Pet Stylist - Woodland Hills

As a Pet Stylist at Barkbus, your primary responsibility is to provide luxury 1-on-1 grooming care to pups, including bathing, trimming, and cutting their fur. You’ll also work independently in our specially equipped Hanvey grooming vans while receiving support from our scheduling and maintenance teams. This ensures that you can focus on delivering stress-free grooming experiences tailored to each pup's unique needs.

To apply for the Pet Stylist position at Barkbus, you need to have at least 1 year of professional grooming experience. Additionally, a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record are required. Groomers should also be comfortable using smartphones and able to lift and manage dogs weighing up to 50lbs, with a preference for those who can handle larger breeds.

Joining Barkbus as a Pet Stylist means working for a company that prioritizes quality over quantity and offers you a supportive environment. With a manageable daily schedule and a focus on the well-being of both dogs and groomers, you can enjoy your work while having the chance to connect with the local pet community. Our competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and commitment to your professional growth, including paid certifications, make it an attractive opportunity.

Barkbus offers its Pet Stylists a generous benefits package that includes hourly pay (not commission-based), medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as pet insurance. You’ll also enjoy 24 paid days off annually, tool reimbursements, a retirement savings plan, and opportunities for paid certifications, ensuring that you’re well taken care of while doing what you love.

The interview process for the Pet Stylist role at Barkbus begins with submitting your resume, followed by an initial phone call to get acquainted. After that, you’ll have a 30-minute virtual meeting with a Grooming Manager to ask more detailed questions. The final step involves an on-site technical grooming session known as the Pawdition to showcase your skills, leading to an offer letter and background check if you pass.

When answering this question, it’s important to showcase your understanding of breed standards while highlighting your flexibility. Discuss how you tailor your grooming techniques and styles to match the dog's physical and personality traits, ensuring their comfort and satisfaction.

Explain your approach to keeping pets calm during the grooming process. This could include techniques like using gentle voice tones, offering breaks, and ensuring a familiar environment. Sharing specific strategies you’ve used in the past could emphasize your commitment to their well-being.

Safety is paramount in pet grooming. Discuss how you use proper restraint techniques, maintain a clean workspace, and ensure that grooming tools are in good condition. Mention your attentiveness to the dog's behavior for signs of stress, as well as how you address their needs.

It's crucial to show your expertise in dealing with challenging situations. Talk about techniques that help calm pets, such as patience, familiarization, and sometimes enlisting the help of an assistant. Sharing specific examples where you successfully managed a difficult pet can leave a positive impression.

Share your familiarity with various grooming tools and products, including your preferences for specific situations. Mention any advanced tools you’ve used and how you’ve become adept at selecting the right products based on each dog’s needs, such as skin sensitivities or grooming styles.

This is your chance to connect with your passion for the profession. Share your love for animals, any inspiring experiences you've had, or personal stories that led you to choose grooming as a career. Authenticity and enthusiasm will resonate well with interviewers.

Good time management is critical for grooming appointments. Discuss how you structure your workflow, prioritize tasks, and set realistic time frames for various grooming services. Highlight your experience in balancing efficiency while ensuring high-quality results.

Reflecting on a challenging experience can demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Describe the situation, the steps you took to overcome it, and the positive outcome. This can illustrate your resilience and ability to think on your feet.

Share your commitment to professional growth by mentioning any workshops, online courses, or industry publications you follow. This shows interviewers that you are dedicated to enhancing your skills and staying updated with grooming trends.

Communication is key in fostering relationships. Discuss strategies you use for building rapport with clients, such as active listening, addressing their concerns, and providing education about pet care. You can also mention creating a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.