Groom Jobs in California
Groom jobs in California are steady and active, concentrated in the state's equine industry, elite boarding stables, racing operations, and high-end private ranches, with openings at every level from entry-level barn hand to experienced head groom. The heaviest hiring is in the greater Los Angeles area, the Central Valley, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where established employers such as Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields, and Rancho Santa Fe stables maintain ongoing staffing needs. Hands-on horse care, paddock management, and competition grooming are the most in-demand specialties across California operations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
Want to help pets live their best lives?
We’re proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.
Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what’s right for pets and people.
Pet First – Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.
Foster the Fun – Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through district experiences, products, and services.
Let’s Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team.* We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.
ABOUT PETCO
We’re proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years — from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood — the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we’re here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.
YOUR PETCO GROOMING CAREER
As a Pet Stylist at Petco, you will be responsible for providing professional grooming services to our valued customers' pets. With your expertise and attention to detail, you will ensure that each pet receives exceptional care, leaving them looking and feeling their best.
In addition to the opportunity to showcase your grooming skills, creativity and passion for animals, Petco also offers a dynamic and rewarding environment, including:
Competitive base pay
Medical, dental, vision and more
401k and more
Paid Time Off
Petco Discounts
All the supplies & equipment you need, including, brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoo, sprays, tools, etc.
State of the art equipment, including bathing system, kennels, tables, and dryers
Career development and growth opportunities, such as a Grooming Salon Leader, Grooming Mentor and Grooming Instructor
PURPOSE:
The Pet Stylists' primary purpose is to perform expert-level professional grooming services, including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning. The Pet Stylist is responsible for prioritizing the safety, comfort, and well-being of the pets in our care and delivering a high level of customer satisfaction and customer service to pet parents. The Pet Stylist may be required to complete additional tasks as assigned by the Grooming Salon Leader, Solutions Manager, or Store General Manager. This is an excellent opportunity for groomers with proven technical experience to grow their expertise in grooming and individual productivity.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
The incumbent must be able to consistently perform all the following duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.
Under moderate to limited supervision, perform professional grooming services including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, according to pet parent's instructions and adhering to breed standards and company policies and procedures
Operate and maintain various grooming instruments, including clippers, blades, shears, brushes, and dryers
Always prioritize the well-being and safety of every animal in the salon, monitor pets for any signs of discomfort, illness, or injury, and promptly report any concerns to pet owners and store management
Evaluate individual needs of each pet, taking into consideration coat type, skin conditions, temperament
Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide optimal customer service, address grooming related inquiries, offer grooming recommendations, and provide timely resolution to questions or concerns
Educate and provide custom recommendations to pet parents on grooming maintenance and at home care practices & products to promote the overall well-being of the pet
Maintain a clean and safe grooming area and salon, disinfect, and sanitize grooming tools and equipment, perform daily and weekly cleaning duties in the salon and in adherence to Petco hygiene and sanitation policies, other cleaning and maintenance tasks as assigned, including but not limited to cleaning air filters, vents, and drains
Utilize knowledge and understanding of Petco's grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure safety, quality, and consistency in all activities and areas of the grooming business, ensure standards are maintained in grooming salon
* May need to train, support, and supervise entry-level trainees in the absence of a Grooming Salon Leader
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
Successful completion of the Pet Stylist Apprentice program with Petco, or previous experience as a professional groomer and/or completion of a technical grooming training program
High-school diploma or GED preferred, though not required
Latitude for independent judgement and problem solving, using grooming skills and knowledge to solve problems in routine to moderately complex situations, with some guidance from Grooming Salon Leader, Solutions Manager, or Store General Manager when necessary
Results-driven with commitment to productivity, performance, and ownership of role in the grooming salon
Strong attention to detail, ensuring grooming services are executed accurately and to the highest standards
Genuine passion for animals with a desire to continue a career in pet grooming
Expert knowledge of various dog breeds, grooming requirements, common health issues and behaviors
High level of proficiency in breed-specific cuts, styling techniques, and grooming standards
Strong verbal and written communication skills for interactions with pet parents and grooming team members
Capable of handling pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy
* Available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, as required by the Pet Care Center's grooming schedule
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The majority of job duties are conducted indoors in the grooming salon. Position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds, as necessary) and standing for long periods of time. Position may require exposure to heights using a two-step ladder or other support tools, such as vacuums, to perform assigned cleaning and maintenance duties. A large amount of this partner's time will be spent in direct contact with our pet parents and their dogs, and the remaining time will be with the other salon partners. The work environment can be noisy and wet.
LOCATION
Location: 545 West Channel Islands Blvd, Port Hueneme, CA 93041 United States
For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO - see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.
INTRODUCTION
Want to help pets live their best lives?
We’re proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.
Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what’s right for pets and people.
Pet First – Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.
Foster the Fun – Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through district experiences, products, and services.
Let’s Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team.* We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.
ABOUT PETCO
We’re proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years — from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood — the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we’re here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.
YOUR PETCO GROOMING CAREER
As a Pet Stylist at Petco, you will be responsible for providing professional grooming services to our valued customers' pets. With your expertise and attention to detail, you will ensure that each pet receives exceptional care, leaving them looking and feeling their best.
In addition to the opportunity to showcase your grooming skills, creativity and passion for animals, Petco also offers a dynamic and rewarding environment, including:
Competitive base pay
Medical, dental, vision and more
401k and more
Paid Time Off
Petco Discounts
All the supplies & equipment you need, including, brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoo, sprays, tools, etc.
