Dog Trainer

Petco is dedicated to improving the lives of pets and pet parents through its core values: Pet First, Foster the Fun, and Let’s Go! With over 29,000 team members across more than 1,500 stores, Vetco Total Care hospitals, preventive care clinics, and distribution centers, Petco supports animal welfare and helps find homes for millions of animals.

Position Overview

As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will enhance the bond between pet parents and their dogs by delivering modern, positive‑reinforcement training. You will conduct one‑on‑one sessions, group classes, and provide advice on basic training, environmental management, and customized plans. In addition, you will engage guests with 360‑degree solutions, recommending nutrition, services, and supplies to promote pet health and wellness.

Responsibilities

• Complete Petco’s 6‑week Dog Trainer Instructor Program and all assigned Workday Learning modules and DTIP Student Workbook materials.
• Recommend and sell appropriate dog training classes, training, and supplies to ensure successful outcomes for pet parents and their dogs.
• Maintain accurate records of training sessions, progress, and pet‑parent feedback while preserving confidentiality and professionalism.
• Collaborate with grooming and veterinary teams to provide holistic health solutions for pet parents.
• Participate in ongoing training programs to sustain a high level of expertise.
• Deliver an outstanding guest experience by actively engaging with guests, recommending merchandise and services, and generating future business through deep understanding of guest needs.
• Demonstrate knowledge of animal health, welfare, and proper handling.
• Support Pet Care Center performance goals, ensure merchandise is stocked, priced, and displayed effectively, and complete cash register transactions as needed.
• Adhere to operational guidelines, policies, and procedures while promoting teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration.
• Utilize selling behaviors to identify and solve guest needs, contributing to a safe environment for partners, guests, and pets.
• Participate in developmental programs to grow skills and advance your career.
• Evaluate guest inquiries and refer to the Leader on Duty when appropriate.
• Complete other duties and special projects as assigned.

Certification Requirements

• Stage 1: Complete the Dog Training Instructor Program (DTIP) – a 6‑week instructor‑led learning experience.
• Stage 2: Successfully run and grow the dog training business in a Petco Pet Care Center, leveraging local and national marketing support, internal partner resources, networking, and online booking/scheduling systems.
• Stage 3: Complete the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dogs.
• Candidates with prior experience may be eligible for accelerated training after passing skill and knowledge assessments.

Basic Qualifications

• Passion for animal care, training, and welfare with a genuine interest in improving pet and pet‑parent lives.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for clear instruction, demonstrations, and effective selling techniques.
• Ability to safely handle dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities.
• Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
• Physical stamina to stand, walk, bend, and lift objects up to 50 lb.
• Familiarity with computer systems and software for managing training records, schedules, and communications.

Pay

Salary Range: $12.00 – $19.50 per hour. Start Rate: $14.00 per hour. Actual pay depends on position, location, experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws.