Groom Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois
Groom visa sponsorship jobs in Illinois are concentrated in the state's equestrian facilities, thoroughbred racing operations, and luxury resort properties. Churchill Downs-affiliated tracks in the Chicago area, Midwest boarding stables, and premium wedding venues actively hire experienced grooms. Positions are found across Cook, DuPage, and Kane counties, with rural central Illinois adding year-round stable work.
Find Groom JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 48+ Groom Jobs in Illinois with Visa Sponsorship
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 48+ Groom Jobs in Illinois with Visa Sponsorship
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Groom Jobs in Illinois with Visa Sponsorship.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
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.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a General Manager, you bring this purpose to life by leading a high-performing Pet Care Center that puts pets first, inspires partners, delights customers, and delivers strong business results. You are the owner of your business, accountable for people, performance, and process, and a role model for what great leadership looks like. With a passion for pets and people, you build engaged teams, drive profitable growth, and ensure the highest standards of animal care, safety, and customer experience.
What You’ll Do
Pet First
- Champion the health, safety, and humane care of all animals, ensuring Petco standards and policies are consistently met.
- Create an environment where pets and pet parents feel welcomed, supported, and cared for.
- Lead with integrity, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right for pets.
Foster the Fun
- Build and lead an inclusive, energized team that embodies the Petco brand and delivers exceptional service.
- Attract, hire, train, coach, and develop diverse talent across all roles within the Pet Care Center.
- Create a positive, collaborative culture where partners feel engaged, supported, and empowered to grow.
- Lead by example — coaching in the moment, celebrating wins, and making work meaningful and fun.
Let’s Go!
- Own the business: drive sales growth, profitability, and operational excellence.
- Analyze financial and operational results, identify opportunities, and take decisive action to improve performance.
- Manage labor, payroll, and expenses to maximize productivity and results.
- Execute merchandising, inventory, and operational processes to brand and safety standards.
- Represent Petco in the community by leading local events, adoption initiatives, and partnerships that strengthen our impact.
Key Responsibilities
People Leadership
- Develop a strong leadership bench and succession plan.
- Lead performance management, coaching, and accountability for all partners.
- Promote continuous learning, growth, and career development.
- Foster a culture of teamwork, inclusion, and shared ownership.
Business Performance
- Meet or exceed sales, profitability, and operational goals.
- Leverage Petco tools, programs, and insights to grow the business.
- Review and act on reporting, audits, and Pet Care Center visits.
Operational Excellence
- Ensure safe opening and closing procedures and adherence to security protocols.
- Maintain store appearance, cleanliness, and safety standards.
- Protect pets, partners, and merchandise through strong loss prevention and inventory controls.
- Complete required administrative, payroll, and inventory tasks accurately and on time.
What Success Looks Like
- A safe, healthy environment where pets thrive.
- An engaged, high-performing team with strong retention and development.
- Loyal customers who trust your team and return again and again.
- A profitable, well-run Pet Care Center that reflects Petco’s values in action.
WHAT YOU BRING
Experience & Skills
- 3+ years of management experience (retail leadership preferred).
- Strong people leadership, coaching, and talent development skills.
- Solid business, financial, and operational acumen.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
- A genuine passion for pets and customer service.
Education
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Completion of Petco leadership development programs may be required for internal candidates.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
This role is primarily performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment. The General Manager is expected to be regularly present on the sales floor, leading by example and engaging with partners, customers, and pets.
- Majority of work is conducted indoors; however, occasional duties may require leaving the Pet Care Center for tasks such as bank deposits, merchandise transport, or community events.
- The role requires frequent standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting.
- Ability to safely lift and move merchandise, supplies, or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Regular engagement with customers on the sales floor, including providing customer assistance and performing cashiering and point-of-sale transactions.
- Must be able to work in proximity to animals, including exposure to animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals.
- Flexible availability to support Pet Care Center operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- This is a full-time position. Eligibility for full-time status is based on average hours worked, as defined by company policy and applicable law.
- A limited amount of travel may be required for training, meetings, or community engagement.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT HERE
- Purpose-driven work that makes a real difference.
- Growth opportunities through development programs and career pathways.
- A culture that values authenticity, inclusion, and teamwork.
- The chance to lead, own, and shape your business — every day.
LOCATION
Location: 1630 Scenic Highway 124, Snellville, GA 30078 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.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a General Manager, you bring this purpose to life by leading a high-performing Pet Care Center that puts pets first, inspires partners, delights customers, and delivers strong business results. You are the owner of your business, accountable for people, performance, and process, and a role model for what great leadership looks like. With a passion for pets and people, you build engaged teams, drive profitable growth, and ensure the highest standards of animal care, safety, and customer experience.
What You’ll Do
Pet First
- Champion the health, safety, and humane care of all animals, ensuring Petco standards and policies are consistently met.
- Create an environment where pets and pet parents feel welcomed, supported, and cared for.
- Lead with integrity, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right for pets.
Foster the Fun
- Build and lead an inclusive, energized team that embodies the Petco brand and delivers exceptional service.
