Rewarding work with clients and pets, but increasing expectations with reduced support - Pet Stylist (DOG GROOMER) PetSmart Employee Review

4.0
10 Feb 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Working as a dog groomer provides the opportunity to build strong relationships with both clients and their pets, which can make the work feel meaningful and rewarding. Many clients develop long-term trust with their groomers, creating a loyal customer base and a sense of community. The salon environment can also foster supportive coworker relationships, where team members help each other manage busy schedules and challenging grooming situations. Commission-based pay allows motivated groomers to increase their earnings through productivity, and the role offers valuable hands-on experience for those looking to grow in the grooming industry.

Cons

Policies and operational expectations can sometimes make it difficult to work efficiently in the salon. Communication around new rules or workflow changes could be more supportive and collaborative. Groomers are primarily commission-based, but additional responsibilities — such as cashier duties and other non-grooming tasks — have been added without additional compensation. At the same time, employee hours have been reduced while productivity expectations remain the same as when the salon was fully staffed. This can create added pressure on the team and impact morale.

Explore other reviews about PetSmart

5.0
4 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Fun, welcoming, easy, flexible, growth

Cons

Weekends, slow, customers, busy, fast pace

1.0
2 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The company pushes for more and more from the bottom level employees without better pay. I worked there before the restructuring and; not much can make me cry, but working here sure did, even back then. I can’t imagine how anxiety inducing it must be to work there now. Animal welfare is a complete non-concern. The only thing that’s pushed is sell, sell, sell. It’s borderline dystopian. Bad management seems to be a common issue, not only from my experience, but many others’ as well. I worked until I was an exhausted sweaty mess to make sure everything in pet care or, when I groomed, the salon, was cleaned to perfection as expected of me (and I reiterate: “me,” because these standards were not expected of my co-workers, just me) and overall felt very unseen. The only times I did feel “seen,” was when mistakes were made. Work was treated like boot camp. A co-worker that was subtley targeting/bullying me, and even started rumors accusing me of racist remarks(!!!), was promoted and anything I reported was downplayed because they were friends with the assistant manager. Working here was an overall traumatizing experience.

Cons

Employees are expected to be work-robots

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PetSmart Response
2w
We’re disappointed to hear that your experience didn’t reflect what we aim to create for our associates, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. We invite you to contact the CareSmart line at 1-800-738-4693 so we can learn more and see how we can support you. Thank you.
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