Dog Groomer

Job Description

Job Description

Location: The Dog Stop – Central Cincinnati
Compensation: 50% Commission + Tips
Reports To: General Manager & Assistant Manager
Status: W-2 Employee | Flexible Schedule Available

Love dogs and making them look and feel their best? Join a team that treats every pup like family.

At The Dog Stop – Central Cincinnati, we’re not your typical dog daycare and grooming shop—we're an all-inclusive pet paradise offering daycare, boarding, grooming, and retail services in a clean, fun, and energetic indoor/outdoor environment. We are a new location full of opportunities looking to build a team prior to our grand opening!

We’re looking for a passionate, experienced, and client-friendly Dog Groomer to join our growing pack as we open a new location here in Cincinnati, OH. If you’re skilled with clippers and scissors, love creating positive grooming experiences, and thrive in a supportive, dog-obsessed team, this fresh start may be the job for you.

What You'll Do:

As a Groomer at The Dog Stop, your role is essential to our customer satisfaction and overall dog wellness when it comes to looking and feeling their best. You’ll pamper pooches of all shapes and sizes while delivering an exceptional grooming experience from nose to tail.

✂️ Grooming Responsibilities:

• Perform full-service grooms including breed-specific and owner-requested styles

• Provide walk-in services like nail trims, anal gland expressions, teeth brushing, and more

• Deliver top-notch baths and blowouts for grooming , daycare and boarding clients as services are requested.

• Educate pet parents on coat upkeep, skin health, and grooming frequency

• Recommend appropriate cuts or styles based on breed, coat condition, or owner preference

• Communicate with Reception team to confirm appointment details, special needs, or delays

• Monitor for health issues such as fleas, infections, skin conditions, and report to Reception/Management

• Maintain detailed grooming notes for each client in "MyTime” (our scheduling/CRM system)

As a Team:

• Provide constructive feedback to management as needed to ensure overall team safety and effectiveness as issues arise.

• Participate in employee recognition and reward programs.

• Exposure to outdoor spaces during inclement weather. Facility duties and animal care continue year-round, in any season for any position

Facility & Equipment Care:

• Keep your grooming station clean and organized throughout the day

• Deep clean your grooming area at end of each day according to our company's policies: sterilize any equipment as necessary, sweep, mop, launder towels, empty trash, tidy shelves

• Notify management of any facility equipment issues (dryers, tubs, cages, etc.)

• Maintain your personal grooming tools (blades, shears, etc.) and keep them clean, sharp, and ready for use

Inventory & Supplies:

• Promptly notify management when grooming products or tools are running low (at least 2 weeks ahead) Ensure you are fully ready for any known seasonal rushes prior to them occurring

• Help stay within grooming supply budgets and make informed requests

• Assist in organizing supplies and maintaining an efficient grooming workspace

Customer & Team Interaction:

• Build lasting relationships with clients and their dogs through excellent service and personalized care

• Provide compassionate, empathetic and respectful advice to pet parents—even when coats are matted or conditions are less than ideal

• Work with the management team to help stock options in our retail section to support your grooming advice to our clients in between grooms so they can continue their pet’s coat care responsibility at home as needed. (For matting maintenance, sharing their favorite shampoo smells, etc)

• Work collaboratively with the front desk to ensure smooth appointment scheduling and client communication

• Help maintain a positive team environment where every staff member feels supported and motivated

✅ What We’re Looking For:

Required:

• 1+ year of dog grooming experience with a formal training certification and/or experience under an established certified groomer. Certifications are strongly preferred but are not required.

• Must be at least 18 years old

• Comprehensive knowledge of grooming styles and techniques for multiple breeds

• Strong understanding of dog behavior, safety, and handling

• Ability to groom dogs of all breeds, sizes and temperaments

• Ability to pass a hands-on grooming evaluation showing your technical skills, animal handling techniques, problem-solving abilities, and communication style prior to hiring.

• Candidates must be willing to agree to not solicit the company’s clients for a specified period following the end of their employment

• Great communication and customer service skills

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Flexible schedule with weekend and holiday availability required

• Must have reliable transportation

Bonus Points If You Have:

• Prior experience in a high-volume grooming environment

• Familiarity with “MyTime” or similar scheduling systems

• Flexibility and ability to help in the back of the house during slower parts of the season with animal care, play or cleaning. (hourly pay when not grooming).

Key Traits & Skills:

• Enthusiastic and passionate about animals

• Strong work ethic and a team-player mindset

• Detail-oriented, and safety-conscious

• Able to communicate clearly with coworkers and management

• Able to lift 50 lbs and work on your feet all day

• Reliable and punctual. We have dogs who are on site 24/7 who rely on us to show up every day and do our best.

• Positive, attitude

• Empathy towards both humans and animals

Availability:

• Please note that your shifts may start before/after business hours to ensure all grooming services are given as scheduled to our guests. Management will work with you on this prior to any surprise schedule changes. Flexible schedule with weekend and holiday availability required

Business Hours for the Public:

• Monday – Friday 7am – 7pm

• Saturday 8am – 5pm

• Sunday 10am – 5pm

Why You’ll Love Working With Us:

• 50% Commission + generous tips

• Flexible schedule and steady clientele

• Bring your dog to work!

• W-2 employment (not 1099) – no booth rental required

• Access to grooming supplies and support for tool upkeep

• Free Daycare while working & discounted rates on boarding, and retail

• Work with a passionate, dog-loving team in a clean, fun, fast-paced facility

• Ongoing support from management and opportunities for growth

• Health Benefits for Eligible Employees

• 401K for eligible employees

• Paid vacation and holidays

Join the Pack!

If you're ready to take your grooming career to the next level in a place where dogs are family and groomers are valued, we want to meet you! Help us keep Cincinnati’s pups looking sharp and feeling fresh—apply now to be part of the team at The Dog Stop – Central Cincinnati.