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 / Tier
Cross-Trained · Entry to Client-Facing · Hourly
Reports To
Shop Manager / Managing Partner
Location
803 W. Main Street, Allen, TX 75013
Compensation
Hourly rate per offer letter
Position Summary
The Cross-Trained Bather + Front Desk Associate is two essential roles in one. On the grooming side, you are the first hands-on touchpoint in a pet's visit — responsible for every pet arriving at the table clean, calm, conditioned, and emotionally ready. On the front-desk side, you are the face, voice, and heart of the client experience — the first hello and the last goodbye. You move fluidly between the tub and the front desk as the day demands, and you are a Fear-Free advocate in both seats. We hire for genuine warmth and reliability and cross-train the side you are newer to: strong bathers learn the desk, strong hospitality people learn the tub.
Bathing Station — Core Responsibilities
Bathing & Coat Preparation
Bathe all dogs and cats using breed-appropriate, Bark and Purr-approved organic shampoos and conditioners.
Perform pre-bath coat evaluation: identify mat location, skin conditions, coat density, and any health observations.
Apply appropriate conditioners, treatments, and detanglers based on coat type and groomer instructions.
Perform high-velocity and fluff drying techniques appropriate to coat type.
Execute brush-out to a table-ready standard before handing off to the groomer.
Ops Manual — Squeaky Clean Standard: every dog must leave the bathing area bathed at least twice, conditioned when appropriate, completely rinsed, fully dried, and thoroughly brushed and combed. If a dog is not squeaky clean, the groom cannot be completed to Bark & Purr standards. A groomer who finds a dog still dirty, smelling, or not brushed out has the right to return it to the bather for a rebath.
Finishing & Hygiene Services
Trim nails to appropriate length using clippers (grinding requires sign-off).
Clean ears using approved technique and solution; flag any abnormal odor, discharge, or sensitivity.
Brush teeth using approved pet-safe toothpaste.
Apply finishing spritz or bandana/bow as directed.
[CONFIRM: anal gland expression listed as bath add-on in Ops Manual but absent from JD — is this a Bather duty?]
Pet Safety & Wellbeing
Never leave a pet unattended on the table, in the tub, or under any dryer — without exception.
Monitor all pets during cage drying; check temperature, positioning, and stress levels every 5 minutes.
Recognize and respond to Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS) indicators; de-escalate using approved Fear-Free techniques.
Communicate all behavioral observations and health findings to the assigned groomer before handoff.
Station & Sanitation Standards
Sanitize tubs, tables, tools, and all equipment between every pet.
Maintain clean floors, drains, and surfaces throughout the shift.
Restock shampoos, conditioners, and supplies; flag shortages to management.
Store all chemicals securely and per posted safety protocols.
Ops Manual — Product Preparation: follow dilution ratios for each product, label all mixed bottles, avoid cross-contamination, and discard diluted product after 48 hours.
Front Desk Station — Core Responsibilities
Client Welcome & Check-In
Greet every client and pet by name the moment they walk through the door — with genuine warmth and energy.
Get down to the pet's level, acknowledge the animal first, then engage the human.
Conduct a structured check-in if the groomer does not: confirm service, ask wellness questions, note any changes, run a comb through for a dematting check, and confirm pickup contact.
Help client complete self-check-in digitally or conduct manual check-in as needed.
Introduce new clients to the Tranquil Tail® philosophy.
Say goodbye to the PAWrent and retain the pet — demonstrating the transfer of trust.
Ensure the groomer follows the check-in process, or walk the pet to the kennel room with a completed written summary of client notes and special instructions. Post the pet's name on the board with assignments if operating manually, or verify all notes and process flows are correct in the system if operating digitally.
Scheduling & Booking Management
Manage all appointment scheduling during the shift: phone, online, text, walk-in, and rebook-at-checkout.
Optimize the daily schedule to minimize downtime and prevent groomer overbooking.
Ensure appointment confirmations and 24-hour reminders have been sent via approved channels.
Handle cancellations, reschedules, and waitlist management.
Check-Out & Revenue Transactions
Process all payments accurately: cash, card, and digital; issue correct receipts.
