Pet Stylist Trainee - Irvine, CA
About Us
Barkbus is the nation's premier mobile grooming service, passionately committed to the health, happiness, and overall wellness of pups. We proudly serve pet parents across AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, NC, NV, NJ, NY, PA, SC, TX, and VA.
Our mission is to deliver joy to pets and their people. We achieve this by creating safe, healthy, and stress-free environments for both our dogs and our dedicated groomers, believing that caring for pets starts with caring for our team.
What Makes Barkbus Different?
Quality Focused: We prioritize quality over quantity. Groomers manage schedules of just 3-6 dogs per day, ensuring every pup receives the dedicated time and attention they deserve.
Focused on Grooming: We handle the sales and marketing, freeing you to focus on what you do best: creating amazing transformations and making tails wag! It’s a place to fall in love with pet care again.
Community & Creativity: Join a team that celebrates the fun of what we do every day - from van-in-the-wild moments to celebrating every pup’s glow-up.
Comprehensive Benefits: Full-time groomers enjoy a strong benefits package, including paid time off, paid holidays, health benefits, and 401(k) retirement plans.
About the Role
Barkbus University is our premier training program for aspiring Pet Stylists. As a Pet Stylist Trainee, you’ll start in our training salon, refining your bathing skills and learning advanced grooming techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors. This program is designed to grow you from a skilled bather into a fully capable Mobile Pet Stylist, ready to deliver premium experiences to every pup.
Unlike other grooming academies, we don’t hold you hostage with contracts or repayment clauses after training. At Barkbus University, you stay because you want to - not because you have to.
What You’ll Do:
Start your journey in our training salon, performing all core and advanced bathing services: shampooing, conditioning, drying, de-shedding, paw pad and sanitary trims, and nail clipping.
Level up through a 6-week formal training program led by expert grooming instructors, where you’ll learn advanced grooming techniques tailored to your individual learning goals.
Get hands-on van training to prepare you for mobile grooming, then continue to build your skills during your first 6 weeks in the field through targeted ride-alongs, personalized coaching, and real-world application in our state-of-the-art Hanvey vans.
Showcase your new skills in your formal groom test, and upon passing, officially graduate from Barkbus University as a Pet Stylist and transition into a mobile role.
How We Support You:
Receive structured, hands-on training from experienced grooming instructors.
Benefit from dedicated scheduling assistance to ensure your appointments fit your pace.
Join a supportive, team-first environment designed to help you grow your skills and confidence.
Role Requirements
6+ months of professional dog bathing experience
Experience with de-shedding treatments, paw pad and sanitary trims, and nail clipping
Hungry to learn and grow your skills through Barkbus University
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
Comfortable interacting with customers/pet parents
Comfortable using smart phones (device provided!)
Ability to safely lift and handle dogs up to 50 lbs unassisted
Ability to safely guide or maneuver dogs up to 100 lbs with the use of the van’s equipment (e.g., lift, grooming table)
Compensation, Benefits & Perks
Pay & Bonuses:
$20 - $26/hour (base pay plus tips) during the training program
Pay increase upon graduate to Pet Stylist rates
Weekly payroll
Comprehensive Benefits (for employees working 30+ hours/week):
Medical, dental, and vision coverage (for employees, dependents, and domestic partners)
Pet Insurance
401(k) retirement savings plan
Generous paid time off, including vacation time, sick leave, and up to 11 holidays
Up to three (3) company-paid International Professional Groomer (IPG) certifications
Complimentary snacks and beverages at all local hubs
Beyond these formal benefits, Barkbus Mobile Pet Bathers join a dedicated team committed to a positive work environment, professional growth, and safety.
Our Hiring Journey
Application: Submit your resume, and we’ll be in touch!
Initial Screening: A brief phone call for us to get to know one another.
Deeper Dive: A 30-minute virtual meeting with a Grooming Manager for in-depth discussion.
The Pawdition: An on-site technical grooming assessment.
Final Steps: Offer letter and background check.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Barkbus is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.