Pet Stylist - Houston

As a Pet Stylist at Barkbus in Houston, your responsibilities include providing luxury one-on-one grooming services, which involve bathing, cutting, shaving, and trimming dogs. You will work independently in our Hanvey grooming vans, where you’ll have the flexibility to manage your appointments. Our support team ensures that you have the time and resources needed for each grooming session, allowing you to focus on providing a stress-free and enjoyable experience for every pup.

To become a Pet Stylist at Barkbus in Houston, you need at least 1 year of professional grooming experience and a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record. It’s important to be comfortable interacting with customers and have the ability to lift and groom dogs up to 50 pounds (and preferably 75 pounds or more). Additionally, being tech-savvy and able to use a smartphone is essential for managing appointments.

As a Pet Stylist at Barkbus in Houston, you will enjoy a fantastic benefits package, including competitive hourly pay ranging from $28 to $38, plus tips. You can earn between $5,000 and $7,000 monthly, along with bonus opportunities of up to $1,000 a month. We also provide medical, dental, vision, and pet insurance, a retirement savings plan, and 24 paid days off annually, which are immediately available, ensuring you have a great work-life balance.

Scheduling for Pet Stylists at Barkbus in Houston is designed to be manageable and consistent. You can choose from three different types of shifts, allowing you to work the same days every month. This helps to create a routine that accommodates both your professional responsibilities and personal life. Additionally, our in-house support team ensures that all appointments are scheduled according to your needs.

The interview process for becoming a Pet Stylist at Barkbus in Houston includes several steps. Initially, you submit your resume, followed by a phone call to discuss your fit for the role. Next, you will have a 30-minute virtual meeting with a Grooming Manager for more in-depth conversations, and finally, you’ll participate in an on-site grooming evaluation - the Pawdition. Once successful, you’ll receive an offer letter and undergo a background check.

When discussing your grooming process in an interview, highlight your step-by-step approach. Start by explaining how you assess the dog’s needs and temperament before the grooming begins, followed by the techniques you use for bathing, cutting, and styling. Emphasize the importance of using safe products and ensuring a stress-free experience for the dog.

Be prepared to share techniques you’ve used to calm anxious or difficult dogs. This might include the use of gentle handling, positive reinforcement, and creating a comfortable environment. Mention your experience in recognizing stress signals in dogs and how you adapt your approach accordingly to ensure a successful grooming session.

In your answer, discuss the grooming tools you consider essential, such as clippers, scissors, combs, and brushes. Explain why you prefer certain brands or types of tools based on your experience and the specific needs of different breeds. This shows your professionalism and commitment to quality grooming.

When answering why you want to work at Barkbus, focus on your passion for grooming and the company’s values. Highlight aspects like the positive work environment, manageable schedules, and the emphasis on quality care for dogs. Your response should reflect how Barkbus aligns with your professional goals and your love for pets.

Discuss strategies you use for effective time management, such as creating a daily schedule, setting priorities for each session, and being realistic about how long grooming sessions take. Mention the importance of punctuality and how you adjust your work pace based on the needs of each dog while ensuring all appointments are met.

In your response, detail your experience by mentioning specific dog breeds you’ve groomed, and what unique challenges or considerations each breed brings. This information will demonstrate your breadth of experience and your adaptability as a Pet Stylist at Barkbus.

Safety and comfort should be a top priority, so discuss steps you take, such as using non-slip surfaces, minimizing noise and distractions, and checking the dog's behavior continually. Mention your understanding of canine body language and how that influences your grooming technique.

Share techniques you use, such as talking softly, using treats as rewards, and taking breaks if needed to prevent overwhelming the dog. Discuss the importance of creating a familiar and comfortable environment and using calming products if necessary.

Be prepared with a specific example from your past experience where you provided exceptional service. Describe the dog's initial condition, how you addressed their unique needs, and the outcome. This illustrates your dedication to providing a high standard of care.

Discuss resources you utilize such as workshops, webinars, and grooming journals to stay current. Mention any memberships in grooming organizations that keep you in touch with industry standards as a Pet Stylist, showing you're committed to ongoing education.