Pet Stylist - Fort Collins, CO

As a Pet Stylist at Barkbus, your primary responsibilities include providing luxury, 1-on-1 grooming services such as bathing, cutting, shaving, and trimming dogs. You will work independently in our specially-equipped grooming vans while ensuring each appointment is a stress-free experience for the pups. Additionally, you’ll collaborate with our support teams to schedule appointments effectively and ensure your van is well-maintained, allowing you to focus on delivering impeccable grooming services.

To be considered for the Pet Stylist role at Barkbus, you need to have at least 1 year of professional grooming experience. A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record are essential, along with good customer interaction skills. You should also be comfortable using smartphones, as you’ll need to manage scheduling and communication via a provided phone. Being able to lift dogs up to 50lbs (preferably up to 75lbs) is also a requirement for the role.

Pet Stylists at Barkbus enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their dependents. Additional perks include pet insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and generous paid time off that has no annual limits. You can also earn rewards for perfect attendance and receive company-paid certifications to enhance your skills as a groomer.

At Barkbus, we prioritize manageable schedules for our groomers. Each Pet Stylist is assigned 3-6 dogs per day to ensure a quality experience for pets and groomers. You’ll have the option to choose from different shift types, allowing for consistent workdays every month. Our support team is always ready to adjust schedules to accommodate special needs, ensuring that you can provide the best service possible.

The onboarding process for a Pet Stylist at Barkbus is designed to set you up for success. After submitting your resume, you will enjoy a friendly initial phone call followed by a 30-minute virtual meeting with a Grooming Manager. This will be your opportunity to ask deeper questions. You will then participate in an on-site ‘Pawdition’ to demonstrate your grooming skills. Finally, you will receive an offer letter followed by a background check.

In answering this question, highlight your proficiency in various grooming techniques such as bathing, cutting, and trimming different breeds. Providing specific examples of your favorite grooming styles or particularly challenging breeds you've groomed can also showcase your expertise and confidence.

This question allows you to demonstrate your experience and empathy. Discuss techniques you use to calm anxious dogs, such as taking breaks, using soothing voices, or employing gentle handling techniques. Your ability to create a stress-free environment for both the dog and yourself should be emphasized.

Detail your familiarity with specific grooming tools like clippers, scissors, and bathing equipment. Share your approach to maintaining the tools and your practices for using them safely and effectively. This will show your technical knowledge as a Pet Stylist.

Safety is paramount in grooming. Discuss your practices for ensuring a safe grooming environment, such as maintaining clean work areas, checking equipment for safety, and being aware of the immediate surroundings. Mention any protocols you follow to keep both the pets and yourself secure during grooming sessions.

This question is an opportunity to show your passion for the role. Talk about your love for animals, the joy of transforming their appearance, and the emotional bonds you build with both pets and their owners. Your enthusiasm for the grooming profession and for enhancing the lives of pets will resonate with interviewers.

Managing time efficiently is crucial. Discuss your strategies for staying organized, such as planning your appointments for the day, setting realistic goals for each grooming session, and keeping a log to track your progress. Mention any tools or technologies you use to assist in your time management.

This question gives you a chance to showcase your commitment to ongoing education. Talk about resources you use, such as grooming workshops, online tutorials, or industry conferences. Highlighting your desire to learn and adapt will show your passion for grooming and staying informed.

Strong relationships with pet parents are crucial for repeat business. Share your approach to customer service, such as clear communication, actively listening to client concerns, and providing updates on their pets during grooming. Ensuring that the owners feel valued and heard will foster strong connections.

Discuss your aspirations and how they align with Barkbus's mission. Whether it's honing your grooming skills, advancing within the company, or contributing to a positive team culture, sharing your goals shows your ambition and your vision for a future with Barkbus.

Express your enthusiasm for Barkbus's values and mission in pet grooming. Discuss specifics like the emphasis on quality care for pets, the supportive team culture, and the chance to work in a mobile environment. Relating your personal grooming philosophy with Barkbus’s approach will demonstrate your fit for the company.