Animal Care Specialist

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.; Lithonia (GA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading pet health and wellness company as an Operations Specialist in Animal Care. You'll ensure the proper care of companion animals and aquatic life, support sales goals, and contribute to a positive team environment. This role requires a passion for animal welfare and strong communication skills. Flexible scheduling is essential, including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Ensure proper animal care and husbandry for all companion animals and aquatic life.
• Support guest interactions and maintain merchandise presentation.

Skills

Animal Welfare

Communication

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 focused on purpose-driven work, and strongly believe 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 that proper animal care and husbandry are provided for all companion animals and aquatic life in the Pet Care Center (PCC). You’ll be the primary resource regarding animal care and maintenance. This position supports the achievement of the PCC's sales and shrink goals. You’ll ensure our merchandising and inventory strategies are executed across the Pet Care Center, focusing on companion animals and aquatic life. You will ensure the efficient and effective operation of the PCC 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 being a positive team partner.

Position Responsibilities

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

• Have a strong interest in animal welfare and possess high knowledge of companion animals and aquatic care.
• Ensure all companion animals and aquatic life in the PCC receive appropriate care, including maintenance, incident reports, and health checks.
• Process register transactions to create a positive guest experience.
• Support guest interactions using our selling model.
• Maintain merchandise presentation through stocking, pricing, and display.
• Complete training programs and educate other PCC partners on animal care and maintenance.
• Promote a positive culture of teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration.
• Adhere to operational guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Evaluate guest inquiries and refer to the Leader on Duty as needed.
• Act as the primary resource for guest and partner education on animal care.
• Order animals, supplies, and merchandise efficiently to maximize sales, margin, and inventory.
• 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: Provide an excellent guest experience by applying our sales behaviors to identify and meet guest needs.
• Contribute to a Safe Environment: Maintain safety protocols through training, prioritizing the safety of partners, guests, and pets.
• Be a Collaborative Team Member: Foster a culture centered around pet health and wellness.
• Engage in Career Development: Participate in programs to support your growth and skill development.

Basic Qualifications

Minimum of one year of experience caring for or working with companion animals and aquatic life. High knowledge of animal care, sales aptitude, professional appearance, and strong communication skills are required.

Certification

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

Education/Skills

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

Supervisory Responsibility

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

Work Environment

Primarily indoors, with some outdoor activities like guest carryouts and veterinary visits. Must be able to bend, kneel, lift up to 50 pounds, and stand for long periods. Flexible schedule including evenings and weekends is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Petco is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected classes.