work areas in a clean, sanitary, safe, and organized condition in accordance with company standards and applicable health and sanitation requirements.
• Follow all pet handling and safety procedures, including proper restraint techniques and protocols intended to minimize stress and risk to pets, residents, and staff.
• Schedule and manage appointments efficiently to ensure timely, consistent service and high-quality resident experience.
• Maintain accurate service records, grooming notes, incident documentation, and other required internal records.
• Monitor inventory of grooming products and supplies and communicate restocking needs in a timely manner.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with residents, family members, guests, and team members through courteous, professional, and responsive service.
• Present a professional appearance and conduct consistent with Holbrook’s standards for luxury hospitality and resident-centered service.
• Support other community initiatives, resident events, or service-related needs as assigned.

Additional Duties

• Participate in training, staff meetings, and continuing education as required.
• Comply with all company policies, safety procedures, infection prevention standards, and confidentiality expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support community operations and the resident experience.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Professional pet grooming experience required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of grooming techniques, coat types, breed standards, pet handling, and grooming equipment.
• Ability to safely handle pets of varying sizes, breeds, temperaments, and grooming needs.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, patience, and professionalism in a service-oriented environment.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and maintain consistent quality standards.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism when interacting with residents and families.

Preferred Qualifications

• Formal grooming certification from an accredited grooming program or equivalent professional training preferred.
• Previous experience in a luxury grooming salon, veterinary grooming environment, hospitality setting, country club, resort, or upscale residential community preferred.
• Experience working with older adults or in a senior living environment preferred.
• Pet first aid and/or pet CPR certification preferred.

Core Competencies

• Service excellence
• Compassion and patience
• Attention to detail
• Professional communication
• Safety awareness
• Time management and organization
• Reliability and accountability
• Commitment to hospitality and resident satisfaction

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during the workday.
• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, twist, reach, and lift throughout the grooming process.
• Ability to lift, transfer, or assist in lifting pets and grooming equipment up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to safely restrain and control animals during grooming procedures.
• Ability to use hands repetitively for clipping, brushing, trimming, bathing, and drying.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to water, pet hair, dander, grooming products, cleaning chemicals, and moderate noise levels from dryers and animals.
• Visual ability to observe animal condition, grooming quality, and workplace safety concerns.
• Ability to respond appropriately and safely in situations involving animal movement, stress, or unexpected behavior.