Deliver the groomer's wellness update to the client at checkout on their behalf, if the groomer is unavailable.
Offer to rebook at every checkout — every client, every time.
Request Google reviews personally and sincerely at every checkout.
Recommend retail products based on the groomer's post-groom notes.
Close out the shift and balance cash and checkouts to the drawer and credit card terminal.
Ensure phones are transferred to the Manager on Duty at the end of the shift.
Waiting Room, Kennel, Boarding Area & Environment Management
Maintain the waiting room environment: calming, clean, aromatherapy running, music appropriate.
Offer organic treat samples to waiting pets; offer water to owners when appropriate.
Manage the arrival of multiple clients simultaneously — calm, organized, and never frantic.
Identify and proactively address anxious pets in the shop before they escalate.
Ensure pets are walked every three hours if they are present longer than that.
Ensure pets do not wait more than 30 minutes between services and that they are out within shop standards — 3 hours for smaller dogs, 4 hours for larger dogs.
Communication & Follow-Up
Answer all inbound calls within 3 rings; return voicemails and missed calls within 2 hours during business hours.
Respond to all online inquiries within 2 hours during business hours.
Verify that post-visit follow-up texts/emails have been sent: same-day thank-you, 48-hour wellness check, and 4-week rebook reminder.
Flag lapsing clients (6+ weeks since last visit) to management for re-engagement.
Administrative Responsibilities
Maintain accurate client records and pet profiles in the booking system; update images and weight as needed.
Verify vaccination records at check-in for new clients and annual updates.
Complete end-of-day sales reconciliation and cash drawer balance.
Assist in review response management for both positive and constructive reviews.
Take photographs throughout the day in the lobby and grooming areas; be active in social media campaigns.
Physical Requirements
Ability to stand for extended periods (6–8 hours per shift).
Ability to safely lift and handle dogs up to 80 lbs.
Comfortable working in a wet, humid environment with exposure to fur, dander, and pet-safe chemicals.
Manual dexterity for nail trimming, ear cleaning, and brushing.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education — High school diploma or GED preferred
Experience — Bathing/animal-handling experience AND customer-service or hospitality experience; pet-industry background a strong plus. We cross-train the side you are newer to.
Certifications — Fear-Free certification required within 90 days of hire (company-sponsored)
Physical — Ability to lift 80 lbs; stand 6–8 hrs; work in wet/humid environment
Availability — Flexible; weekends and holidays required per schedule
Non-Negotiables — Genuine love for animals; calm under pressure; team-oriented; equally willing to get wet-and-furry and to run a warm, organized front desk
Technical — Comfort learning appointment-scheduling software and POS systems; warm, professional phone presence
What You're Measured On
Key Performance Indicator
Target / Standard
Bather Training Checklist completed
Within 30 days of hire
Fear-Free Certification earned
Within 90 days of hire
Pet safety incidents
Zero preventable incidents
Table-ready quality score (groomer feedback)
Meets standard on ≥ 95% of handoffs
Station sanitation compliance
100% — verified daily by supervisor
Punctuality & attendance
< 3 unexcused incidents per quarter
Rebooking ask at checkout (front-desk shifts)
Made at 100% of checkouts worked
Google review request (front-desk shifts)
Made at 100% of checkouts worked
Phone & inquiry response
Phones answered within 3 rings; inquiries returned within 2 hrs
Career Pathway
Cross-Trained Associate → Lead Bather or Lead Receptionist → Bathing Supervisor / Client Experience Lead → Apprentice Groomer (grooming track, following the Bather → Lead Bather → Grooming Apprentice Program → Junior Groomer → Groomer → Stylist ladder) or Assistant Shop Manager (operations track).
📌 Cross-training is a launch pad, not a ceiling. Associates who shine on the tub can move toward the Grooming Apprentice Program; those who shine at the desk can move toward Client Experience leadership. You choose your track.
Training Overview
Cross-training runs in two stages: the 30-day Bathing Foundation and the 30-day Front Desk client-experience program. New hires begin at the station matching their existing experience and cross-train into the other. Both competency checklists (Checklists tab) must be signed off before independent dual-station operation.
Total Duration — 30 days (with 60-day follow-up review)
Training Format — Hands-on mentored practice + knowledge modules + daily debriefs
Assigned Mentor — Lead Bather or Senior Groomer (assigned Day 1); Front Desk stage mentored by Shop Manager or Senior Receptionist
Pass Standard — All checklist items signed off; Fear-Free cert enrolled
Training Agenda — Bathing Foundation
Phase 1 · Days 1–5: Orientation & Observation
Days 1–2: onboarding paperwork, handbook review, policy acknowledgment; facility orientation (bathing area, grooming floor, kennel, retail, safety equipment); team introductions; Tranquil Tail® / Fear-Free brand overview; review of opening/workflow/closing procedures; shadow mentor through a full day of bathing — observe only.
Days 3–5: approved shampoos/conditioners/treatments — purpose, dilution ratios, application; chemical safety (storage, labeling, exposure response, MSDS locations); equipment overview (HV dryers, cage dryers, tubs, tables) and PPE use; pet first-aid basics; begin Fear-Free online certification module (complete by Day 30).
Phase 2 · Days 6–15: Supervised Skills Development
Days 6–8: pre-bath assessment (coat type, mat mapping, skin scan); supervised bath (water temp, shampoo application, massage, thorough rinse); conditioner/treatment application by coat type; daily mentor feedback session.
Days 9–12: high-velocity drying (distance, angle, motion, avoiding sensitive areas); fluff drying for curly/long coats; cage drying (safe temps, max time, monitoring every 5 min); brush-out by coat type; minor-mat judgment vs. flagging to groomer; the table-ready standard.
Days 16–20: full bath and prep independently for ≥5 dogs/day with mentor present; complete hygiene services without prompting; narrate observations to mentor; document health observations; mentor evaluates handoff quality.
Days 21–25: manage multiple dogs in sequence; timed station sanitation between pets; recognize and de-escalate escalating FAS; complete Fear-Free certification exam (enrolled by Day 20, complete by Day 30); handle a "difficult bath" scenario under supervision.
Phase 4 · Days 26–30: Evaluation & Sign-Off
Days 26–29: operate the bathing station independently for a full shift; demonstrate full checklist competencies; receive written mentor feedback; complete outstanding modules/certification steps.
Day 30: formal review with Lead Bather and Shop Manager; Bather Competency Checklist fully signed; Fear-Free cert confirmed enrolled or completed; Day-60 goals set.
Training Agenda — Front Desk Cross-Training (30-Day Program)
Front Desk training is a 30-day structured program covering all operational systems, communication standards, and the client experience protocols. Mentor: Shop Manager or Senior Receptionist. Assessment: Day-14 mid-point check-in, Day-30 full performance review.
Days 1–3 · Orientation, Culture & Environment
Onboarding paperwork, handbook review; facility tour; Tranquil Tail® / Fear-Free brand immersion; observe front desk for 2 full days (no solo operation); learn team names, roles, grooming specialties; basic grooming terminology and coat/breed standards; matting check and new-client orientation; study the client experience journey map (Stations 1–10, Client Experience Playbook).
Days 4–7 · System & Tools Training
Booking system (create/view/cancel/waitlist); client profile system; vaccination record verification; POS training and cash drawer management; phone system handling; online booking monitoring.
Days 8–14 · Client Communication — Scripts & Standards
Master phone greeting, new-client introduction (objection handling), check-in, and checkout scripts; post-visit follow-up text practice; difficult-conversation framework (CARE) in 3 simulated scenarios; supervised operation begins Day 10.
Days 15–22 · Supervised Solo Operation
Operate front desk independently (mentor nearby); manage a full day's check-ins/checkouts/scheduling; rebooking ask and Google review request tracked; send all post-visit follow-ups independently; handle 1 simulated difficult conversation; Day-14 mid-point check-in.
Days 23–30 · Full Independence & Performance Review
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.
Shampoo Dilution — Christies Direct. Channel: Christies Direct. Why it fits: dilution ratios and product prep are core Bathing Station duties and an Ops Manual standard — this is your foundation for correct mixing.
Client Comms — atDove. Channel: atDove. Why it fits: front-desk greeting, check-in, and communication tone are the highest-interpersonal-skill part of the cross-trained role — this shows the standard we're training to.
Front Desk Competency Checklist — Sign-Off Required
Trainee: Date:
Supervisor: Date:
Accountability Checklist — Bathing Station, Every Shift
Daily Shift Task List — Opening
Clock in; put on a clean smock/PPE and set up your assigned station (bathing room and/or front desk).
Bathing: sanitize tubs, tables, dryers, and tools; power on dryers before the first pet.
Confirm shampoo, conditioner, detangler, and towel stock; flag shortages to the Manager.
Front desk: bring up the booking/POS system and phones; count and confirm the opening cash drawer.
Review the day's groom board and appointment schedule — assigned pets, arrivals, and special handling notes.
Verify 24-hour reminders and confirmations went out for today's appointments.
Set the waiting room: clean, calming, aromatherapy on, treat samples and water ready.
Check the boarding-area board for pets staying with us and note their walk and feeding needs.
Daily Shift Task List — During the Shift
Bathe, dry, and brush each pet to a table-ready standard per the breed-appropriate, Bark and Purr-approved process.
Perform pre-bath coat evaluation and hygiene services (nails, ears, teeth); flag mats, skin issues, or lumps to the assigned groomer.
Never leave a pet unattended on the table, in the tub, or under a dryer; monitor cage-drying temperature and positioning.
Watch for Fear, Anxiety & Stress (FAS) signals and respond per Fear-Free protocol; communicate all findings to the groomer.
Sanitize tubs, tables, and tools between every pet; keep floors and drains clean throughout.
Front desk: greet every client and pet by name, answer calls within 3 rings, and conduct or confirm structured check-ins.
Manage scheduling (phone, online, text, walk-in, rebook) and process checkouts and payments accurately.
Offer to rebook and request a Google review at every checkout; recommend retail per the groomer's notes.
Walk kenneled and boarding pets every 3 hours; keep the board and booking system current and the waiting room calm.
Daily Shift Task List — Closing
Finish and hand off all pets; deep-clean and sanitize tubs, tables, dryers, and all tools; clean floors and drains.
Restock shampoos, conditioners, and supplies; secure all chemicals per posted safety protocols; start/empty laundry.
Front desk: complete end-of-day sales reconciliation and balance cash and checkouts to the drawer.
Confirm all boarding/kenneled pets are walked, watered, and secured for the night.
Update client records and pet profiles touched during the day; verify same-day follow-ups are sent.
Tidy and reset the lobby and front desk; transfer phones to the Manager on Duty.
Report any equipment issues and give a brief handoff to the next shift / Manager on Duty.
Bathing Station — Daily
Bathing Station — Weekly
Bathing Station — Monthly
📌 This checklist is a tool for your success, not surveillance. Use it to take ownership of your performance and identify your own growth areas before your supervisor does.
Accountability Checklist — Front Desk Station, Every Shift
The front desk is the hub of everything that happens at Bark and Purr. Use this checklist to stay ahead of the day — not behind it.
Front Desk — Daily
Front Desk — Weekly
Front Desk — Monthly
📌 Every conversation you have at the front desk either builds a relationship or weakens one. This checklist ensures you're always building.
Compass Taps — Your Taps ARE the Record — Bathing Station
Tap it, and it's the record. If it's not tapped, it didn't happen — as far as the board can see.
Opening (Start of Shift)
Per Dog (The Taps, In Order)
Forgot a tap? Backfill it — tap it late and add a quick timing note on what happened. The timestamp never changes; your note explains the gap.
Closing (End of Shift)
Compass Taps — Your Taps ARE the Record — Front Desk Station
Tap it, and it's the record. If it's not tapped, it didn't happen — as far as the board can see.
Opening (Start of Shift)
Per Appointment (The Taps, In Order)
Forgot a tap? Backfill it — tap it late and add a quick "why late" note. The timestamp never changes; the record catches up.