Dog grooming is one of the fastest-growing segments of Toronto's pet services industry, and studios across the GTA are regularly posting for bathers, grooming assistants, and trained groomers. Whether you're starting out with no formal grooming experience or bringing a certification, the list below shows who is actively hiring right now.
Dog grooming studios currently hiring in Toronto
Sourced from Indeed Canada and employer career pages as of May 31, 2026.
PetSmart Grooming Salon
Grooming Salon Associate / Bather · Multiple GTA locations (Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke, Mississauga) · Full-time & Part-time
PetSmart runs in-store grooming salons and hires both trained groomers and entry-level bathers with no prior grooming experience. Bathers start by washing, drying, and brushing dogs while learning from senior groomers. PetSmart offers an internal apprenticeship pathway that can lead to full groomer certification over 12–18 months.
View PetSmart grooming openings →Bark & Fitz
Dog Groomer / Grooming Assistant · Toronto, ON · Part-time
Bark & Fitz is a Toronto boutique pet shop with in-store grooming services at multiple locations. They typically look for groomers with at least one year of hands-on experience or completion of a grooming program. Assistant roles with training are available for candidates new to grooming.
View Bark & Fitz openings →Pampurred Pets
Dog Groomer / Bather · Toronto, ON · Full-time & Part-time
An established Toronto grooming studio serving residential neighbourhoods in the east end and midtown. Pampurred Pets hires experienced groomers and will consider trained bathers looking to transition into grooming. Client bookings are high-volume, especially on weekends.
Browse grooming studio roles in Toronto →Wag the Dog Toronto
Grooming Assistant / Bather · Toronto, ON · Part-time
A Danforth-area grooming studio known for breed-specific cuts and anxious-dog handling. They prioritize gentle handling skills over speed. Grooming assistants support the lead groomer with bathing, drying, brushing, and nail trims.
View grooming assistant roles in Toronto →The Urban Pet
Dog Groomer · Toronto, ON · Full-time
The Urban Pet operates a full grooming salon alongside retail. Looking for groomers comfortable with a high variety of breeds including doodles, terriers, and brachycephalic breeds. Competitive commission-based pay structure for experienced groomers.
Search grooming salon jobs in Toronto →Dogtopia Toronto
Spa Associate / Bather · Toronto, ON · Part-time
Dogtopia is a daycare and grooming chain with Toronto-area locations. Spa associate roles focus on bathing, blow-drying, and nail trims rather than scissor grooming. Good entry-level position for candidates transitioning from dog walking or pet sitting into hands-on grooming work.
View Dogtopia openings →Petco / PetValu Grooming
Groomer / Bather · GTA · Full-time & Part-time
Several Pet Valu locations in the GTA have in-store grooming services operated by independent groomers or staff groomers. Role requirements vary by location, some seek certified groomers, others will train bathers internally.
Browse all pet groomer postings in Toronto →Mobile Grooming Services (GTA)
Dog Groomer · Toronto & GTA · Full-time (self-employed or employed)
Mobile grooming is a fast-growing format across Toronto. Companies like Woofie's and independent mobile groomers regularly hire trained groomers with a valid G driver's licence to operate van-based salons. Higher earning potential but requires experience and confidence working independently.
Search mobile grooming jobs in the GTA →Do you need certification to be a dog groomer in Ontario?
No. Dog grooming is not a regulated profession in Ontario, meaning there is no legally required licence or certification to groom dogs professionally. You can work as a bather or grooming assistant with no formal credentials.
That said, certification matters in practice. The Canadian Professional Pet Stylists (CPPS) offers an apprenticeship-based certification program that is recognized across the industry. The International Professional Groomers (IPG) certification is also respected. Completing one of these programs, or PetSmart's internal grooming apprenticeship, signals to clients and employers that you can handle a variety of breeds safely and produce consistent, breed-standard results.
For employment at high-end studios or mobile grooming companies, expect employers to ask for a portfolio of past grooms, references, or a skills demonstration. For entry-level bather roles, none of this is required, you'll learn on the job.
What groomers earn in Toronto
Pay in dog grooming varies significantly depending on experience, format (employed vs. commission vs. self-employed), and studio type.
Entry-level bathers and grooming assistants typically start at Ontario's minimum wage of $17.60/hour as of October 2025, with some studios paying $18–$19/hour to attract candidates who can handle dogs confidently.
Trained groomers with one to three years of experience typically earn $20–$25/hour on an hourly wage structure, or a commission split of 40–50% of gross grooming revenue. At a busy Toronto studio where a full-time groomer completes 6–8 dogs per day at $80–$120 per groom, commission earnings can work out to $22–$30/hour effective rate.
Tips are common in grooming. Satisfied clients regularly tip $10–$20 per groom, which can add $5–$10/hour to effective take-home at a high-volume studio. Self-employed mobile groomers set their own rates and can earn significantly more, but bear vehicle and supply costs.
How to break into grooming without experience
The most common path into grooming with no prior experience is the bather-to-groomer pipeline. Start by applying for bather or grooming assistant roles at chain salons (PetSmart is the most common entry point because they hire bathers explicitly and have an internal apprenticeship program). Work as a bather for six to twelve months while learning handling, drying, and nail techniques from senior groomers.
Private grooming schools in Ontario offer 6–12 week hands-on programs that accelerate the learning curve. Academy of Grooming Arts and similar programs produce candidates who can begin grooming independently faster than the self-taught route.
Experience with dogs outside of paid work also matters, shelter volunteering, dog walking, or working at a daycare like Dogtopia demonstrates the handling confidence studios look for. If you're also open to broader pet retail work while building toward grooming, see our pet stores hiring in Toronto guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a certification to get a dog grooming job in Toronto?
No. Dog grooming is unregulated in Ontario. Entry-level bather and grooming assistant roles require no certification. Trained groomer roles at established studios often expect a portfolio of past grooms or a skills demonstration, but no legally required licence exists.
What is the starting pay for a dog groomer in Toronto?
Bathers and grooming assistants typically start at $17.60–$19/hour. Trained groomers earn $20–$25/hour on a wage structure, or a 40–50% commission split. At high-volume studios, commission-based groomers can effectively earn $25–$30/hour before tips.
Is PetSmart a good place to start a grooming career?
Yes, for beginners. PetSmart explicitly hires bathers with no grooming experience and offers an internal apprenticeship pathway that can lead to full groomer status over 12–18 months. The structured training is an advantage for people starting from zero.
How many dogs does a groomer see in a day?
A full-time groomer at a busy Toronto studio typically completes 6–8 dogs per day depending on breed and service complexity. Simpler grooms (baths and trims on short-coated breeds) move faster; full haircuts on poodles or doodles take 1.5–2 hours each.
Are grooming jobs available part-time?
Yes. Many studios in Toronto offer part-time schedules, particularly on weekends when demand is highest. Part-time bather roles are especially available. Full-time groomer positions are easier to find at chains like PetSmart that staff multiple shifts.