Bather

Full job description

Job Title: Bather

Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Reports To: Store Manager; Lead Groomer

Revised: July 2026

Job Summary

We are seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Bather to provide high quality, comprehensive bathing services for dogs. This role completes bathing and spa appointments and fully bathes and prepares dogs for groomers as directed.

The ideal candidate is comfortable working hands-on with dogs of all sizes and temperaments, communicates confidently with pet parents, and takes pride in sending every dog home clean, dry, and comfortable.

Key Responsibilities

Bathing Services and Pet Preparation

Bathe, dry, clip nails, express anal glands, clean ears, and fully brush and comb dogs, leaving each dog dry and free of dirt, mats, and tangles

Perform a needs assessment for each assigned dog, evaluating the condition of eyes, ears, nails, teeth, coat, and skin

Suggest additional services and products to customers based on that assessment, as appropriate

Bathe dogs according to priority as communicated by the receptionist or salon designee, assuring dogs scheduled for additional grooming (haircut) services are completed first

Respond appropriately to changing priorities and conditions in the salon, and provide bathing services to walk-in customers in the order they arrive

Sanitize and vacuum the work area following completion of each bath

Client Experience and Communication

Greet customers and their dogs by name and communicate a best-estimate pick-up time

Execute the GOTHEART strategy during every customer check-in

Communicate results of the needs assessment to customers

Describe benefits and options for all suggested add-ons, and communicate knowledgeably about all of Groombar's products and services

Clearly communicate fees associated with all services

Provide friendly, relevant, timely, and professional communication to customers and co-workers

Pet Safety and Care

Assure accuracy and completeness of each dog's kennel card, including pop-up notes and important details of the dog's overall health, age, level of aggression, allergies, and services requested by the customer

Ensure kenneled pets are comfortable, safe, and have access to water

Check dogs hourly for any signs of stress

Note any health concerns discovered during the bathing process and inform the Store Manager, Lead Groomer, Groomer, Salon Services Coordinator, and pet owner, as appropriate

Salon Maintenance and Compliance

Assure the salon environment is safe, clean, and free of hazards

Complete the daily cleaning list

Complete the weekly cleaning list

Respond appropriately to personnel or dog injuries, assuring both employees and dogs receive prompt and appropriate medical care as needed

Additional Duties

Perform other salon-related duties as assigned by the Store Manager or Lead Groomer, as needed

Requirements

Qualifications

Positions supervised (direct reports): None

No minimum education or formal training required

No prior professional bathing experience required; paid on-the-job training provided

Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated customer service skills; friendly, approachable, cooperative, flexible, and able to shift focus as needed

Able to professionally and effectively interact and communicate, verbally and in writing, with staff, customers, and the public from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds

Able to work independently and as part of a team, take initiative, prioritize and accurately perform multiple tasks, and efficiently meet deadlines and changing priorities

Able to consistently demonstrate good judgment and decision-making skills

Able to appropriately interpret and apply policies and procedures

Compensation and Benefits

Paid training with a clear advancement path into Lead Bather and/or Grooming Apprentice program

Exclusive Professional Development Opportunity:

Learn directly from a team of salon leaders. Bathers who show initiative are developed intentionally, not left to figure it out on their own.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Fast-paced grooming salon environment

Frequent interaction with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments

Approximate percent per 8-hour workday:

Constant visual stimulation, including close vision (up to 100%)

Constant standing (up to 100%)

Constant contact with water, shampoos and other bathing products, and hair (up to 100%)

Frequent grasping, including power-gripping, of hoses, brushes, and other tools with hands (up to 80%)

Frequent squatting, bending, reaching, pulling, and twisting (up to 60%)

Frequent lifting of dogs up to 30 pounds without assistance (up to 60%)

Occasional lifting of dogs above 30 pounds with assistance (up to 30%)

Occasional walking around building (up to 30%)

This is more than an entry-level job; it is the first step into a grooming career with paid training, real mentorship, and a defined path forward.

Benefits

401(k)

Dental insurance

Employee discount

Health insurance

Paid time off

Paid training

Vision insurance