Groomer at Harrison Animal Hospital

Practice:

Harrison Animal Hospital takes great pride in being a part of this community and working closely with our clients and their pets.

Our veterinary team take a hands-on approach to veterinary medicine – we’re down to earth and practical but with all the technology and skill required for a state-of-the-art practice.

Reporting into the Practice Manager, the Groomer looks after the condition of the patient’s coat by providing services to keep the patient clean and well-cared for.  Working with a variety of patients (breeds and sizes), the Groomer is responsible for patient bathing, fur and teeth brushing, nail trimming and grinding.  The Groomer engages with clients to understand expectations, patient special needs, and desired outcomes.  The Groomer is also responsible to ensure grooming rooms or designated space is clean, sanitized, safe, and secure. The ideal candidate is confident and experienced in handling cats, dogs, and rabbits—including those with behavioral challenges and demonstrates safe handling practices, especially under stress or when animals are aggressive or fearful. We are seeking a reliable and punctual team member who demonstrates patience and gentleness with anxious pets and nervous owners and is able to remain calm and composed in stressful or emergency situations.

Commission-Based Understanding

• Must understand that the position is commission-based (60% of grooming charges) and does not include commission for sedation or anesthesia.
• Must be capable of tracking their own services rendered accurately for payment purposes.

• Patience & Compassion: Remaining professional while still making Doctors, teammates, clients, and patients feel as comfortable as possible regardless of the situation or challenges presented. Responding quickly and calmly to crisis while maintaining a high standard of patient care.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Carefully coordinating actions with Doctors and practice team members. Providing feedback appropriately and in a timely manner.  Quickly incorporating feedback to ensure positive results.  Sharing ideas and being open to other’s ideas.
• Communicating: Conveying instructions to clients and teammates to ensure successful pet services/care are provided.
• Active Listening: When listening to clients regarding service to pet listen for understanding and repeat back requests to ensure client expectations are met. May need to communicate and actively listen to Doctors if a patient is at the practice for multiple service and treatments.
• Organization Skills: Following client instructions, maintain consistent workflow to ensure client commitments are met, and other job-related items while managing multiple pets and clients.
• Client Satisfaction: Ensuring all activities and interactions result in the highest level of client satisfaction. Be client centric.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Animal Handling Proficiency

  • Confident and experienced in handling cats, dogs, and rabbits—including those with behavioral challenges.

  • Must demonstrate safe handling practices, especially under stress or when animals are aggressive or fearful.

• Grooming Competence Across Species

  • Capable of performing breed-specific and owner-requested trims for both cats and dogs.

  • Comfortable and competent in grooming rabbits, including handling their fragile skin and stress sensitivity.

• Sedation & Anesthesia Awareness

  • Must understand the risks, limitations, and protocols when grooming sedated or anesthetized pets.

  • Collaborate effectively with the clinical team to ensure the pet’s medical safety during procedures.

• Communication Skills

  • Must be able to confidently and clearly communicate with pet owners to understand their grooming preferences.

  • Demonstrates empathy and professionalism during client interactions, especially with sensitive or nervous pet parents.

• Self-Sufficient and Responsible

  • Must handle pet intake (admission) independently, including verifying grooming requests, medical notes, and behavioral concerns.

  • Must bathe all animals themselves, ensuring coat and skin are appropriately prepped prior to clipping or trimming.

• Team Collaboration

  • Strong teamwork mindset—must work respectfully and cooperatively with veterinary technicians, reception staff, and doctors.

  • Willing to adapt grooming schedule to accommodate surgical or medical needs when sedation is involved.

• Cleanliness & Professionalism

  • Maintain a clean, sanitary grooming space, including equipment sanitation between pets.

  • Must adhere to clinic hygiene protocols, especially when grooming medically compromised animals.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• Ability to work on weekends as required
• Experience grooming / caring for animals
• Previous veterinary experience is required
• Client satisfaction references preferred
• Ability to lift patients up to 25 pounds; ability to lift patients over 25 pounds with assistance
• Practices OSHA safety techniques including proper PPE

Benefits Offered:

• Paid time off
• Health insurance; dental insurance; vision insurance
• Retirement benefits or accounts
• Bonus incentive
• Flexible work schedules
• Career and professional development
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Program

Benefits offered may vary depending on full or part time employment status according to company policy.