Pet Groomer Jobs for OPT Students
Pet Groomer jobs on OPT are available at veterinary clinics, pet retail chains, and independent grooming salons across the U.S. Your OPT work authorization lets you work full-time for any qualifying employer, but grooming roles rarely come with H-1B sponsorship, so planning your next visa step early matters.
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Get Access To All JobsPetSmart does Anything for Pets – JOIN OUR TEAM!
Pet Groomer and Salon Trainer
About Life at PetSmart
At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we empower our teams with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and succeed. This posting reflects an existing vacancy, and we are actively seeking candidates for this role.
Benefits that benefit you
- Paid Weekly
- Health & Wellness Benefits
- 401k Plan with company match
- Paid Time off for full-time associates
- Associate discounts
- Tuition Assistance
- Career pathing
- Development opportunities
Job Summary
PetSmart’s Salon Experience Lead (Groomer & Salon Trainer) is responsible for providing exceptional service to pet parents and supporting a high performing team while upholding the company’s vision, mission, values, and strategy. This role will deliver professional quality services with the utmost focus on quality and care of pets. The Salon Experience Lead will support the development of bathers and new stylists, seeing them through the entire pet stylist development program.
Essential Responsibilities
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following and may vary depending on store characteristics and needs:
People Leadership:
- Facilitates the associate experience and supports associate development. This includes but is not limited to training, onboarding, mentoring, and coaching for growth, as well as providing feedback into associate performance reviews, disciplinary action and promotions.
- Responsible for developing new and existing associates through bather and/or stylist certification process.
- Identifies candidates internally to attend academy training to become stylists.
- Delegate and validate completion of daily tasks for salon.
- Address and administer associate complaints and grievances.
- Recognizes and celebrates associates driving overall associate engagement.
Salon and Overall Store Experience:
- Responsible for pet parent experience and the outcomes of interactions conducted over the telephone, in person or online, and responding to general pet parent concerns.
- Greets and supports pet parents, answers their questions and recommends wellness solutions based on the pets’ need.
- Engages with pet parents at checkout to drive connection and rebooking.
- Communicates and drives pet parent engagement around marketing promotions.
- Utilizes salon tools including the booking system and call logs to make reservations and conduct necessary appointment calls.
- Maintains store standards and leads a culture of empowerment by ensuring compliance to our policies and procedures (P&Ps) and code of ethics.
- Independently performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone services, such as nail trims, teeth brushing, and sanitary services in accordance with PetSmart’s bathing standards and procedures.
- Promotes opportunities to grow salon sales to help achieve sales targets and productivity, and any other relevant salon metrics.
- Maintains operational standards including cleanliness, sanitation, and humane conditions for all pets in the grooming area.
- Responsible for taking immediate action and reporting when a sick/injured pet is identified in the store; transport to the vet as needed.
- Maintains communication with Experience Leader on business trends and provides best practices to suggest for implementation.
- Communicates and reports any facilities or supply needs to the Experience Leader or Leader on Duty.
- Recommends, informs, and sells services and merchandise.
- Assists and works in other departments as required. Other duties may be assigned.
Qualifications
- 2+ years grooming experience; may be asked to complete a technical exam.
- Full time availability required, flexibility in schedule, able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Proficiency with use of tools, equipment and products to perform technical work safely.
- Proficiency in computer applications.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to react under pressure and maintain composure.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail and safety measures.
Supervisory responsibility
- No direct reports, however, are expected to guide and support the development of other associates.
- Provides feedback on associate performance to direct supervisor.
Essential physical demands and work environment
- Associate required to stand, walk, climb a ladder, and use hands to handle, feel, hold, write, etc. The associate frequently is required to reach with hands and arms: stoop, kneel, crouch, talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include depth perception. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Associate must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally team lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include depth perception.
- While performing the duties of this job, the associate is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, as well as a wet environment with an abundance of pet hair. The noise level is moderate in the work environment; however, associates may be exposed to high levels of noise at times. Exposure to live animals and their handling is common.
Do what you love
Join us for a chance to make a meaningful impact every day. Whether it's helping a customer choose their first fish, celebrating a pet's birthday, or seeing the smile on a pet parent’s face after a fresh groom—you'll create moments that matter. At PetSmart, we cherish diversity and the unique perspectives of our 50,000 associates, all united by a passion for pets.
We’re delighted you’re interested in joining our pack and helping us in our commitment to doing Anything for Pets, and the people who love them. We're excited to hear your story and learn more about you! Apply Now!
