Grooming Academy Intern

Position Summary:

The Grooming Academy Internship at Joybound offers recent graduates of our Phase 2: Dog Grooming class with a 10-week paid opportunity to build hands on grooming skills and gain real world experience in a professional salon and instructional environment. Interns will perform tasks such as de-shedding, bathing, drying, brushing, and trimming dog coats and nails while expanding their knowledge of safe & sanitary grooming techniques using tools like dryers, blowers, brushes, scissors, and clippers. They will also support instructors and observe student interactions, contributing to salon operations, client communication, safety & cleanliness enforcement, and instructional support. By the end of the internship, participants will demonstrate stronger grooming proficiency, improved customer service, knowledge of salon & academy operations and foundational instructional skills that prepare them for future opportunities in grooming and education. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interact and communicate with colleagues, volunteers, and the public in a manner that advances a culture of positivity, professionalism, trust, transparency, empathy, and excellence at Joybound.

Daily Responsibilities: 

• De-shed, bathe, dry, brush, and trim dog coats and nails to meet Academy grooming expectations. 

• Assist instructors with demonstrating and explaining bathing & grooming techniques to students. 

• Build hands-on grooming experience with scissors and clippers under instructor guidance. 

• Clean and sanitize grooming tools, equipment, and workstations. 

• Greet clients, assist with dog intake, and return dogs post-service with professionalism. 

• Communicate with clients, schedule appointments, and document service(s) details & notes on BusyPaws. 

• Help monitor Grooming Academy activities to maintain safety, efficiency, and productivity of students and staff. 

Periodic Responsibilities: 

• Participate in performance check-ins and feedback sessions with grooming staff. 

• Support client follow-ups to ensure satisfaction with services, documenting feedback on BusyPaws. 

• Assist with organizing & preparing for group learning activities or grooming demonstrations. 

Learning Outcomes 

• Increased grooming skills and confidence with professional tools 

• Improved client communication and customer service 

• Exposure to grooming instruction and mentoring techniques 

• Preparedness for employment in a grooming or academy setting 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to follow grooming and animal handling using Fear Free and Joybound standards 
• Strong verbal and written communication 
• Time management in a fast-paced environment 
• Basic computer skills for appointment tracking (e.g., BusyPaws) 
• Stamina to stand for extended periods and handle dogs of various sizes (up to 150lbs) 
• Patience and compassion with anxious or stressed dogs 
• Positive, team-based attitude with a willingness to assist students 
• Professionalism in both client and team interactions 
• Commitment to a clean, safe, and respectful grooming floor 
• Affection for animals, concern for their welfare, and a willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace.
• Pre-employment background screening required.

Education and Experience:

• Graduate of Joybound Grooming Academy’s Phase 1: Bathing & Brushing class or a comparable program 
• Complete the FEAR Free and JoyBound trainings within the first week of internship. 
• Basic understanding of bathing, drying, brushing, trimming, and de-shedding 
• Familiarity with grooming tools, safety practices, and cleaning protocols 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Specific physical abilities required by this job include:

• Daily exposure to dogs, cats, and related allergens 
• Ability to push/pull up to 25lbs and handle dogs up to 150lbs 
• Walk dogs in various weather conditions 
• Kneel, bend, stoop, twist, reach, and grasp throughout shift 
• Dexterity for detailed grooming and animal handling tasks 
• Ability to visually and audibly assess animal behavior 
• Sit or stand for extended periods, prolonged use of grooming tools and computers 
• Work environment includes constant exposure to animals and animal allergens.
• Tetanus and rabies inoculations are required or must be waived.

Internship Expectations & Disclaimer 

• Interns will receive mentorship, feedback, and exposure to instruction but are not guaranteed employment after completion. Interns must maintain confidentiality, follow safety procedures, and represent the Grooming Academy professionally at all times. 

Hours:

Nonexempt:

Full-time, non-exempt, 10 week, onsite position requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week Monday - Saturday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (subject to adjustment, Sunday & 1 day during the week off not Mon or Fri). Hours and workdays may vary according to the needs of the department. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required.