Key Holder

Petco’s core values—Pet First, Foster the Fun, and Let’s Go!—guide everything we do to improve lives for pets and people. With more than 29,000 team members across 1,500+ stores, Vetco Total Care hospitals, preventive‑care clinics, and distribution centers, we nurture the pet‑human bond every day.

About the role

As a Key Holder, you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and customers. You support store leadership by supervising partners, opening and closing the store, and serving as a point of contact when management is not present. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys leading on the floor, solving problems in the moment, and delivering a great experience every day.

Responsibilities

• Uphold Petco’s animal care standards, ensuring the health, safety, and proper handling of all animals.
• Promote a safe, welcoming environment for pets, pet parents, and partners.
• Follow all policies and procedures related to animal welfare, safety, and store operations.
• Deliver friendly, knowledgeable, and solution‑oriented service to every customer.
• Support and supervise store partners, helping maintain productivity and positive morale.
• Assist with training new partners and reinforcing best practices on the sales floor.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and visually appealing store environment.
• Open and close the store while following all cash handling, safety, and security protocols.
• Support daily store operations including sales, task execution, and recovery.
• Execute merchandising standards, including planograms, pricing accuracy, signage, and promotional set‑ups.
• Assist with inventory activities such as restocking, cycle counts, inventory integrity, and required paperwork.
• Identify out‑of‑stocks, low inventory, or merchandising issues and communicate them to store leadership.
• Process transactions, refunds, and exchanges accurately and efficiently.
• Act as the primary point of contact in the absence of store management.
• Support sales initiatives and promotions to help achieve store goals.
• Maintain merchandise presentation and in‑stock conditions to Petco standards.
• Ensure accurate pricing and signage throughout the store.
• Monitor merchandising and inventory conditions during shifts and escalate issues as needed.
• Address customer questions and resolve concerns promptly and professionally.
• Model Petco’s selling behaviors and service expectations.
• Provide guidance and direction to partners during assigned shifts.
• Escalate concerns appropriately to store leadership.

Success Metrics

• The store opens and closes safely and smoothly.
• Merchandise is well‑stocked, accurately priced, and visually appealing.
• Inventory is handled accurately and with care.
• Customers receive prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable service.
• Partners feel supported and clear on expectations during each shift.

Requirements

• Previous retail experience required; key holder or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong leadership, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to multitask and thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Basic math skills and experience handling cash and transactions.
• Reliable, responsible, and detail‑oriented.

Essential Functions & Work Environment

• Primarily performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment with regular presence on the sales floor.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting; ability to lift up to 50 lb.
• Occasional duties may require leaving the store for bank deposits, merchandise transport, or community events.
• Regular engagement with customers, cashiering, and point‑of‑sale transactions.
• Work in proximity to animals, including exposure to animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals.
• Flexible availability to support operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Limited travel may be required for training, meetings, or community engagement.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Purpose‑driven work that makes a difference for pets and people.
• Opportunities to build leadership skills and grow your career.
• Collaborative, inclusive team culture.
• Strong stepping stone for future leadership opportunities.

Pay

Salary Range: $18.75 – $28.75 hourly (or salary equivalent). Actual pay rates depend on position, location, experience, and applicable state or local minimum‑wage laws.

Benefits

Petco Total Rewards include health and financial benefits, 401(k), incentives, and PTO. See Petco Total Rewards for details.

Schedule