H-1B Visa Groom Jobs
Groom roles at H-1B-sponsoring employers typically fall under equine services and animal care occupations. Sponsorship depends on your employer demonstrating a specialty occupation basis, which is less common for grooming but not impossible where advanced credentials or specialized training apply.
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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 Grooming Salon Leader at Petco, you will lead salon operations and salon team members, while delivering expert grooming services to our valued customers' pets. Your passion for people and for pets will ensure a positive experience for our partners and exceptional care for every pet, leaving them looking and feeling their best. In addition to the opportunity to lead with purpose and showcase your grooming skills, creativity and passion for animals, Petco also offers a dynamic and rewarding environment, including:
- Competitive Pay + Incentive based on salon performance + Tips (Payment in accordance to the Grooming Salon Leader Incentive Plan details)
- 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 Grooming Mentor and Grooming Instructor
JOB SUMMARY
The Grooming Salon Leaders primary purpose is to lead and manage grooming salon operations and grooming salon team members. The Grooming Salon Leader is responsible for delivering a high level of customer satisfaction, fostering a positive work environment, driving salon performance, and developing and coaching both entry-level and seasoned groomers. In addition, the Grooming Salon Leader is responsible for performing expert-level grooming services, including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, while also prioritizing the safety, comfort, and well-being of the pets in our care. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced groomers with proven technical expertise and leadership skills who are interested in growing and developing a team.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The incumbent must be able to consistently perform all of the following duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation:
- Oversee day-to-day operations of the grooming salon, ensure smooth and efficient workflows, optimize scheduling and grooming capacity, manage inventory levels in the salon, and execute staffing plans
- Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level grooming staff, provide coaching, feedback, training, and performance evaluations, while fostering a positive and collaborative work environment that encourages teamwork, professional growth, and continuous learning and development
- Create and manage efficient grooming schedules that optimize salon capacity, maximize productivity, and accommodate customer demand, balance team availability with business needs, ensuring coverage during peak hours
- Monitor salon performance metrics such as revenue, customer satisfaction, and partner productivity, analyze data to identify areas for improvement, and develop action plans
- Collaborate with store management to achieve sales targets and salon objectives, implementing strategies to drive growth, expand the customer base, and boost profitability
- Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide exceptional customer service, address grooming related inquiries, offer grooming recommendations, and provide timely and proactive resolution to questions or concerns
- Stay abreast of grooming industry trends and best practices to enhance your grooming skills and your teams' skills
- Independently 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
- Evaluate individual needs of each pet, taking into consideration coat, type, skin conditions, temperament
- Educate and provide custom recommendations to pet parents on grooming maintenance and home care practices & products to promote the overall well-being of the pet
- Always ensure 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
- Perform quality checks to 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 expert 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, ensuring standards are maintained in grooming salon, holding salon team members accountable for safety and quality standards
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
- 2 or more years' experience as a professional groomer and/or completion of a technical grooming training program
- Strong leadership skills, with the desire to lead, train, and develop people, with 1-2 years previous experience of salon management, or related field, preferred
- High-school diploma or GED preferred, though not required
- Very strong verbal and written communication skills for interactions with pet parents and grooming team members
- Expert knowledge of various dog breeds, grooming requirements, common health issues and behaviors
- Expert-level proficiency in breed-specific cuts, styling techniques, and grooming standards
- Genuine passion for animals with a desire to continue a career in pet grooming
- Strong decision making and problem-solving skills, using grooming experience and knowledge to solve problems in moderately complex situations, with guidance from Solutions Manager or Store General Manager when necessary
- Results-driven, with focused commitment on salon productivity, performance, growth, and improvement
- Strong attention to detail, ensuring grooming services are executed accurately and to the highest standards
- Capable of handling pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy
- Available to work full time at a minimum of 35 per week, including weekends, evenings, and holidays, as needed 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.
SALARY RANGE
$15.00 - $28.00
Hourly or Salary Range will be reflected above. For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO.
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.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Groom
Target employers with prior H-1B filings
Search Migrate Mate to identify stables, equestrian facilities, and horse racing operations that have filed Labor Condition Applications before. Prior filing history signals an employer already understands the sponsorship process and compliance obligations.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark your offer
Before accepting any offer, look up the prevailing wage for your specific SOC code and location using OFLC Wage Search. Your offered wage must meet or exceed the DOL prevailing wage level or USCIS will deny the petition.
Build credentials that support specialty occupation arguments
Certifications from recognized equine or farrier associations, advanced coursework in animal science, or documented training in high-performance horse care strengthen your employer's case that the role requires specialized theoretical knowledge.
Clarify employer E-Verify enrollment before accepting
H-1B employers must be enrolled in E-Verify before USCIS approves a petition. Confirm enrollment status with the hiring manager early in negotiations, since small equestrian businesses sometimes aren't enrolled and face delays getting compliant.
Understand the 60-day portability window when switching employers
If you're already on an H-1B and changing stables or facilities, your new employer must file an H-1B transfer petition before your current authorization ends. You get a 60-day grace period after leaving, so time your transition carefully.
Groom jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Groom JobsGroom H-1B Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Groom position realistically qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
It's uncommon but possible. USCIS requires the role to constitute a specialty occupation, meaning it normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Groom positions at high-end equestrian operations, racing facilities, or research farms may qualify if the employer can document that advanced equine science or veterinary knowledge is a genuine job requirement, not just a preference.
What occupation code applies to Groom roles for H-1B purposes?
Most Groom positions map to SOC code 39-2021 (Animal Caretakers) or sometimes 45-2093 (Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals) depending on the setting. The SOC code determines the prevailing wage your employer must certify on the Labor Condition Application filed with DOL. Review the O*NET profile for your specific duties to confirm the right classification before the LCA is submitted.
How do I find employers who will sponsor H-1B visas for grooming roles?
Search Migrate Mate to filter for Groom or animal care positions at employers with documented H-1B filing history. Sponsoring employers in this category tend to be larger equestrian centers, professional racing stables, or facilities affiliated with universities or research institutions that already have legal infrastructure for international hires.
Does the H-1B cap apply to Groom positions at all employers?
The annual H-1B cap of 65,000 visas applies to most employers. However, if a Groom role is at a university, nonprofit research institution, or affiliated government entity, the position may be cap-exempt, meaning your employer can file at any time without waiting for the April lottery registration window. Confirm your employer's cap-exempt status with USCIS before assuming lottery eligibility.
What documents should I gather before asking an employer to sponsor my H-1B as a Groom?
Compile your academic transcripts, any equine science or veterinary technology certifications, letters from prior employers describing the specialized nature of your duties, and a detailed job description from your prospective employer that links the role to a specific degree field. These materials help your employer's immigration attorney build the specialty occupation argument required in the I-129 petition filed with USCIS.
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