Frequently Asked Questions

a little birdie told us

you might have questions

Phoenix home office

Can you really bring pets on campus?

Absolutely! All healthy and well-behaved pets are welcome. You’ll see dogs, cats, lizards, hamsters and birds throughout the day. We even have an on-site dog park for our furry friends to play!

Do you provide relocation assistance?

We offer relocation for select roles. Your recruiter will walk you through it during the interview/hiring process.

What can I expect from the interview process?

Interview processes may vary by role, but usually you'll begin with a phone call with a recruiter, who will learn about your background, share details of the role and answer any of your questions. Next comes a phone or video interview with the hiring manager, followed by a video or on-campus interview with cross-functional partners (generally around 4 of them). We know it may seem like a lot, but we are invested in making sure that this is a good fit for both of us.

What kinds of benefits do you offer?

A lot! Check them out.

Do you have daycare on-site?

Yes, we offer on-site daycare for tiny humans through our partnership with Bright Horizons. Click to learn more.

Do you offer monetary incentives for performance?

We formally evaluate performance at mid-year and year-end (although you will have ongoing performance discussions with your leaders throughout the year). Associates may be eligible for year-end bonuses based on company performance and personal performance, as well as merit increases. Certain roles are also eligible for a yearly bonus percent and a long-term incentive grant that is fully vested after 3 years.

retail stores

Is there an age requirement to work in your stores?

Applicants must be over the age of 18 (except in Montana or where otherwise required by local or state, or provincial law).

What training is available once I start?

Our associates go through a safety certification, receive on-the-job training for different areas and learn from our extensive pet guides to provide the best service to pets and pet parents.

What kinds of learning and development do you offer?

No matter how much experience you have, we believe that there is always more to learn! You’ll work with your store leader to discuss opportunities to cross-train in different store departments, enroll in development workshops or shadow leaders.

What kinds of benefits do you offer?

A lot! Check them out.

What are your available shifts and hours of operation?

Good news: We have flexible shifts that align with your schedule, including early morning, evening and weekend shifts. Hours may depend on store location and store department. The petshotels and Grooming Salon often open at 7 a.m., with the rest of the store open from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Please note that hours may change based on COVID-19 restrictions. Please discuss with your store leader.

salons

What training will I receive once I'm hired?

All new bathers and stylists obtain superior operational, safety and technical knowledge through our Splash Training Program. Using a variety of learning techniques, these lessons cover salon operations, dog anatomy and common conditions, dog behavior and safe handling, pre-bathing, bathing and drying techniques, salon services and customer experience.

What are the steps involved in becoming a full-fledged PetSmart stylist?

Our free, paid salon training program takes place over 4 stages. In stage 1 as a pet stylist apprentice and bather, you'll learn about dog breeds and styling. During the stage 2 Grooming Academy (valued at more than $6,000!), you'll learn—and leave with!—the tools of the trade. As a groomer trainee stage 3, you'll put your brand-new education and fancy new tool kit to work when you head back to our salon. Finally, in stage 4, you'll hone your skillset as a pet stylist in training.

What are PetSmart’s salon safety standards?

At PetSmart, nothing is more important than the safety of pets and people. We provide comprehensive, convenient and high-quality services, while treating each pet in our care as our own. We achieve our goals by taking things that may seem small—like hands-on pet assessment and monitoring for signs of stress—and transforming them into the most important things that we do each day. Through continued education, our salon associates are empowered to always do the right thing to keep themselves and the pets in our care safe and comfortable during their stay.

distribution centers

What happens once I'm hired to work at a PetSmart DC?

You must pass a background check, drug screen and a Physical Abilities Test prior to onboarding with us. PetSmart is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for candidates and associates.

Are there age requirements for working at a PetSmart DC?

Applicants must be over the age of 18 (except in Montana or where otherwise required by local or state, or provincial law).

What if I don’t have DC experience?

We can train you! We have entry-level positions for those without experience and can train you for other career opportunities that might interest you. We also offer structured career paths for your future growth.

Can I grow my career in the DC?

Absolutely! Whether you have no experience or a lot of it, you can have a great career in one of our DCs. We'll be clear about what your path can be and how to achieve your goals. Some associates want job enrichment opportunities and to learn a lot of different roles, while others want a more defined path. Whatever your goals, we can offer opportunities based on your aspirations.

What benefits do you offer?

A lot! Check them out.

What are your available shifts and hours of operation?

Shifts differ by location, with some offering 1st, 2nd and/or 3rd shifts. You can make note of your schedule preferences in your application.

