Animal Care Specialist

About the role

Petco is dedicated to improving lives by providing everything pets need to live their best lives. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood and strive to support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide.

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.
• Foster the Fun – Connect & Bond: Deliver knowledgeable, compassionate, and solution-focused service to customers. Mentor and educate partners on animal care standards, maintenance routines, and best practices.
• Let's Go! Own & Commit: Support the achievement of department sales, margin, and shrink goals. Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned.

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.

Qualifications

• Frequent standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting.
• Safety 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.

Skills

• Animal care and maintenance practices.
• Customer service and selling behaviors.
• Organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Benefits

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Pay

$13.00 per hour

Schedule

Regular engagement with customers on the sales floor, including providing customer assistance and performing cashiering and point-of-sale transactions.