Animal Care Specialist
About the role
Petco is a company dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their owners. We strive to provide everything our customers need to ensure their pets live their best lives, from food and toys to veterinary care and supplies.
Responsibilities
Pet First – Protect & Empower
- Ensure the health, safety, and proper care of all companion animals and aquatic life in accordance with Petco standards, policies, and procedures.
- Complete and verify required animal care tasks, including hourly animal health checks, wellness documentation, maintenance logs, and incident reports.
- Serve as the primary resource for animal care education for customers and PCC partners.
- Adhere to and promote all safety, animal welfare, and loss prevention procedures.
Foster the Fun – Connect & Bond
- Deliver knowledgeable, compassionate, and solution-focused service to customers.
- Support customer interactions using Petco’s selling model.
- Mentor and educate partners on animal care standards, maintenance routines, and best practices.
- Maintain professional, clean, and well-presented animal habitats and aquatic areas.
Let’s Go! Own & Commit
- Support the achievement of department sales, margin, and shrink goals.
- Ensure merchandise is stocked, priced, and displayed to Petco standards, with a primary focus on companion animals and aquatics.
- Efficiently order live animals, supplies, and related merchandise in partnership with the sales team to support inventory integrity and business goals.
- Analyze inventory data and identify opportunities to improve in-stock levels, shrink, and operational efficiency.
- Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts.
- Aid in opening and closing procedures as assigned.
- Perform additional duties and special projects as needed to support Pet Care Center operations.
Requirements
Minimum of 1 year of experience working with or caring for companion animals and aquatic life.
Strong knowledge of animal care, husbandry, and maintenance practices.
Demonstrated ability to educate others and communicate effectively.
Strong customer service mindset with an aptitude for selling behaviors.
Basic business, math, and inventory management skills.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
High school diploma or GED preferred.
Completion and ongoing maintenance of the Petco Animal Care Certification Program required.
Essential Functions & Work Environment
This role is performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment and requires active engagement on the sales floor.
The role requires frequent standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting.
Ability to safely lift and move merchandise, supplies, or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
Regular engagement with customers on the sales floor, including providing customer assistance and performing cashiering and point-of-sale transactions.
Must be able to work in proximity to animals, including exposure to animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals.
Flexible availability to support Pet Care Center operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
Why You’ll Love It
Purpose-driven work that makes a difference for pets and people.
A welcoming, inclusive team environment.
Opportunities to learn, grow, and explore career paths.
A fun, fast-paced role where no two days are the same.
Start Rate: $13.00
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