Animal Care Specialist

Petco; Liberty (MO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health and wellness company is seeking an Operations Specialist in Animal Care. This role involves ensuring proper care for companion animals and aquatic life, supporting sales goals, and enhancing guest experiences through effective animal care practices. Candidates should have experience with animals and strong communication skills, contributing to a collaborative culture focused on pet health and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience caring for or working with companion animals and aquatic life.
• Strong communication skills required for public interaction.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all animals receive appropriate care, including maintenance and health checks.
• Process transactions to enhance guest experience.
• Act as the primary resource for animal education and care.

Skills

Communication

Animal welfare

Sales aptitude

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 over 1,500 pet care centers across the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, including 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics, and eight distribution centers. We’re focused on purpose-driven work, and strongly believe that what’s good for pets, people, and our planet is good for Petco.

Position Overview

As an Operations Specialist in Animal Care, your role will be 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’ll ensure our merchandising and inventory strategies are executed effectively, with a primary focus on companion animals and aquatic life. You will oversee the efficient operation of the PCC in partnership with the sales team to meet the needs of our guests and their pets. Success in this role requires a passion for animal welfare, health, and proper care, as well as a positive partnership within the entire Pet Care Center team.

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 extensive knowledge of companion animals and aquatic care.
• Ensure all animals and aquatic life receive appropriate care, including maintenance, incident reports, and health checks.
• Process transactions to create a positive guest experience.
• Support guest interactions using our selling model.
• Maintain merchandise presentation standards.
• Complete training programs and educate other PCC partners in animal care and maintenance.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration.
• Follow operational guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Address guest inquiries and refer complex issues to leadership.
• Act as the primary resource for animal education and care.
• Order animals, supplies, and merchandise in partnership with the sales team to maximize sales and inventory management.
• Analyze inventory data and recommend improvements.
• Perform routine housekeeping to maintain a professional environment.
• Handle and document relinquished and adopted animals properly.
• Ensure maintenance tasks are completed as scheduled.
• Participate in physical inventory counts of animals and aquatic life.
• Follow safety and loss prevention procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Other Essential Duties

• Utilize selling behaviors to enhance guest experience.
• Contribute to a safe environment by following safety protocols.
• Be part of a collaborative culture focused on pet health and wellness.
• Engage in career development opportunities for growth.

Basic Qualifications

Minimum of one year of experience caring for or working with companion animals and aquatic life. Knowledge of animal care, sales aptitude, professional appearance, and genuine interest in animals are required. Strong communication skills are necessary for interacting with the public, team members, and veterinary partners.

Certification

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

Education/Skills

High school diploma or GED, proficiency in math and basic accounting, and excellent communication skills are required.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Ensure PCC opening and closing procedures are followed.
• Adhere to safety procedures for partners, guests, and pets.

Work Environment

Primarily indoors, with some outdoor activities for guest carryouts and veterinary visits. Ability to perform physical tasks and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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