Pet Stylist - Irvine, CA

As a Pet Stylist at Barkbus, your main responsibilities include providing one-on-one grooming care to dogs, which involves bathing, cutting, and trimming their fur to ensure they look and feel great. You will work independently in our mobile grooming vans, focusing on creating a stress-free environment for every pet. With manageable schedules of 3-6 pups a day, you can dedicate time to each appointment while enjoying comprehensive support to enhance your grooming experience.

To apply for the Pet Stylist role at Barkbus, you need at least one year of professional grooming experience. Additionally, a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record are essential, as you'll be working from our mobile grooming vans. Comfort in using smartphones is also necessary, as you'll need to stay organized. Being able to lift and groom dogs up to 50 pounds, with 75 pounds or more preferred, is another key requirement for the position.

At Barkbus, Pet Stylists enjoy a stable work schedule. You can choose between three different shift types, working the same days every month. This structure allows you to maintain a routine while providing flexibility in managing your personal life. With manageable daily appointments, you can give each dog the quality attention they deserve without feeling rushed.

Full-time Pet Stylists at Barkbus enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with retirement savings plans. Additionally, you'll have access to pet insurance, 24 paid days off annually, tool reimbursements, and the opportunity for ongoing professional development, such as company-paid grooming certifications. We care about your well-being and professional growth!

The interview process for the Pet Stylist position at Barkbus begins with submitting your resume. If selected, you will have an initial phone call to get acquainted. Next, you’ll participate in a 30-minute virtual meeting with a Grooming Manager to discuss the role in more depth. Finally, you'll complete an on-site technical grooming assessment known as the Pawdition. This thorough process ensures that both you and Barkbus find a great fit for the position.

In your response, it's important to highlight your unique grooming style and techniques. Discuss how you assess each dog's temperament and needs before proceeding with the grooming process. Emphasize your dedication to creating a stress-free experience and ensuring the comfort of the pet throughout the grooming appointment.

Be sure to explain your strategies for managing anxious or difficult dogs. Discuss approaches you use to make them feel comfortable, such as offering treats, speaking in soothing tones, or taking breaks. Providing specific examples from your experience will showcase your ability to handle various situations effectively.

Highlight your belief that the well-being of the dog is the most important aspect of grooming. This includes not just the physical appearance, but also ensuring the pet feels safe and comfortable. Discuss how your focus on quality and care aligns with Barkbus's values.

Mention your commitment to continual learning and staying updated with the latest grooming trends. Discuss any specific resources you use, such as grooming seminars, online courses, or social media platforms where you follow other professionals in the field. This shows your dedication to maintaining high standards.

Share a specific challenging grooming experience you've had, detailing how you managed the situation. Focus on the actions you took to successfully resolve the issue and keep the dog calm, as well as what you learned from the experience.

Discuss the grooming tools you frequently use and your reasoning for preferring them. Explain how the tools you choose impact the quality of your work and how they align with the company's emphasis on quality.

It's essential to communicate your safety protocols. Talk about the measures you take to ensure pets are secure and comfortable, such as using harnesses, monitoring their behavior, and maintaining a clean workspace.

Explain your approach to communicating with pet owners, including actively listening to their requests, clarifying any uncertainties, and advising them if certain requests are not in the pet’s best interest. This shows your commitment to both customer satisfaction and pet welfare.

Share your passion for animals and how each successful groom gives you a sense of fulfillment. Discussing key motivators such as customer satisfaction, pet happiness, and artistic expression can give insight into your dedication to the job.

This is an opportunity to express your knowledge and admiration for Barkbus. Mention specific aspects of the company like their commitment to quality grooming, the supportive work culture, or benefits that resonate with your professional values. Having this tailored to Barkbus shows you're genuinely interested in the organization.