Last Updated: April 22, 2026
How to Apply at Petco
Petco accepts applications through its online careers portal. The process takes about 15 minutes for hourly roles and up to 30 minutes for management or corporate positions.
- Visit careers.petco.com and search for openings by city or job category.
- Create a Petco candidate account and complete your profile.
- Select a position and complete the online application, including your availability and any relevant animal care certifications.
- Complete any role-specific assessment (grooming or training candidates may be asked about their experience level).
- A store leader or department manager will contact you for an in-person or phone interview.
Petco Job Positions & Pay Rates
Petco hires across store operations, distribution, and corporate functions. Common roles and estimated pay ranges are shown below.
| Position | Pay Range | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Care Associate | $13–$18/hr | Full/Part-time |
| Groomer / Stylist | $15–$28/hr + tips | Full/Part-time |
| Dog Trainer | $15–$25/hr | Full/Part-time |
| Veterinary Technician | $18–$30/hr | Full-time |
| Store Leader | $60,000–$95,000/yr | Full-time |
| District Leader | $90,000–$140,000/yr | Full-time |
| Warehouse Associate | $17–$22/hr | Full-time |
| Merchandising Analyst | $60,000–$95,000/yr | Full-time |
Petco Application Requirements
Most hourly Petco positions require applicants to be at least 16 or 18 years old depending on the state and role. No prior retail experience is required for entry-level positions, though relevant customer service or stocking experience is an advantage. All offers are contingent on passing a background check. Drug screening requirements vary by location and position type. Petco veterinary roles require current state licensure.
Petco Interview Process
Petco entry-level retail interviews are conversational and focus on availability, reliability, and customer service experience. Expect behavioral questions about handling difficult customers, prioritizing tasks during a busy shift, and why you want to work at Petco. Most store interviews involve a single session with a store manager or supervisor. Management and corporate roles include multiple rounds with structured behavioral or situational questions.
Petco Employee Benefits
Petco offers benefits for eligible full-time and part-time associates, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid time off, and employee discounts. Tuition reimbursement, life and disability insurance, and an employee assistance program are also typically available. Petco offers a pet adoption fee reimbursement benefit, veterinary care discounts for employees’ own pets, and a merchandise discount.
Petco Career Development
Petco supports internal advancement, and many store managers and district leaders started in hourly associate roles. Hourly employees can move into team lead, department supervisor, assistant manager, and store manager positions through consistent performance and internal applications. Petco’s grooming and training career tracks offer a structured advancement path from Apprentice Groomer through Senior Groomer to Grooming Salon Leader.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need experience to work at Petco?
Entry-level Pet Care Associate roles do not require prior pet retail experience. However, grooming roles require demonstrated hands-on grooming experience or completion of Petco’s paid grooming academy. Dog trainer positions require the National K9 Canine Specialists certification or equivalent experience.
Does Petco offer grooming school?
Yes. Petco’s Grooming Academy provides paid training for candidates with no prior professional grooming experience. The program takes approximately 20 weeks to complete and results in a Petco Grooming Certification.
Does Petco have veterinary services?
Yes. Petco operates Vetco Total Care full-service pet hospitals inside select locations. These clinics hire licensed veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants as regular Petco employees.
What employee discount does Petco offer?
Petco employees receive a discount on most Petco merchandise, including pet food, supplies, and services. The discount is available immediately upon hire and applies to services such as grooming and training.
Find more retailer guides in the Retail hub, including pages for Walmart, Target, and Costco.
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