Dog Trainer

We’re proud to be "where the pets go" and "where the pet people go," helping pets live their best lives for more than 60 years. From meals and toys to supplies and expert support, we’re here for every tail wag, vet visit, and step of the pet-parent journey. With 29,000+ team members, we nurture the pet-human bond in over 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, plus 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, preventive care clinics, and 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’ll 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 plans to address specific training goals. Beyond training, you’ll engage with guests to offer personalized solutions for pet health, nutrition, and wellness, while recommending products and services to meet their needs.

Responsibilities

• Attend and successfully pass Petco’s 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program (DTIP) led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor.
• Complete all assigned Workday Learning modules and DTIP Student Workbook materials.
• Recommend and sell dog training classes, supplies, and resources to ensure successful training experiences.
• Maintain accurate records of training sessions, progress, and pet parent feedback.
• Provide one-on-one and group dog training using positive reinforcement methods.
• Collaborate with grooming and veterinary teams to offer holistic pet health solutions.
• Engage with guests to recommend merchandise and services tailored to their pets’ needs.
• Drive future business by connecting guests to Petco’s digital platforms.
• Demonstrate knowledge of animal health, welfare, and proper handling.
• Support Pet Care Center operations, including stocking, pricing, and displaying merchandise.
• 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.

Requirements

• Passion for animal care, training, and welfare, with a commitment to improving pets’ lives.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for clear instruction and guest interaction.
• Ability to safely and humanely 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 up to 50 pounds.
• Familiarity with computer systems for managing training records and schedules.

Certification

• Stage 1: Complete the 6-week Dog Training Instructor Program (DTIP) to become a Petco Certified Dog Trainer.
• Stage 2: Successfully run and grow the dog training business in a Petco Pet Care Center with marketing support and client acquisition tools.
• Stage 3: Complete the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dog.
• Note: Candidates with prior experience may qualify for accelerated training if they pass skill and knowledge assessments.

Pay

Salary Range: $12.00 – $19.50 per hour (Start Rate: $14.00). Actual pay depends on position, location, experience, and applicable minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds the listed range, it will apply.

Benefits

For a detailed overview of Petco’s Total Rewards—including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO—visit Petco’s careers page.