PET Groomer

Role & responsibilities

1. Pet Grooming Services

• Perform bathing, drying, brushing, and coat cleaning for dogs and cats.
• Provide professional hair trimming and styling according to breed and owner preference.
• Perform de-shedding and removal of loose or matted hair.
• Trim nails safely.
• Clean ears appropriately.
• Perform basic paw and hygiene-area trimming.
• Maintain the pets coat, skin, and overall external hygiene.

2. Pet Safety & Handling

• Handle every pet gently, patiently, and humanely.
• Assess the pet’s temperament before beginning grooming.
• Use appropriate restraint techniques without causing unnecessary stress or injury.
• Never leave a pet unattended on a grooming table or in an unsafe area.
• Immediately stop grooming if the pet develops breathing difficulty, excessive stress, bleeding, collapse, or other concerning signs.
• Inform the veterinarian immediately when medical attention may be required.

3. Pre-Grooming Assessment

• Check the pet for visible wounds, skin irritation, ticks, fleas, lumps, ear problems, or other abnormalities before grooming.
• Inform the owner and veterinarian when an abnormality is noticed.
• Confirm the grooming service requested by the owner before starting.
• Identify aggressive, anxious, elderly, or special-needs pets requiring additional precautions.

4. Bathing & Coat Care

• Select suitable shampoo and grooming products based on coat and skin condition.
• Follow veterinary instructions when medicated shampoo has been prescribed.
• Ensure shampoo and other products are thoroughly rinsed.
• Dry pets safely without excessive heat.
• Brush and detangle coats carefully to avoid skin injury.

5. Nail, Ear & Hygiene Care

• Trim nails carefully to avoid injury to the quick.
• Report accidental bleeding or injury immediately.
• Perform only appropriate external ear cleaning.
• Do not perform medical ear treatment unless specifically instructed and permitted under veterinary supervision.
• Maintain cleanliness around paws and sanitary areas.

6. Infection Control & Cleanliness

• Clean and disinfect the grooming table after each pet.
• Clean clippers, blades, scissors, brushes, combs, tubs, and other equipment regularly and between pets as appropriate.
• Keep towels and grooming materials clean.
• Maintain a clean, dry, and hygienic grooming room.
• Follow appropriate procedures when pets have suspected infectious or parasitic conditions.

7. Equipment Management

• Check clippers, dryers, electrical equipment, grooming tables, and restraints before use.
• Maintain grooming equipment in good working condition.
• Store sharp instruments safely.
• Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment immediately.
• Monitor grooming-product stock and inform management when replenishment is required.

8. Customer Service & Documentation

• Communicate politely and professionally with pet owners.
• Understand and document the owner's grooming requirements.
• Explain expected grooming outcomes where necessary.
• Record services performed and any abnormalities noticed.
• Inform the owner about any incident occurring during grooming.
• Coordinate with reception regarding appointments and completion time.

9. Professional Boundaries

• Groomers should not diagnose diseases or prescribe medicines.
• Medical concerns identified during grooming should be referred to the veterinarian.
• Sedation or administration of prescription medication should not be independently undertaken by the groomer.
• Follow the veterinarian's instructions for pets undergoing grooming as part of medical treatment.

10. General Responsibilities

• Report to duty on time and follow the grooming appointment schedule.
• Maintain professional appearance and personal hygiene.
• Work cooperatively with veterinarians, veterinary assistants, reception staff, and management.
• Follow hospital SOPs and safety procedures.
• Protect pets from injury, escape, cross-infection, and unnecessary stress.
• Report accidents, bites, scratches, injuries, or other incidents to management immediately.