- Attract, hire, train, coach, and develop diverse talent across all roles within the Pet Care Center.
- Create a positive, collaborative culture where partners feel engaged, supported, and empowered to grow.
- Lead by example — coaching in the moment, celebrating wins, and making work meaningful and fun.
Let’s Go!
- Own the business: drive sales growth, profitability, and operational excellence.
- Analyze financial and operational results, identify opportunities, and take decisive action to improve performance.
- Manage labor, payroll, and expenses to maximize productivity and results.
- Execute merchandising, inventory, and operational processes to brand and safety standards.
- Represent Petco in the community by leading local events, adoption initiatives, and partnerships that strengthen our impact.
Key Responsibilities
People Leadership
- Develop a strong leadership bench and succession plan.
- Lead performance management, coaching, and accountability for all partners.
- Promote continuous learning, growth, and career development.
- Foster a culture of teamwork, inclusion, and shared ownership.
Business Performance
- Meet or exceed sales, profitability, and operational goals.
- Leverage Petco tools, programs, and insights to grow the business.
- Review and act on reporting, audits, and Pet Care Center visits.
Operational Excellence
- Ensure safe opening and closing procedures and adherence to security protocols.
- Maintain store appearance, cleanliness, and safety standards.
- Protect pets, partners, and merchandise through strong loss prevention and inventory controls.
- Complete required administrative, payroll, and inventory tasks accurately and on time.
What Success Looks Like
- A safe, healthy environment where pets thrive.
- An engaged, high-performing team with strong retention and development.
- Loyal customers who trust your team and return again and again.
- A profitable, well-run Pet Care Center that reflects Petco’s values in action.
WHAT YOU BRING
Experience & Skills
- 3+ years of management experience (retail leadership preferred).
- Strong people leadership, coaching, and talent development skills.
- Solid business, financial, and operational acumen.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
- A genuine passion for pets and customer service.
Education
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Completion of Petco leadership development programs may be required for internal candidates.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
This role is primarily performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment. The General Manager is expected to be regularly present on the sales floor, leading by example and engaging with partners, customers, and pets.
- Majority of work is conducted indoors; however, occasional duties may require leaving the Pet Care Center for tasks such as bank deposits, merchandise transport, or community events.
- The role requires frequent standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting.
- Ability to safely lift and move merchandise, supplies, or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Regular engagement with customers on the sales floor, including providing customer assistance and performing cashiering and point-of-sale transactions.
- Must be able to work in proximity to animals, including exposure to animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals.
- Flexible availability to support Pet Care Center operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- This is a full-time position. Eligibility for full-time status is based on average hours worked, as defined by company policy and applicable law.
- A limited amount of travel may be required for training, meetings, or community engagement.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT HERE
- Purpose-driven work that makes a real difference.
- Growth opportunities through development programs and career pathways.
- A culture that values authenticity, inclusion, and teamwork.
- The chance to lead, own, and shape your business — every day.
LOCATION
Location: 1630 Scenic Highway 124, Snellville, GA 30078 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.
Groom Job Roles in Illinois
See all 48+ Groom Jobs in Illinois
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Groom Jobs in IllinoisGroom Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for grooms in Illinois?
Employers with documented sponsorship histories for groom roles in Illinois include thoroughbred racing facilities such as Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney, large private boarding and training stables in the Fox River Valley, and resort properties that maintain equestrian programs. Sponsorship is not universal and depends heavily on the employer's size, legal counsel, and documented inability to fill the role locally.
Which visa types are most common for groom roles in Illinois?
The H-2B visa nonimmigrant visa is the most common pathway for groom positions in Illinois, covering temporary non-agricultural labor including stable and equestrian care work. Employers must obtain a temporary labor certification from the Department of Labor before filing. The H-2B program has a statutory annual cap, so timing and early filing are important factors for both employer and applicant.
Which cities in Illinois have the most groom sponsorship jobs?
The Chicago metropolitan area, including Stickney and Cicero near Hawthorne Race Course, generates the highest concentration of groom sponsorship opportunities in Illinois. Elgin, Geneva, and St. Charles in Kane County have active equestrian boarding and training operations. Central Illinois towns near Bloomington and Springfield also support stable employment, particularly on private breeding and show-horse properties.
How to find groom visa sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate is specifically built for international job seekers and filters groom roles in Illinois by visa sponsorship availability, saving you from manually screening hundreds of listings. Search by state and role on Migrate Mate to surface Illinois employers who have previously sponsored or are currently open to sponsoring grooms, including positions at racing facilities, boarding stables, and equestrian centers.
What state-specific factors should international grooms know before applying in Illinois?
Illinois equestrian employers hiring under H-2B must pay the prevailing wage determined by the Department of Labor for the specific occupation and county. Racing-affiliated roles at Hawthorne Race Course follow Illinois Racing Board licensing requirements, which may apply to backstretch workers regardless of visa status. Applicants should confirm whether an employer has prior H-2B sponsorship experience, as the process involves multiple agency filings.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored groom jobs in Illinois?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.