Cat Groomer

LOVE CATS? WANT TO BECOME AN EXCEPTIONAL FELINE GROOMER?

Happy Cat Hotel & Spa Fairfax is hiring!

We're a cat-exclusive hotel and spa in Fairfax, Virginia, featuring 31 private hotel rooms and a full-service feline grooming spa.

We're looking for a groomer who has some grooming experience and a solid foundation of skills, but who is excited to keep learning.

You do NOT need to be an expert or NCGI-certified.

WHAT MAKES THIS OPPORTUNITY DIFFERENT?

We're investing in your growth.

Happy Cat provides corporate grooming training, hands-on development, and ongoing education. We will support qualified team members in working toward National Cat Groomers Institute (NCGI) certification, with the long-term goal of helping our groomers become Master Groomers.

There are relatively few highly trained feline groomers in Northern Virginia. Rather than expecting you to already have every skill, we want to help you build them.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Groom cats to Happy Cat standards
• Perform bathing, drying, brushing, clipping, shaving, nail trims, and other grooming services
• Safely handle cats with different personalities, temperaments, breeds, and coat types
• Provide a calm, safe, and positive grooming experience
• Communicate professionally with pet parents about grooming needs and recommendations
• Manage appointments and coordinate with the General Manager and Kitty Concierge team
• Maintain grooming tools, equipment, cleanliness, sanitation, and supplies
• Follow Happy Cat grooming procedures and safety protocols
• Continue developing your feline grooming skills through training and practice

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Some prior grooming experience
• Basic grooming techniques and equipment knowledge
• Comfort working with cats and animals
• Patience and a calm demeanor
• Pride in quality work
• Dependability and organization
• Strong customer communication
• Receptiveness to coaching and feedback
• A desire to keep learning
• Interest in building a career in feline grooming
• NCGI certification is not required.
• If you have the foundation but aren't yet an expert, that's okay. We're prepared to train you.

PAY & GROWTH

Starting wage: $18–$24/hour

Candidates who are newer to the role or industry will typically begin toward the lower end of the range, while higher compensation levels are generally reserved for individuals with significant experience, advanced skills, certifications, or demonstrated success in expanded responsibilities.

As you gain experience, develop advanced skills, achieve certifications, and take on additional responsibilities, there are opportunities to grow in both your career and compensation.

Our goal is to help our groomers progress toward NCGI certification and ultimately Master Groomer-level expertise.

WHY HAPPY CAT?

Cats Only — Your entire work environment is designed around feline care.

Specialized Training — Develop skills that can make you a true feline grooming specialist.

Career Growth — We're investing in training, certification, and long-term development.

Unique Environment — Work inside a purpose-built cat hotel and spa.

Make a Difference — Help cats feel comfortable, healthy, and cared for while giving their owners peace of mind.

ABOUT HAPPY CAT HOTEL & SPA FAIRFAX

Happy Cat Hotel & Spa Fairfax is a locally owned and operated franchise location of the growing Happy Cat Hotel & Spa brand. Our Fairfax facility combines luxury cat boarding with a full-service feline grooming spa.

Our mission is simple: Give cats an exceptional experience while giving their humans peace of mind.

If you're an experienced cat groomer, an animal groomer looking to specialize in cats, or a developing groomer who wants an employer willing to invest in your growth, we want to hear from you.

You don't have to know everything.

You just have to want to get better.

Apply today to join the Happy Cat Hotel & Spa Fairfax team.