Canada home office

What kinds of benefits do you offer?

A lot! Check them out.

What holidays do we get at PetSmart?

PetSmart observes 10 paid holidays per year for eligible full-time associates: New Year's Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

What discounts does PetSmart offer to associates?

Our associates are eligible for a variety of company and non-company discounts, including 15% off products and services and up to 50% off proprietary brands. associates also can take advantage of our Perkopolis partnership for access to thousands of discounts on items like cell phones, travel and entertainment, groceries and more. To learn more, visit the Discounts & Offerings page.

How does paid time off (PTO) work at PetSmart?

Associates are eligible for different types of paid time off depending on your work location, full-time or part-time status and local laws.

Can we really bring pets to the office?

Absolutely!! Healthy and well-behaved dogs are welcome in the office.

call center

What shifts are available?

Shift availability is based on operational needs, according to what we call Spring and Winter schedules. (We don't observe daylight savings time in Phoenix, where our home office is.) Typically, the Call Center runs a Spring schedule of 4:45 a.m. to 9 p.m. and a Winter schedule of 5:45 a.m. to 10 p.m.

What is training like?

Full time paid training is mandatory and lasts 4 weeks. Week 1 covers either PetsHotel stay, day stay services or basic services offered in our salon as well as specialty appointments. Weeks 2-4 will be taking live inbound calls from Pet Parents scheduling, cancelling or modifying reservations for PetsHotel or Salon. At the end of each week, you’ll complete a knowledge check assessment.

Is relocation an option?

The Call Center is located in Phoenix, AZ. We do not offer relocation however, we are currently hiring remotely for those that reside in Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Florida, Idaho, Texas or Georgia.

Do you have an incentive program?

We do! Our program is broken into 3 parts: total services sales (Hotel, Salon, Pet Training), total SRC (services reservation center) sales and individual performance. Bonuses are paid out monthly.

What are the benefits like?

Full-time associates (minimum 32 hours) receive dental, vision, health, vacation, discretionary, volunteer, sick time, discounts and 401K. Part-time associates receive discounts and vacation time. Most U.S. part time associates are not eligible for sick time unless otherwise required by state or municipal law.

What is the interview process like?

The interview process will start out as a phone screen and from there will turn into a video interview.

What is a day in the life like?

Our associates take high volume, back-to-back calls throughout the day, assisting Pet Parents with booking services such as PetsHotel, Salon and day stay services. This team uses multiple computer programs that involve working on a minimum of 2 screens while closing and opening resources to support our assorted booking services. Pet Parents often have questions about packages, locations and services, which we access during the call through several platforms within our booking tools.

students

Do you offer paid internships?

Yes, all internships and trainee programs are paid hourly, based on 40 hours/week.

Do you provide housing?

Yes. For students outside of the Phoenix area, furnished housing is provided.

Do you provide relocation assistance?

Yes, we provide assistance to interns relocating to Phoenix, AZ – whether you are driving or needing to fly, we will provide support to interns, including resources to answer all your questions.

Can I earn college credit?

College credit can be provided if proper criteria are met. Work with your emerging talent coordinator for more information.

What is the eligibility for internships?

Students must have 1 or more semesters remaining of school to be eligible for internships.

I’ve already graduated, can I be a trainee?

Our full-time trainee programs are only for winter/spring graduates within the current school year. Keep an eye out for available entry-level positions on our careers website.

Are there ways I can get involved with PetSmart before I graduate?

Please do! PetSmart offers a Summer Experience every year from July to August for students currently seeking college credits in either a 2- or 4-year educational institution. Stay tuned for more info.

benefits

What benefits am I eligible for as a full-time associate in the U.S.?

PetSmart offers a variety of medical benefits, discounts and support to our associates. Learn more here.

What holidays do we get at PetSmart?

PetSmart observes 6 paid holidays per year to eligible full-time associates: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

What discounts does PetSmart offer to associates?

Our associates are eligible for a variety of exclusive company and non-company discounts. Associates also can take advantage of our PerkSpot partnership for access to thousands of discounts on items like cell phones, travel and entertainment, groceries and more.

Regarding retirement plans, does the company match for the traditional and Roth SaveSmart 401(k) plans?

Yes. For every dollar you contribute (up to 6% of your pay), PetSmart deposits 50 cents into your account. For every calendar year you work 1,000 hours, you own 20% of the value of the company’s contributions. (That’s called vesting.) So after 5 years, you own 100% of PetSmart’s contributions. You’re always 100% vested in your own contributions.

