Grooming Assistant

At Rye Harrison Veterinary Hospital, our grooming department is an extension of our commitment to exceptional patient care. We are seeking a compassionate, hardworking, and dependable Full-Time Grooming Assistant to support our groomer by providing safe, gentle, and efficient bathing and preparation services for dogs of all breeds, sizes, ages, and medical needs.

Unlike a traditional grooming salon, our grooming patients are also veterinary patients. This role requires someone who is comfortable working alongside our medical team and providing additional care and attention to senior pets, anxious pets, and those with medical conditions requiring specialized handling.

What to Expect

As you join our mission, expect to be supported in your work and home life with:

• All the benefits you deserve—medical, dental, vision, and retirement.
• Paid time off. Take the time you need to recharge.
• Employee pet discount because we know your pets are family, too.
• 401(k) with a generous company match to help you invest in your future while you care for pets today.
• Employee referral bonus. Earn $1,000 when you refer a new team member to one of our 180+ partner hospitals across the country.
• Opportunity to gain hands-on grooming experience and grow within the role.
• Consistent full-time schedule with no weekends.

Salary: $17.00 – $18.00 per hour, determined by the candidate's skills, experience, and qualifications.

Schedule: Full-time, Monday – Thursday, 7:45 am – 5:30 pm. No weekend hours!

Key Duties:

• Bathe dogs of all breeds, coat types, temperaments, and sizes according to hospital grooming standards.
• Properly shampoo, condition, rinse, towel dry, and blow dry pets while ensuring their comfort and safety.
• Brush and de-shed coats to prepare pets for grooming services.
• Safely restrain and handle pets using low-stress handling techniques.
• Assist the groomer with preparing pets before and after grooming appointments.
• Recognize and communicate any skin abnormalities, parasites, lumps, wounds, or other health concerns to the groomer or veterinary team.
• Support grooming appointments for patients with medical conditions, mobility limitations, or behavioral concerns.
• Clean ears, trim nails, and perform other bathing-related services.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the grooming salon, tubs, kennels, equipment, dryers, and work areas.
• Assist with safely moving patients throughout the hospital as needed.
• Maintain accurate communication with the grooming and medical teams regarding patient care.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and reach for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to safely lift and assist in lifting dogs and cats weighing up to 130 pounds (with assistance when appropriate).
• Ability to safely handle energetic, nervous, elderly, or medically compromised animals.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced veterinary hospital environment around water, noise, pet hair, cleaning products, and animal odors.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with dogs and cats required.
• Grooming or bathing experience is a plus.
• Comfortable working with dogs and cats of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with groomers, veterinarians, technicians, and support staff.
• Strong attention to detail and cleanliness.
• Dependable, team-oriented, and able to follow instructions.

About Rye Harrison Veterinary Hospital

Rye Harrison Veterinary Hospital is a full-service, AAHA-accredited facility serving Rye, NY and surrounding communities in Westchester and Fairfield Counties. We care for dogs, cats, and exotic pets, offering advanced medical services alongside boarding and grooming. Our team is committed to delivering outstanding patient care while fostering a positive and supportive work environment.