Grooming Assistant (Part-Time)Department: GroomingEmployment Type: Part TimeLocation: Tupelo, MississippiCompensation: $11.00 - $16.00 / hourDescriptionAt All Animal Hospital, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional veterinary care to pets in Tupelo and the surrounding areas. Our compassionate team is dedicated to maintaining the health and well-being of animals through high-quality, comprehensive medical services, includingpreventative care, surgery, dental health, and grooming. As part of our commitment to pet care, we are currently seeking a Part-Time Dog Bather to join our grooming team.This position plays an essential role in the grooming process, ensuring that dogs receive a clean and comfortable grooming experience. The Part-Time Dog Bather will be responsible for washing, drying, and providing basic grooming services to dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments. This role involves using various grooming tools, including brushes, combs, and dryers, as well as performing nail trims and ear cleaning. As a member of our grooming team, you will work closely with both clients and veterinary staff to ensure the highest level of care is provided to all animals in our clinic.This is an hourly position whose base pay will be set based on the individuals relevant working knowledge of pet grooming and veterinary services that are offered. Key ResponsibilitiesBathing & Grooming Support:
- Dog Bathing: Perform thorough bathing of dogs using appropriate shampoos, conditioners, and products based on their skin type, coat type, and individual needs.
- Brushing & De-shedding: Brush out dogs to remove mats, tangles, and loose hair, and perform de-shedding as needed. Ensure dogs are calm and comfortable during the grooming process.
- Ear Cleaning & Nail Trimming: Clean dogs' ears, trim nails, and provide basic grooming services such as brushing teeth when necessary. Pay attention to detail to ensure all aspects of the dog's grooming are complete.
- Drying: Use professional drying equipment, including blow dryers and towels, to dry dogs efficiently while ensuring their comfort and safety. Handle dogs with care throughout the drying process.
- Coat and Skin Condition Monitoring: Identify any skin conditions, irritations, or abnormalities during the grooming process and notify the veterinary team if needed.
Animal Care & Husbandry:
- Safe Animal Handling: Handle dogs gently and with patience, ensuring their safety and comfort during bathing, drying, and grooming. Apply positive reinforcement to calm nervous or anxious animals.
- Animal Health Monitoring: Observe the dogs' physical condition and report any health concerns (e.g., unusual lumps, skin rashes, or eye issues) to the veterinary or grooming team.
- Comfort & Well-Being: Ensure that all dogs are relaxed and well-cared-for during their grooming session, making adjustments to the process to accommodate nervous or high-energy animals.
Cleanliness & Grooming Area Maintenance:
- Cleanliness Standards: Keep the grooming area clean, organized, and sanitized. Clean and disinfect grooming tools and equipment after each use to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
- Equipment Maintenance: Ensure that grooming equipment (clippers, dryers, brushes, etc.) is in good working order and report any needed repairs or replacements.
- Stocking Supplies: Help maintain grooming supply inventory and notify management when products need to be restocked.
Client Interaction & Communication:
- Client Communication: Greet clients with a friendly, professional demeanor when they drop off or pick up their pets. Provide updates on their pet's grooming process if requested.
- Special Instructions: Take note of any special grooming requests or instructions from pet owners and ensure those are communicated to the groomer or veterinary team.
- Customer Service: Assist with educating pet owners about proper grooming practices and the importance of regular grooming for their pets' overall health.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise to be Successful
- Hands-On Experience: Previous experience in animal care, grooming, or bathing is preferred but not required. If you have experience working with dogs in a grooming or veterinary environment, you'll be highly considered.
- Grooming Certification (Preferred): While not mandatory, a grooming certification (or coursework) is a plus. We encourage applicants with formal training to apply.
- Animal Handling Skills: Comfort with handling dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments. You should be able to manage pets calmly and safely during the grooming process.
- Customer Service Skills: Excellent communication skills for interacting with pet owners and team members in a professional, positive manner.
- Attention to Detail: The ability to follow grooming instructions carefully and provide thorough, high-quality services to every pet.
- Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for extended periods, lift dogs of various sizes, and perform physical tasks like bending and squatting throughout the grooming session.
- Team-Oriented: Ability to work well as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. You'll work closely with groomers, veterinary staff, and clients to ensure pets receive the best care.
What We Offer
- Positive, Collaborative Environment: Join a supportive, compassionate team dedicated to animal welfare and high-quality veterinary care. You'll have the chance to learn from experienced groomers and veterinary professionals.
- Professional Growth: Opportunities for career development and continuing education in animal care, grooming, and veterinary practices.
- Flexible Hours: As a part-time position, we offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your personal commitments.
- Competitive Pay: Competitive hourly rate based on experience. We value your skill and expertise, and we offer potential for growth.
- Making a Difference: Play an important role in the health and comfort of pets and contribute to a clinic that focuses on both medical and grooming care.