Who is eligible for vacation time?

Vacation time applies to all regular full-and part-time U.S. store, DC and home office associates.

we are PetSmart

How does PetSmart listen and respond to feedback from associates?

We are active listeners and regularly engage with our associates to hear all perspectives. This occurs in numerous ways, from our annual engagement survey to pulse check surveys, as well as conducting culture assessments, listening tours, actively practicing our open-door policy and more.

We know we're not perfect and the best ideas for making improvements often comes from our associates, so be sure to share your voice with any leader at PetSmart about how we can consistently get better.

How does PetSmart keep wages competitive?

PetSmart prides itself on paying competitive wages. Pay is reviewed regularly by multiple levels of leadership through the annual merit cycle process. A team of compensation professionals also regularly monitors pay at other retailers with similar workforces to determine if PetSmart's wages are competitive across the company.

How does PetSmart keep benefits competitive?

Benefits are a big part of total rewards and are reviewed annually and evaluated to ensure they meet the continually evolving needs of our associates and their families. We have a single set of medical benefit options for all eligible employees, meaning everyone from senior leaders to part-time employees choose from the same health and wellness options.

Eligible associates have access to a competitive and valuable benefits package including, tools to help you plan your financial future, time away from work, tuition assistance, support for life events, resource to support your physical and mental well-being, and a variety of meaningful savings through discounts and offerings. From medical coverage to time away, you'll find everything you need to know on our Benefits Website.

As a store associate, how often is my performance evaluated?

One of PetSmart's' core values is to Learn New Tricks. This means that every day is an opportunity to be better for every single associate across the company. This also means that feedback is exchanged regularly through 1:1 conversations and routine process validations.

On a more formal basis, if you are in a non-leadership role, you can expect to be evaluated on a 90- and 180-day cadence from your hire date in the first year and on an annual basis after that. Merit is awarded after the annual performance review is completed and is based on your rating.

Store Leaders receive a system-generated email reminder 27 days prior to an associate's evaluation. You can expect a conversation with your leader explaining your rating and merit increase on your anniversary.

How has PetSmart kept associates safe during the pandemic?

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the safety of our teams and pet parents has been our highest priority, and we've continuously adapted our business practices to meet or exceed all health and safety guidance, as well as other best practices for retail store operations. This includes enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols, face covering requirements for associates and customers, operational adjustments to accommodate social distancing, and many other steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19. In total, we have invested millions of dollars in personal protective equipment, face coverings for associates, cleaning supplies, physical barriers, vaccination incentives, and other items to protect our associates within our stores, DCs, and home offices, as well as our customers.

How has PetSmart cared for associates during the pandemic?

Our associates are at the heart of who we are, and we're proud of the ways they have gone above and beyond to serve pet parents during these challenging times. To recognize their service and commitment, we have paid $25 million in additional compensation awards to our front-line associates since the pandemic began. This includes special thank-you bonuses, payment of healthcare premiums, and other healthcare benefits. We also made a $1 million contribution to the longstanding PetSmart associate Assistance Foundation to support any of our workers who may be facing personal or financial hardships.

How does PetSmart determine the level of staffing & hours in each store?

PetSmart takes great care to staff each store to meet the needs of our associates, customers, and pets. Each store earns labor hours relative to their unique customer demand. For example, larger stores with higher volume earn more labor compared to smaller stores with lower volume, and additional labor is given for locations with PetsHotel Boarding, Training Classes, and Grooming Salons, as well. Part-time, full-time, and seasonal opportunities are available in many locations, with the opportunity for flexible schedules and additional shifts. Schedules are posted in advance and associates have a say in the hours they are asked to work.

We are also investing in technology to provide associates with more flexibility in managing their schedules.

How does PetSmart support associates to do anything for the pets in our care?

Pet parents trust us with their pet care needs. At PetSmart, all associates are empowered and expected to do anything for pets. This means we expect all associates to report any situation where a pet's health concern is not being addressed.

