Bark & Purr · Team Reference

Junior Groomer

Developing the Art of Grooming with Confidence
DepartmentGrooming Operations
Reports ToShop Manager / Managing Partner
Updated2026-08-23
About Bark & Purr

Bark and Purr Pet Grooming & Boarding is Allen, Texas's premier pet wellness destination. Located at 803 W. Main Street, we are a certified Fear-Free grooming salon. Our proprietary Tranquil Tail Grooming® method creates individualized, stress-free experiences for every pet and every PAWrent. We do not just groom pets — we care for them holistically and become trusted members of their extended family.

Our team is our brand. We hire only individuals who combine technical excellence with genuine, natural empathy for animals. If you are reading this document, you have already demonstrated qualities that set you apart.

Role At A Glance
Level / TierDeveloping · Commission-Based
Reports ToShop Manager / Managing Partner
Location803 W. Main Street, Allen, TX 75013
Pre-RequisiteCompletion of Bark and Purr Grooming Apprentice Program (or equivalent externally verified)
Position Summary

The Junior Groomer is a developing professional who has completed the Grooming Apprentice Program and is building an independent client book. You perform full grooms on an approved breed list with periodic mentor review, develop your client consultation skills, and grow toward full Groomer status. This role is about building speed, confidence, and precision while maintaining our unwavering commitment to Fear-Free, wellness-first grooming.

Core Responsibilities

Grooming & Styling

  • Perform complete, independent grooms (bath through finish) on the approved Junior Groomer breed list.
  • Execute breed-appropriate cuts and owner-requested styles to Bark and Purr quality standards.
  • Demonstrate precision scissor work, clipper control, and hand-finishing techniques.
  • Seek mentor feedback on unfamiliar breeds or challenging coat types before beginning — not after.

Client Assessment & Communication

  • Conduct pre-groom consultations: review service, ask wellness questions, confirm style preferences.
  • Perform and document the three-point physical assessment (coat, skin, overall health) on every pet.
  • Communicate health observations, coat findings, and behavioral notes to the PAWrent at checkout.
  • Build client profiles with detailed notes — behavioral, physical, and preference data — after each visit.

Fear-Free & Wellness Standards

  • Apply Fear-Free handling techniques on every pet, every groom — no exceptions.
  • Recognize FAS escalation and stop or modify the service before stress peaks.
  • Communicate FAS observations to management and document in client profile.

Upselling & Retail

  • Recommend relevant add-on services based on the physical assessment (paw treatment, dental, deshed, etc.).
  • Suggest retail products that genuinely benefit the client's pet — framed as trusted advice.
  • Contribute to the shop's Google review generation at every checkout.
Qualifications & Requirements
Pre-RequisiteCompletion of Bark and Purr Grooming Apprentice Program (or equivalent externally verified)
Breed ListApproved Junior Groomer breed list (issued by management upon promotion)
CertificationsActive Fear-Free certification required
CommissionCommission on completed grooms per rate schedule in offer letter
MentorshipAssigned mentor groomer for the first 90 days post-promotion
Non-NegotiablesCommitment to quality over speed; active pursuit of skill growth; client-first mindset
What You're Measured On
Key Performance IndicatorTarget / Standard
Client rebooking rate≥ 70% of clients rebook within 6 weeks
Quality complaints or redos< 3% of total grooms per month
Upsell / add-on attachment rate≥ 20% of services include an add-on
Google review generation≥ 1 new review per month
Mentor check-in participation100% of scheduled mentor check-ins attended
Physical assessment documentation100% documented on every pet
Career Pathway

Bather → Lead Bather → Grooming Apprentice Program → Junior Groomer → Groomer (typically 6–12 months) → Stylist → Senior Stylist.

Advancement to Groomer requires: approved breed list expanded to full range, ≥ 90% client rebooking, zero preventable safety incidents, and management sign-off.
Training Agenda

Junior Groomer development is a 90-day structured program combining peer mentorship, progressive breed expansion, client communication coaching, and skill assessments. Mentor: assigned Groomer or Stylist, minimum 30-minute check-in per week. Format: independent work with weekly mentor reviews plus formal assessments at Day 30, 60, and 90. The Day 90 performance review determines promotion readiness to Groomer.

Weeks 1–3 · Approved Breed List — Building Speed & Consistency
  • Perform grooms exclusively on approved breed list; aim for consistent quality before increasing pace.
  • Complete a groomer self-evaluation form after every groom for the first 2 weeks.
  • Weekly 30-minute mentor review: observe 2 grooms, provide written feedback.
  • Study breed standards for all approved breeds: correct proportions, leg length, head shape, coat texture.
  • Practice client consultation script: pre-groom interview, wellness questions, style confirmation.
  • Complete checkout communication practice: post-groom update, health findings, rebooking ask, review request.
Weeks 4–6 · Client Communication & Profile Building
  • Focus on pre-groom consultation depth — ask at least 3 meaningful wellness or lifestyle questions per client.
  • Three-point assessment documentation: reviewed by mentor for accuracy and completeness weekly.
  • Practice delivering difficult observations: matting conversations, health findings, behavior concerns.
  • Begin identifying upsell opportunities: document 1 recommendation per day, track acceptance rate.
  • Build personal client notes: detailed behavioral profiles, preferred style notes, PAWrent communication preferences.
  • Attend one team checkout role-play session with mentor.
Weeks 7–9 · Breed Expansion Preparation
  • Submit list of 3 new breeds outside the approved list for mentor review and expansion approval.
  • Practice new breeds under direct mentor observation — 2 mentor-supervised grooms per new breed before solo.
  • Study breed-specific coat characteristics: double coats, stripped coats, single fine coats, wire coats.
  • Scissor technique refinement: curved scissor work, thinning blends, carding technique.
  • Learn creative finishing techniques: ears, faces, tail patterns for popular breeds.
  • Participate in peer learning session: observe a Groomer or Stylist on a complex breed.
Weeks 10–12 · Full Assessment & Promotion Preparation
  • Formal Day 90 performance review with mentor and Shop Manager.
  • Demonstrate 3 grooms from expanded breed list with mentor present.
  • Review all KPI data: rebooking rate, add-on rate, review generation, complaint/redo rate.
  • Self-assessment and manager assessment comparison — identify gaps and growth plan.
  • If promotion criteria met: advance to Groomer. If not yet met: structured 30-day extension plan with specific milestones.
Watch & Learn

External professional references until Bark & Purr films its own — techniques shown may differ in small ways from our Tranquil Tail method; your mentor's instruction always wins.

How to Hand Scissor a Dog — Christies Direct. Why it fits: builds the curved-scissor and finishing precision Weeks 7–9 asks you to refine before your breed-expansion grooms.
Sanitary Grooming Tips — Andis. Why it fits: manufacturer-led clipper/blade technique for the sanitary trim every independent groom in your approved breed list requires.
Competency Checklist — Sign-Off Required
Trainee: Date:

Supervisor: Date:
Accountability Checklist — Every Shift

Opening / Start of Shift

During the Shift

Closing / End of Shift

← All Positions Employee Handbook 30/60/90 Onboarding
Bark & Purr Pet Grooming & Boarding · Allen, TX · Internal team document · Pay and commission details live in your offer letter