If you’re an animal lover, you’ve probably dreamed about working with dogs every day. One of the most popular ways to turn that dream into a career is by becoming a professional dog groomer. Grooming is more than just making dogs look cute—it’s about keeping them clean, healthy, and comfortable.
For many aspiring groomers, PetSmart is the first stop. As one of the largest pet retailers in the United States, PetSmart has salons in nearly every location and offers a structured training program designed to take you from beginner to certified groomer.
But how does the process actually work? How much can you expect to earn? And what should you know about the recent lawsuit against PetSmart’s Grooming Academy? Let’s walk through everything step by step.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Apply as a Groomer Trainee
The journey begins with an application at your local PetSmart. You don’t need prior grooming experience to get started—just a love of animals and a willingness to learn.
If you’re hired, you’ll start as a Groomer Trainee, earning around $11 per hour. In this role, you’ll assist professional groomers with daily tasks like bathing, brushing, trimming nails, and prepping dogs for their grooming sessions.
Think of this stage as an apprenticeship. You’re learning the ropes, getting comfortable around a wide variety of breeds, and building the foundation for your grooming career.
Step 2: Training in Grooming Academy
Once you’ve proven yourself as a trainee, PetSmart may invite you to their Grooming Academy. This is where the real training begins.
The Grooming Academy includes:
- 4 weeks of classroom and salon instruction (about 160 hours)
- Hands-on practice with over 200 breeds
- Training in safety, breed-specific cuts, and health checks
- Instruction on customer service and handling difficult pets
When combined with your time as a trainee, you’ll complete roughly 800 hours of hands-on experience before becoming a certified PetSmart Groomer.
Upon graduation, you’re no longer an apprentice—you’re a full groomer with your own schedule, client list, and the opportunity to build repeat business.
Step 3: Life as a PetSmart Groomer
So, what’s it really like once you’re certified?
A typical day might include:
- Greeting pet parents and discussing grooming preferences
- Bathing and drying dogs (sometimes large, wiggly, or nervous ones!)
- Performing breed-specific cuts and trims
- Cleaning ears, trimming nails, and checking for skin or coat issues
- Managing back-to-back appointments in a busy salon environment
It’s a fast-paced, physical job. You’ll be on your feet most of the day, lifting dogs of all sizes, and dealing with everything from excited puppies to anxious rescues. But for many groomers, the joy of seeing a freshly groomed dog strut out of the salon makes it worth it.
How Much Do PetSmart Groomers Make?
Pay varies by location, experience, and demand, but here are the basics:
- Trainees: around $11/hour
- Certified groomers: average of $14.34/hour
- High performers: some groomers report making up to $50/hour in busy markets
If you work full-time (about 40 hours per week), you could expect around $573/week before taxes at the average rate. Part-time groomers usually work 15–25 hours per week.
Many groomers also earn tips, which can add a nice boost to your paycheck.
Is Grooming at PetSmart Worth It?
There are definitely pros and cons.
Pros:
- Paid training (a rarity in the pet industry)
- Exposure to hundreds of dog breeds
- A steady stream of clients
- Experience that can lead to opening your own grooming business
Cons:
- Physical demands (lifting, standing, handling stressed dogs)
- Busy, sometimes stressful environment
- Pay may feel low compared to independent grooming shops
- Concerns about contracts (see below)
If you’re passionate about animals and want to break into the industry, PetSmart is often considered one of the best first steps.
⚠️ The Grooming Academy Lawsuit
While PetSmart markets Grooming Academy as “free training,” the company is currently facing legal challenges over how the program is structured.
In July 2025, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser filed a lawsuit against PetSmart. The allegation? That the company misled groomer trainees into signing Training Repayment Agreement Provisions (TRAPs).
Here’s what the lawsuit claims:
- Trainees were told the program was free.
- After enrolling, they were asked to sign contracts requiring them to stay with PetSmart for two years or repay up to $5,500 in training costs.
- Contracts were sometimes presented during shifts or breaks, leaving workers little time to review.
- If an employee left after 11 months, they owed the full amount. Even after 23 months, they could still owe 50%.
- Some trainees reported training was inconsistent, overcrowded, and lacked enough dogs for practice.
The lawsuit argues that these contracts violated the Colorado Consumer Protection Act by trapping workers in jobs they wanted to leave.
You can read more here: KRDO News Report.
👉 What this means for you: If you’re considering becoming a PetSmart groomer, ask upfront about any contracts you’ll be required to sign. Lawsuits like this may change company policy, but it’s important to know what obligations you’re agreeing to before you begin.
Tips for Landing the Job
If you’re ready to apply, here are a few tips to help you stand out:
- Dress business casual for the interview (slacks and a collared shirt are fine—no jeans or t-shirts).
- Bring a resume, even if it’s short. Include volunteer work, pet care experience, or training you’ve done with your own animals.
- Show enthusiasm for animals. PetSmart looks for people who genuinely enjoy working with pets.
- Be ready to work hard. Grooming is rewarding, but it’s also physically demanding.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a dog groomer at PetSmart can be an excellent way to start a career in the pet industry. You’ll get paid training, real-world experience, and the chance to spend your days helping dogs look and feel their best.
However, it’s equally important to go in with your eyes open. The recent lawsuit highlights how critical it is to understand the fine print of any training agreement.
If you’re passionate about animals and ready for a hands-on career, grooming at PetSmart might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for—just make sure you ask the right questions before you begin.
My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.