Our commitment to do anything for the pets in our care comes to life in numerous ways, including:

  • Educating our associates with best-in-class experience and training across our salons, hotels pet training.
  • Associates use discretion and reserve the right to refuse the sale of a pet in situations where the pets health and safety may be in jeopardy.
  • Respond urgently to any specialty pet's health concerns in partnership with local/specialty veterinarians.
  • Careful evaluation of the pets' health at time of arrival to ensure suppliers are meeting expectations.
  • Partner with PetSmart Veterinarians to create habitat, care standards and processes to support the specialty pets in our care.
  • Execute Pet Care processes and maintain standards throughout the day by identifying and addressing any situation where a pet's health may be in jeopardy.
  • Engage with pet parents to educate on the commitments for care and environmental needs of a specialty pet.
  • Ensure the pet parent leaves the store with the required pet-specific items (including habitat, food, etc.) that are needed for their new specialty pet to live a happy and healthy life.
  • Provide educational tools, such as species-specific Care Guides and resources through PetSmart.com
How does PetSmart ensure that I have what I need to do my job well?

PetSmart is consistently investing in technology, equipment and facilities upgrades and process optimization improvements that are meant to make the role of the front-line associate easier. We test new ideas frequently, learn from the feedback and adjust course. In other words, you play a critical role in improving the associate experience by providing feedback on what works and what doesn't. This also means that if something in your day-to-day experience isn't working well and you find you do not have the tool and resources needed to perform at your best; you can use the open door, talk to your leader, or any leader, and we will look into your questions or concerns.

Where can I go if I have a concern?

Our SpeakUp resources are always available to all associates. Associates have many options when it comes to raising a concern, question, or feedback.

Your leader is a great place to start if you have questions, but if you are uncomfortable bringing your concerns to your leader or to other internal resources, CareSmart allows you to make an anonymous report through a service that is operated by an independent third-party. We're committed to responding to all associate concerns in a prompt and empathetic manner. Call 1-800-738-4693 at any time to report a concern.

Our Speak Up Resources Include:

• Your Leader or Any Leader

• Human Resources

• The CareSmart Hotline
  1-800-738-4693
  caresmart.ethicspoint.com

• The Legal Department
  ethicsandintegrity@petsmart.com

• The Internal Audit
  internalaudit@petsmart.com

• Loss Prevention & Safety Department

candidate experience

What if I have a disability / need an accommodation?

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, both visible and invisible, during the job application process and throughout their career at PetSmart.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at Accommodations@PetSmart.com or 1-866-263-8411.

What is the candidate experience like for store associates?

A member of store leadership will review your application to determine if your qualifications match their open positions. If so, you will be notified directly on next steps, which may include a combination of phone and/or in-person interviews. We always welcome you to connect with leaders at the store where you applied should you have any questions.

What is the candidate experience like for DC associates?

A member of the Distribution Center team will review your application to determine if your qualifications match their open positions. If there is a match, you will be contacted directly on next steps, which may include a combination of phone and/or in-person interviews.

What is the candidate experience like for corporate associates?

Each role has an assigned recruiter who will review applications submitted for open roles. If your qualifications are a match, and we are still in need of candidates, you will be contacted for next steps which may include a combination of phone, video, or in-person interviews. You can expect updates on your application status along the way.

What is the candidate experience like for internships and emerging talent rotational roles?

Applications are reviewed by our Emerging Talent team. A recruiter will review the details, and if they find your qualifications are a match, and we are still in need of candidates, they’ll connect with you directly on next steps, which may include a combination of in-person, phone, or video interviews. You can expect updates on your application status along the way.

What is the candidate experience like for call center roles?

An assigned recruiter reviews applications submitted for each role. If your application is a match, and we are still in need of candidates, you’ll be contacted for next steps, which may include both phone or video interviews. You can expect updates on your status along the way.

How old do I have to be to work at PetSmart?

All associates must be 18+ to work at PetSmart. (except in Montana or where otherwise required by local, state, or provincial law).

What is the pay?

Pay varies by role and location. To get more specifics, please feel free to apply for an open position, and a recruiter will be in touch with more details if you are a good match for the role. Please note that the exact pay rate will be based on relevant experience level, training, skills or knowledge, and store location. In no instance will PetSmart pay less than the local minimum wage.

Does PetSmart drug test?

No, while PetSmart remains a drug-free workplace, we do not conduct drug test as part of our preemployment checks.

Does PetSmart hire felons?

PetSmart performs background checks on all associates. However, a prior conviction will not hinder anyone from being considered or contacted for an open role for which they may be a good match.

Which locations are hiring?

Please feel free to explore the open roles in the city you're interested in working in via the homepage or contact the store directly to check on open roles.

How can I check my application status?

The best way to check your application status is to contact the location you applied to directly. If you are a good match for an open role, a recruiter or store leadership will contact you with the next steps.

View all questions

Let’s get rolling

Join our Talent Network and stay up-to-date with PetSmart news and career opportunities.

Corporate Early Career Store & Distribution