Dog Bather
Part-Time, Full-Time, or Contract Available
The Barking Birch Pet Lodge is a home away from home for pets. Housed just off Highway 23 outside Rockville, MN, we provide lodging, grooming, and daycare services for our four-legged guests. We are looking for friendly, caring dog groomers to keep our guests looking their best. Our salon is open Monday through Saturday.
Ideal additions to our pack are comfortable working with dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments. We are looking for entry-level dog groomers and bathers to perform basic grooming and bathing-related duties.
To the right candidate, we are willing to offer flexible compensation options, including commission, tips, contract positions, and full or part-time positions. And don’t worry about drumming up business. We have a large clientele base–you will be busy!
Responsibilites
At Barking Birch, we treat all our dogs (and their humans) as individuals. We get to know them by name, temperament–and style. Groomers must be comfortable working with animals of all breeds and sizes.
A new pack member understands that while some of our guests look forward to spa day, others don’t enjoy the entire grooming process. This means groomers and bathers remain alert and focused while primping and preening our guests.
Responsibilities include:
- Bathing, conditioning, and drying dogs
- Trimming, clipping, and shaving fur
- Dematting/detangling as needed
- Nail trims and grinds
- Ear cleaning
- Gland cleaning
- Brushing teeth
- Ensuring all dogs are safe and secure during the grooming process
- Routinely cleaning work areas
Skills Required
While entry-level applicants are welcome, dog grooming experience is preferred. Applicants should expect to work with both large and small dog breeds and be prepared to groom 5 to 7 animals per day.
Other qualifications include:
- Patience with animals and good handling skills
- Ability to be physically active
- Ability to work effectively on a team and independently
- Extremely reliable
- Have a strong work ethic
- Detail-oriented
- Available to work some holidays and weekends
Work Environment
Grooming dogs is very active job. It involves standing, bending, stooping, lifting and cleaning. Our professional salon is equipped with hydraulic tables, but our groomers and bathers should be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
We have a full working salon, including any grooming equipment our guests may need, from scissors and shears to electric tables and drying equipment. If you would rather use your own equipment, you may bring it along. Our contract employees are responsible for their own grooming insurance coverage.
Keeping grooming areas clean and sanitary requires the use of commercial cleaning agents. Sensitivity to these chemicals and/or animal biohazards may require the use of gloves and/or face masks.
Team Requirements
The members of our pack understand that when working with animals, they must value integrity, responsibility, and patience. Understanding the needs of our animals and their behavior is not always predictable or easy.
Although we make every attempt to accommodate our guests, grooming is not a fun experience for all dogs. Our groomers and bathers should be patient and attentive during every groom.