Full job description
Job Title: Bather
Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Reports To: Store Manager; Lead Groomer
Revised: July 2026
Job Summary
We are seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Bather to provide high quality, comprehensive bathing services for dogs. This role completes bathing and spa appointments and fully bathes and prepares dogs for groomers as directed.
The ideal candidate is comfortable working hands-on with dogs of all sizes and temperaments, communicates confidently with pet parents, and takes pride in sending every dog home clean, dry, and comfortable.
Key Responsibilities
Bathing Services and Pet Preparation
Bathe, dry, clip nails, express anal glands, clean ears, and fully brush and comb dogs, leaving each dog dry and free of dirt, mats, and tangles
Perform a needs assessment for each assigned dog, evaluating the condition of eyes, ears, nails, teeth, coat, and skin
Suggest additional services and products to customers based on that assessment, as appropriate
Bathe dogs according to priority as communicated by the receptionist or salon designee, assuring dogs scheduled for additional grooming (haircut) services are completed first
Respond appropriately to changing priorities and conditions in the salon, and provide bathing services to walk-in customers in the order they arrive
Sanitize and vacuum the work area following completion of each bath
Client Experience and Communication
Greet customers and their dogs by name and communicate a best-estimate pick-up time
Execute the GOTHEART strategy during every customer check-in
Communicate results of the needs assessment to customers
Describe benefits and options for all suggested add-ons, and communicate knowledgeably about all of Groombar's products and services
Clearly communicate fees associated with all services
Provide friendly, relevant, timely, and professional communication to customers and co-workers
Pet Safety and Care
Assure accuracy and completeness of each dog's kennel card, including pop-up notes and important details of the dog's overall health, age, level of aggression, allergies, and services requested by the customer
Ensure kenneled pets are comfortable, safe, and have access to water
Check dogs hourly for any signs of stress
Note any health concerns discovered during the bathing process and inform the Store Manager, Lead Groomer, Groomer, Salon Services Coordinator, and pet owner, as appropriate
Salon Maintenance and Compliance
Assure the salon environment is safe, clean, and free of hazards
Complete the daily cleaning list
Complete the weekly cleaning list
Respond appropriately to personnel or dog injuries, assuring both employees and dogs receive prompt and appropriate medical care as needed
Additional Duties
Perform other salon-related duties as assigned by the Store Manager or Lead Groomer, as needed
Qualifications
Positions supervised (direct reports): None
No minimum education or formal training required
No prior professional bathing experience required; paid on-the-job training provided
Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated customer service skills; friendly, approachable, cooperative, flexible, and able to shift focus as needed
Able to professionally and effectively interact and communicate, verbally and in writing, with staff, customers, and the public from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds
Able to work independently and as part of a team, take initiative, prioritize and accurately perform multiple tasks, and efficiently meet deadlines and changing priorities
Able to consistently demonstrate good judgment and decision-making skills
Able to appropriately interpret and apply policies and procedures
Compensation and Benefits
Paid training with a clear advancement path into Lead Bather and/or Grooming Apprentice program
Exclusive Professional Development Opportunity:
Learn directly from a team of salon leaders. Bathers who show initiative are developed intentionally, not left to figure it out on their own.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
Fast-paced grooming salon environment
Frequent interaction with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments
Approximate percent per 8-hour workday:
Constant visual stimulation, including close vision (up to 100%)
Constant standing (up to 100%)
Constant contact with water, shampoos and other bathing products, and hair (up to 100%)
Frequent grasping, including power-gripping, of hoses, brushes, and other tools with hands (up to 80%)
Frequent squatting, bending, reaching, pulling, and twisting (up to 60%)
Frequent lifting of dogs up to 30 pounds without assistance (up to 60%)
Occasional lifting of dogs above 30 pounds with assistance (up to 30%)
Occasional walking around building (up to 30%)
This is more than an entry-level job; it is the first step into a grooming career with paid training, real mentorship, and a defined path forward.
Benefits
401(k)
Dental insurance
Employee discount
Health insurance
Paid time off
Paid training
Vision insurance