State of the art equipment, including bathing system, kennels, tables, and dryers
Career development and growth opportunities, such as a Grooming Salon Leader, Grooming Mentor and Grooming Instructor
PURPOSE:
The Pet Stylists' primary purpose is to perform expert-level professional grooming services, including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning. The Pet Stylist is responsible for prioritizing the safety, comfort, and well-being of the pets in our care and delivering a high level of customer satisfaction and customer service to pet parents. The Pet Stylist may be required to complete additional tasks as assigned by the Grooming Salon Leader, Solutions Manager, or Store General Manager. This is an excellent opportunity for groomers with proven technical experience to grow their expertise in grooming and individual productivity.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
The incumbent must be able to consistently perform all the following duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.
Under moderate to limited supervision, perform professional grooming services including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, according to pet parent's instructions and adhering to breed standards and company policies and procedures
Operate and maintain various grooming instruments, including clippers, blades, shears, brushes, and dryers
Always prioritize the well-being and safety of every animal in the salon, monitor pets for any signs of discomfort, illness, or injury, and promptly report any concerns to pet owners and store management
Evaluate individual needs of each pet, taking into consideration coat type, skin conditions, temperament
Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide optimal customer service, address grooming related inquiries, offer grooming recommendations, and provide timely resolution to questions or concerns
Educate and provide custom recommendations to pet parents on grooming maintenance and at home care practices & products to promote the overall well-being of the pet
Maintain a clean and safe grooming area and salon, disinfect, and sanitize grooming tools and equipment, perform daily and weekly cleaning duties in the salon and in adherence to Petco hygiene and sanitation policies, other cleaning and maintenance tasks as assigned, including but not limited to cleaning air filters, vents, and drains
Utilize knowledge and understanding of Petco's grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure safety, quality, and consistency in all activities and areas of the grooming business, ensure standards are maintained in grooming salon
* May need to train, support, and supervise entry-level trainees in the absence of a Grooming Salon Leader
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
Successful completion of the Pet Stylist Apprentice program with Petco, or previous experience as a professional groomer and/or completion of a technical grooming training program
High-school diploma or GED preferred, though not required
Latitude for independent judgement and problem solving, using grooming skills and knowledge to solve problems in routine to moderately complex situations, with some guidance from Grooming Salon Leader, Solutions Manager, or Store General Manager when necessary
Results-driven with commitment to productivity, performance, and ownership of role in the grooming salon
Strong attention to detail, ensuring grooming services are executed accurately and to the highest standards
Genuine passion for animals with a desire to continue a career in pet grooming
Expert knowledge of various dog breeds, grooming requirements, common health issues and behaviors
High level of proficiency in breed-specific cuts, styling techniques, and grooming standards
Strong verbal and written communication skills for interactions with pet parents and grooming team members
Capable of handling pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy
* Available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, as required by the Pet Care Center's grooming schedule
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The majority of job duties are conducted indoors in the grooming salon. Position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds, as necessary) and standing for long periods of time. Position may require exposure to heights using a two-step ladder or other support tools, such as vacuums, to perform assigned cleaning and maintenance duties. A large amount of this partner's time will be spent in direct contact with our pet parents and their dogs, and the remaining time will be with the other salon partners. The work environment can be noisy and wet.
LOCATION
Location: 545 West Channel Islands Blvd, Port Hueneme, CA 93041 United States
For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO - see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.
See All 81 Groom Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Groom JobsGroom Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Groom Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Petco29
- Trinity Health5
- Stanford Health Care4
- American Golf Corporation3
- AHMC Healthcare2
Top Industries Hiring
- Animal Care & Pet Services29
- Hospitality & Tourism14
- Healthcare & Medical Services13
- Sports & Recreation6
- Consulting & Professional Services4
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in groom jobs across California.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience handling, grooming, and caring for horses daily
- Ability to recognize signs of injury, illness, or distress in horses
- Physical fitness to perform stall mucking, feed, and exercise routines reliably
- Experience with tack cleaning, equipment maintenance, and safe storage
- Valid California driver's license to transport horses or travel between facilities
- Familiarity with California Department of Food and Agriculture equine health standards
Groom Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a groom in California?
California does not require a state-issued license specifically for horse grooms, but working knowledge of equine care and handler safety is expected by virtually every employer. Most grooms enter through hands-on experience at a boarding stable, training facility, or ranch. Programs offered through California community colleges with equine science tracks, such as those at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo or Feather River College, provide structured preparation and are well recognized by California hiring managers.
How much do grooms make in California?
Grooms in California earn a median of about $38,700 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $35,640 for the lowest 10% to over $56,270 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire grooms in California?
Employers hiring grooms in California right now include Petco, Trinity Health, and Stanford Health Care, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of thoroughbred racing tracks, polo clubs, and private performance horse facilities means demand stays consistent year-round across the state.
Which California cities have the most groom jobs?
The California cities with the most groom openings are Fresno, Buena Park, and Carlsbad. This distribution reflects Los Angeles's proximity to major racing venues and elite private stables, the Central Valley's dense concentration of working ranches and training farms, and the Bay Area's active equestrian competition scene anchored by Golden Gate Fields and surrounding boarding facilities.
Are there remote groom jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Grooming is fundamentally hands-on work that requires daily physical presence with the horses, so remote arrangements are not common in this field. About 2% of groom openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions typically involve administrative coordination or stable management duties rather than direct horse care.
How can I get hired as a groom in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a barn hand or stable assistant role at a California boarding or training facility, where you learn daily horse care on the job. Large California racing operations and equestrian centers often bring on entry-level workers during high-season hiring. Completing an equine science certificate at Feather River College or Cal Poly, gaining a basic equine first aid credential, or volunteering at a California therapeutic riding center are concrete steps that give candidates a clear edge over applicants with no documented horse handling background.
Where can I find and apply to groom jobs in California?
You can find and apply to groom jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from employers actively hiring. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your experience and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 81 Groom Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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