Animal Care Specialist

Petco; Chaska (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Operations Specialist in Animal Care to ensure the well-being of companion animals and aquatic life. The role involves maintaining high standards of animal care, supporting sales goals, and fostering a collaborative team environment. Ideal candidates will have a passion for animal welfare and excellent communication skills. Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their owners while enjoying a fulfilling career in a dynamic and supportive workplace.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of experience caring for companion animals and aquatic life.
• Completion of Petco Animal Care Certification program required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure proper animal care and maintenance in the Pet Care Center.
• Support sales and inventory strategies for companion animals.

Skills

Animal Care

Sales Techniques

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Create a healthier, brighter future for pets, pet parents, and people!

If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self, and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what’s right for pets, people, and our planet.

• We love all pets like our own
• We’re the future of the pet industry
• We’re here to improve lives
• We drive outstanding results together
• We’re welcome as we are

Petco is a category-defining health and wellness company focused on improving the lives of pets, pet parents, and Petco partners. We are 29,000 strong and operate 1,500+ pet care centers in the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, including 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics, and eight distribution centers. We’re committed to purpose-driven work, believing that what’s good for pets, people, and our planet benefits Petco.

Position Overview

As an Operations Specialist in Animal Care, your role is to ensure proper animal care and husbandry for all companion animals and aquatic life in the Pet Care Center (PCC). You’ll be the primary resource for animal care and maintenance, supporting the achievement of the PCC's sales and shrink goals. You will implement merchandising and inventory strategies with a focus on companion animals and aquatic life, ensuring efficient and effective operations in partnership with the sales team to meet guest and pet needs. Success in this role requires a passion for animal welfare, health, and proper care, along with a positive team-oriented attitude.

Position Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

• Have a strong interest in animal welfare and possess high knowledge of companion animals and aquatic care.
• Ensure all animals receive appropriate care, including maintenance, incident reports, and health checks.
• Process transactions to enhance guest experience.
• Support guest interactions with sales techniques.
• Maintain merchandise presentation standards.
• Complete training programs to maintain expertise and educate team members.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration.
• Follow operational guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Evaluate guest inquiries and refer to leadership as needed.
• Act as the primary resource for animal education and care.
• Order animals, supplies, and merchandise in collaboration with the sales team to maximize sales and inventory management.
• Analyze inventory data and suggest improvements.
• Perform housekeeping tasks to maintain habitat and aquatic area cleanliness.
• Handle and document relinquished and adopted animals properly.
• Ensure maintenance tasks are completed as scheduled.
• Participate in physical inventory counts.
• Follow safety and loss prevention procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Other Essential Duties

• Utilize Selling Behaviors: Use sales behaviors to provide excellent guest experiences.
• Contribute to a Safe Environment: Follow safety protocols to ensure the safety of partners, guests, and pets.
• Be a Part of a Collaborative Culture: Work as a team to address the health and wellness needs of pets.
• Engage in Your Career: Participate in developmental programs for growth.

Basic Qualifications

Minimum of one year of experience caring for or working with companion animals and aquatic life. High knowledge of these animals and sales aptitude. Professional appearance, genuine interest in animals, and good communication skills are essential.

Certification

Completion and maintenance of the Petco Animal Care Certification program is required.

Education/Skills

High school diploma or GED, proficiency in mathematics and basic accounting, and exceptional communication skills.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Ensure PCC is opened/closed according to procedures.
• Follow safety procedures for partners, guests, and pets.

Work Environment

Primarily indoors, with some outdoor activities like guest carryouts and vet visits. Requires physical activity including bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 50 pounds), and standing for long periods. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends is necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Petco is committed to equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected status.