PetSmart is an Equal Opportunity Employer
PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We offer reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout our application process, upon request and as required by law.
This job summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work associates/leaders assigned to this job perform. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. You will be provided with a copy of a job description for the actual position you are hired into.
Exact base rate of pay will be based on relevant experience level, training, skills or knowledge and store location. Pay for this position is the greater of the base pay rate or groom pay (a designated percentage of the associate’s grooming sales based on the job code) and can vary by pay period. In no instance will PetSmart pay less than the local minimum wage. This position is also eligible for benefits, as described at https://benefits.petsmart.com/us/.
Applicants must be over the age of 18 (except in Montana or where otherwise required by local or state law)
The employer will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
For applicants in our Waterloo, San Francisco, or Los Angeles locations: Pursuant to the Waterloo and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, as well as the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring, we will consider for employment, qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with the law.
PetSmart does Anything for Pets – JOIN OUR TEAM!
Pet Groomer and Salon Trainer
About Life at PetSmart
At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we empower our teams with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and succeed. This posting reflects an existing vacancy, and we are actively seeking candidates for this role.
Benefits that benefit you
- Paid Weekly
- Health & Wellness Benefits
- 401k Plan with company match
- Paid Time off for full-time associates
- Associate discounts
- Tuition Assistance
- Career pathing
- Development opportunities
Job Summary
PetSmart’s Salon Experience Lead (Groomer & Salon Trainer) is responsible for providing exceptional service to pet parents and supporting a high performing team while upholding the company’s vision, mission, values, and strategy. This role will deliver professional quality services with the utmost focus on quality and care of pets. The Salon Experience Lead will support the development of bathers and new stylists, seeing them through the entire pet stylist development program.
Essential Responsibilities
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following and may vary depending on store characteristics and needs:
People Leadership:
- Facilitates the associate experience and supports associate development. This includes but is not limited to training, onboarding, mentoring, and coaching for growth, as well as providing feedback into associate performance reviews, disciplinary action and promotions.
- Responsible for developing new and existing associates through bather and/or stylist certification process.
- Identifies candidates internally to attend academy training to become stylists.
- Delegate and validate completion of daily tasks for salon.
- Address and administer associate complaints and grievances.
- Recognizes and celebrates associates driving overall associate engagement.
Salon and Overall Store Experience:
- Responsible for pet parent experience and the outcomes of interactions conducted over the telephone, in person or online, and responding to general pet parent concerns.
- Greets and supports pet parents, answers their questions and recommends wellness solutions based on the pets’ need.
- Engages with pet parents at checkout to drive connection and rebooking.
- Communicates and drives pet parent engagement around marketing promotions.
- Utilizes salon tools including the booking system and call logs to make reservations and conduct necessary appointment calls.
- Maintains store standards and leads a culture of empowerment by ensuring compliance to our policies and procedures (P&Ps) and code of ethics.
- Independently performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone services, such as nail trims, teeth brushing, and sanitary services in accordance with PetSmart’s bathing standards and procedures.
- Promotes opportunities to grow salon sales to help achieve sales targets and productivity, and any other relevant salon metrics.
- Maintains operational standards including cleanliness, sanitation, and humane conditions for all pets in the grooming area.
- Responsible for taking immediate action and reporting when a sick/injured pet is identified in the store; transport to the vet as needed.
- Maintains communication with Experience Leader on business trends and provides best practices to suggest for implementation.
- Communicates and reports any facilities or supply needs to the Experience Leader or Leader on Duty.
- Recommends, informs, and sells services and merchandise.
- Assists and works in other departments as required. Other duties may be assigned.
Qualifications
- 2+ years grooming experience; may be asked to complete a technical exam.
- Full time availability required, flexibility in schedule, able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Proficiency with use of tools, equipment and products to perform technical work safely.
- Proficiency in computer applications.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to react under pressure and maintain composure.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail and safety measures.
Supervisory responsibility
- No direct reports, however, are expected to guide and support the development of other associates.
- Provides feedback on associate performance to direct supervisor.
Essential physical demands and work environment
- Associate required to stand, walk, climb a ladder, and use hands to handle, feel, hold, write, etc. The associate frequently is required to reach with hands and arms: stoop, kneel, crouch, talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include depth perception. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Associate must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally team lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include depth perception.
