Dog Trainer

We’re proud to be "where the pets go" and "where the pet people go," helping pets live their best lives for over 60 years. Our core values—Pet First, Foster the Fun, and Let’s Go!—guide us as we work to improve lives by doing what’s right for pets and people. With 29,000+ team members, we nurture the pet-human bond across 1,500+ Petco stores in the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics, and eight distribution centers. Since founding Petco Love in 1999, we’ve supported thousands of local animal welfare groups and helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.

About the role

As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will enhance the bond between pet parents and their dogs using modern, positive reinforcement techniques. You’ll provide one-on-one training sessions, group classes, and customized training plans to address specific goals. Beyond training, you’ll engage with guests to offer personalized solutions for pet health, nutrition, and wellness, while collaborating with grooming and veterinary teams to deliver holistic care.

Responsibilities

• Attend and pass Petco’s 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program (DTIP) led by a Certified Dog Trainer Mentor.
• Complete assigned Workday Learning modules and DTIP Student Workbook materials.
• Recommend and sell dog training classes, supplies, and resources to support pet parents.
• Maintain accurate records of training sessions, progress, and feedback.
• Uphold confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
• Collaborate with grooming and veterinary teams to provide whole-health solutions.
• Engage guests to recommend merchandise and services tailored to their pets’ needs.
• Drive future business by connecting guests to digital platforms and understanding their pets’ needs.
• Demonstrate expertise in animal handling, welfare, and safety.
• Support Pet Care Center performance goals through stocking, pricing, and merchandising.
• Assist with cash register transactions and OMNI shopping experiences.
• Adhere to operational guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration.
• Complete additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Passion for animal care, training, and welfare, with a commitment to improving pets’ lives.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for clear instruction and guest interactions.
• Ability to safely handle dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
• Physical stamina to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Familiarity with computer systems for record-keeping, scheduling, and communication.

Certification Requirements

• Stage 1 (Dog Training Apprentice): 6-week instructor-led program to become a Petco Certified Dog Trainer.
• Stage 2 (Dog Trainer): Grow the dog training business with marketing support, partner resources, and online booking systems.
• Stage 3: Complete the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dogs.
• Note: Candidates with prior experience may qualify for accelerated training.

Pay

Start rate: $14.00 per hour.

Benefits

For details on Petco’s Total Rewards—including health, financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO—visit Petco’s careers page.