PetSmart vs Petco: Comparing Jobs and Pay

Quick Answer: PetSmart operates more locations (1,650+ vs 1,500+) and offers free pet training certification for employees, while Petco provides 401(k) matching and stronger veterinary discounts. Both hire from age 16+ (18+ for grooming), pay $11–$16/hr and $11–$15/hr respectively, and offer health benefits (FT), pet adoption discounts, and no drug testing for entry-level roles.

PetSmart vs Petco – Side-by-Side Comparison

This table breaks down the key differences between PetSmart and Petco as job providers:

Factor	PetSmart	Petco
Starting Pay	$11–$16/hour	$11–$15/hour
Minimum Age	16+ (18+ for grooming/hotel)	16+ (18+ for grooming)
Application Method	Online at careers.petsmart.com	Online at careers.petco.com
US Locations	1,650+ locations	1,500+ locations
Drug Test	No, typically not required	No, typically not required
Background Check	Yes	Yes
Benefits	Health/dental/vision (FT), 401k, pet adoption discount, free pet training certification	Health insurance (FT), 401k match, pet adoption assistance, veterinary discount
Career Growth	Sales associate, pet care associate, shift supervisor, store manager	Pet care associate, store associate, supervisor, manager PetSmart – Overview PetSmart operates over 1,650 pet specialty stores across the United States, offering a wide range of products and services including grooming, training, boarding, and veterinary care. The company actively recruits retail associates, pet care associates, and grooming staff, hiring from age 16 for most roles and 18+ for grooming and boarding positions. Starting wages range from $11–$16 per hour depending on role, location, and experience. Applications are submitted through careers.petsmart.com. A standout benefit of PetSmart employment is free pet training certification, allowing employees to develop professional skills in animal behavior and training. Full-time employees receive comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, significant pet adoption discounts, and exclusive employee benefits. Learn more by visiting the PetSmart Application Guide. Petco – Overview Petco operates approximately 1,500 pet stores nationwide, providing pet products, services, and veterinary care through its network of in-store Petco Animal Hospital locations. The company hires retail associates, pet care associates, groomers, and support staff at age 16+ (18+ for grooming roles), with starting wages of $11–$15 per hour. The careers.petco.com portal allows applicants to apply online, with typical processing within 1–2 weeks. Petco differentiates itself through 401(k) matching contributions and veterinary discounts. The company emphasizes pet wellness and actively partners with animal shelters for adoption events. Full-time employees receive health insurance, 401(k) matching, pet adoption assistance programs, and veterinary care discounts. For more details, explore the Petco Application Guide. Which Should You Choose? Choose PetSmart if: You are interested in professional pet training certification and want to develop formal credentials in animal behavior or training, seek more comprehensive health benefits (dental and vision included), or prefer a slightly larger organization with more location options. Choose Petco if: You prioritize 401(k) matching for retirement savings, value veterinary discounts for accessing professional pet healthcare, or prefer a company culture focused on animal rescue and adoption initiatives. Can You Work at Both? Working at both PetSmart and Petco simultaneously depends on location overlap and scheduling. Both chains operate many stores in the same markets. You could potentially work part-time at one location while applying to the other, then accept the first offer. Part-time schedules of 15–25 hours weekly at one employer might accommodate part-time work at the other during low-traffic hours. Frequently Asked Questions Which pet store pays better, PetSmart or Petco? PetSmart offers slightly higher starting wages at $11–$16/hour compared to Petco at $11–$15/hour. However, Petco offers 401(k) matching, which provides long-term retirement savings value. PetSmart compensates with free pet training certification and comprehensive dental/vision coverage. Are entry-level positions suitable for first-time workers? Yes, both PetSmart and Petco actively hire first-time workers with no prior retail or pet care experience. Both provide on-the-job training covering customer service, product knowledge, animal handling, and store operations. Passion for animals and reliability are prioritized over prior work history. Are there advancement opportunities to management? Yes, both PetSmart and Petco promote from within to shift supervisor, assistant manager, and store manager positions. Employees demonstrating reliability, customer service skills, and operational knowledge typically advance within 1–3 years. Store managers earn $45,000–$60,000+ annually. Which company has a stronger culture around animal welfare? Petco has a more explicit mission centered on animal rescue and adoption, partnering with shelters nationwide for in-store adoption events. PetSmart also values animal welfare but positions itself more as a comprehensive pet services provider. If animal rescue and adoption advocacy are important to you, Petco’s culture may align more directly with those values.