Professional Dog & Cat Groomer (Experienced Groomer) - Madison, WI

Professional Dog & Cat Groomer Underdog Pet Rescue of Wisconsin, Inc. Madison, WI Job Type Full-time or Part-time (GHC Healthcare and Delta Dental and Vision offered at 30+ hours average per week) Pay $30-$40 per hour (plus tips, depending on experience) Professional Dog (& ideally, also Cat) Groomer Underdog Pet Rescue of Wisconsin is seeking an experienced, compassionate, and reliable Professional Dog & Cat Groomer to join our growing team in Madison, Wisconsin. We're looking for a groomer who is passionate about animal welfare, takes pride in their craft, and can provide exceptional grooming services while ensuring a low-stress, positive experience for pets and their owners. The ideal candidate has professional grooming experience with a variety of breeds, coat types, and temperaments, and is comfortable grooming both dogs and cats safely and efficiently. What You'll Do Perform full-service grooming for dogs and cats, including bathing, drying, brushing, clipping, scissoring, de-shedding, nail trimming, and ear cleaning Consult with pet owners regarding grooming styles, coat maintenance, and pet care needs Handle pets safely and compassionately throughout the grooming process Identify and communicate health concerns, skin conditions, or behavioral issues to management and pet owners Maintain accurate grooming records and client notes Keep grooming equipment clean, sanitized, and well-maintained Ensure grooming areas meet cleanliness and safety standards Deliver excellent customer service and build lasting client relationships

Qualifications Required:

Professional grooming experience (2+ years preferred) Ability to groom a variety of dog breeds independently from start to finish Experience with cat grooming or willingness to learn Strong animal handling skills Excellent customer service and communication skills Ability to stand for extended periods and safely lift up to 50 pounds Reliable attendance and punctuality

Preferred:

Certification through NDGAA, IPG, ISCC, or similar grooming organization Experience in a veterinary, boarding, daycare, or rescue environment Fear Free, low-stress handling, or similar training Knowledge of breed-specific cuts and styling What We Offer Competitive compensation Flexible scheduling options Employee vet clinic discounts Continuing education and professional development opportunities Supportive, mission-driven workplace Opportunity to make a direct impact on animal welfare in the Madison community Why Join Underdog? At Underdog Pet Rescue, every team member contributes to improving the lives of animals in our community. We're committed to providing exceptional care while creating a positive, supportive workplace where employees can grow professionally and personally. If you're an experienced groomer who values quality work, compassionate animal care, and being part of a mission-driven organization, we'd love to hear from you. Submit your resume, portfolio photos (if available), and a brief description of your grooming experience.

Pay:

$25.00 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible schedule Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Tools provided Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person