- While performing the duties of this job, the associate is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, as well as a wet environment with an abundance of pet hair. The noise level is moderate in the work environment; however, associates may be exposed to high levels of noise at times. Exposure to live animals and their handling is common.
Do what you love
Join us for a chance to make a meaningful impact every day. Whether it's helping a customer choose their first fish, celebrating a pet's birthday, or seeing the smile on a pet parent’s face after a fresh groom—you'll create moments that matter. At PetSmart, we cherish diversity and the unique perspectives of our 50,000 associates, all united by a passion for pets.
We’re delighted you’re interested in joining our pack and helping us in our commitment to doing Anything for Pets, and the people who love them. We're excited to hear your story and learn more about you! Apply Now!
PetSmart is an Equal Opportunity Employer
PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We offer reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout our application process, upon request and as required by law.
This job summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work associates/leaders assigned to this job perform. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. You will be provided with a copy of a job description for the actual position you are hired into.
Exact base rate of pay will be based on relevant experience level, training, skills or knowledge and store location. Pay for this position is the greater of the base pay rate or groom pay (a designated percentage of the associate’s grooming sales based on the job code) and can vary by pay period. In no instance will PetSmart pay less than the local minimum wage. This position is also eligible for benefits, as described at https://benefits.petsmart.com/us/.
Applicants must be over the age of 18 (except in Montana or where otherwise required by local or state law)
The employer will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
For applicants in our Waterloo, San Francisco, or Los Angeles locations: Pursuant to the Waterloo and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, as well as the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring, we will consider for employment, qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with the law.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Pet Groomer
Target employers with multiple locations
Large pet care chains and franchise operations are more likely to have HR infrastructure familiar with work authorization. Multi-location businesses have more resources to support OPT employees than solo grooming salons do.
Highlight certifications prominently
Credentials from the National Dog Groomers Association of America or International Professional Groomers signal professional-level training. Certified groomers are harder to replace, which gives employers a stronger reason to consider sponsorship down the line.
Ask about sponsorship before accepting any offer
Most grooming employers don't proactively mention visa sponsorship. Raise it directly during the offer stage, not after you've started. Knowing their position early saves you from a difficult situation when your OPT period ends.
Consider roles with a management track
Salon manager and lead groomer positions are more likely to qualify for visa categories requiring specialized skills. Framing your grooming career as a path toward management increases your options for future work authorization beyond OPT.
Document your client and revenue impact
Quantify what you contribute: client retention rates, repeat bookings, or revenue per shift. Concrete numbers make your case stronger when asking an employer to invest in sponsorship or justify your value to a future immigration attorney.
Pet Groomer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Pet Groomer on OPT?
Yes, F-1 OPT work authorization allows you to work as a pet groomer for any qualifying U.S. employer, including veterinary clinics, pet retail chains, and independent salons. The role doesn't need to be tied to a specific academic major under standard OPT, though STEM OPT has different requirements. Your employer does not need to be a registered sponsor to hire you during your OPT period.
Do pet grooming employers typically sponsor visas after OPT?
Most small and independent grooming salons do not sponsor work visas, primarily because the H-1B requires a specialty occupation with a bachelor's degree requirement, which grooming roles rarely meet. Larger employers with HR departments are more open to exploring options. If long-term sponsorship matters to you, browse employer listings on Migrate Mate to identify which companies have a track record of supporting international employees.
Does a Pet Groomer job qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Pet grooming roles generally do not qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension. STEM OPT requires both a STEM-designated degree and a role that directly applies that STEM training. Animal science or veterinary technology degrees may be STEM-designated, but standard grooming positions are not typically classified under STEM occupational codes. Check your degree's CIP code with your DSO to confirm eligibility before assuming you qualify.
What happens to my OPT status if I leave a pet grooming job?
You must report any change in employer or unemployment to your Designated School Official within 10 days. Standard OPT allows a cumulative 90 days of unemployment during the entire OPT period. If you leave a grooming job without securing another, that gap counts against your limit. Staying under 90 total days of unemployment keeps your F-1 status valid while you search for your next role.
Can I work at multiple pet grooming locations or as a mobile groomer on OPT?
Yes, OPT permits multiple concurrent employers as long as each position is reported to your DSO and you're working at least 20 hours per week in total during post-completion OPT. Mobile grooming operates the same way, provided you're working for an employer rather than as a self-employed independent contractor. Self-employment on OPT is not permitted unless you establish a legal business entity that employs you directly.
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