Dog Groomer Specialist
Required skills
- dog grooming experience
- professional grooming tools
- groomer's insurance
- W-9
- Independent Contractor Agreement
Nice to have
- specialty grooming products
- mobile grooming
- set your own hours
- set your own prices
- add-on services
Role summary
A well-established doggy daycare and boarding facility in Smyrna is seeking an experienced dog groomer to join their team as an independent contractor (1099). This role offers flexibility with 3-4 days per week initially, allowing groomers to set their own hours and prices. Compensation is commission-based (50/50 split), with groomers keeping 100% of tips and earnings from add-on services. The facility provides a fully equipped salon, basic shampoo, marketing, and booking/scheduling support, while the groomer provides professional tools, experience, and their own insurance. This is an ideal opportunity for groomers, especially those transitioning from mobile grooming, seeking independence and growth.
We are a well-established doggy daycare and boarding facility in Smyrna seeking an experienced dog groomer to join our team as an independent contractor (1099).
This is an excellent opportunity for groomers looking for flexibility, independence, and growth, especially those transitioning from mobile grooming to an in-store setting.
🐾 Position Details
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Employment Type: Independent Contractor (1099)
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Schedule: 3–4 days per week initially
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Open Days: Mondays. Thursdays. Fridays and Sundays
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Hours: Set your own hours
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Compensation: Commission-based, 50/50 split
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Tips: Groomers keep 100% of their tips
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Earning Potential: High, with weekend demand and add-on services
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Growth Opportunity: Ability to add more days as the store grows
- Fully equipped grooming salon
- Water, utilities, and basic shampoo
- Marketing and promotion
- Built-in access to daycare and boarding dogs
- Booking and scheduling handled by the facility for convenience
- Workers’ compensation coverage for on-site injuries only
- Clean, professional, supportive environment
- Professional grooming tools
- Prior dog grooming experience
- Your own groomer’s insurance
- Ability to work independently
- Optional specialty grooming products
- W-9 (required)
- Signed Independent Contractor Agreement (required)
The facility assists with booking and scheduling to support a smooth client experience. Groomers maintain full control over:
- Services offered
- Pricing
- Add-on services
- Acceptance of clients
💰 Add-On Services
Groomers may offer optional add-on services (deshedding, specialty baths, upgrades, etc.) to increase earnings.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a W-2 or 1099 position?
This is an independent contractor (1099) position.
How does pay work?
- 50/50 commission split
- You keep 100% of your tips
- Add-on services allowed for higher earnings
- Clients you bring are yours
- Clients provided by the facility remain with the facility
Yes. Grooming is new at this location, but we have an established daycare and boarding operation with existing demand for grooming services.
Who handles booking?
The facility handles booking and scheduling to support operations and client flow, while groomers retain control over pricing, services, and add-ons.
What supplies are provided?
We provide the salon, utilities, water, and basic shampoo. Groomers may bring and use their own specialty products.
What insurance is required?
- Groomers must carry their own groomer’s insurance
- The facility carries workers’ compensation insurance covering on-site injuries
Yes. There is a non-compete / non-solicitation agreement limited to facility-provided clients only. Groomers remain free to operate their own business and service their personally sourced clients.
Is this a good fit for mobile groomers?
Yes. This role is ideal for groomers transitioning from mobile grooming to an in-store environment without the overhead of running their own facility.
Can I add more days later?
Yes. There is an opportunity to expand days and availability as the grooming side of the business grows.
What paperwork is required?
- Independent Contractor Agreement
- W-9 form
- Set your own prices and hours
- No booth rent, utilities, or shampoo costs
- Built-in access to dogs
- Booking handled for you
- Clear client ownership boundaries
- High earning potential with growth opportunity
- Independence without running a full facility
