Animal Care Specialist

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Operations Specialist in Animal Care to enhance the lives of pets and their owners. This role is pivotal in ensuring proper animal care and operational efficiency in a vibrant pet care center. You will engage with guests, manage inventory, and contribute to a culture of teamwork and collaboration. If you have a passion for animal welfare and enjoy working in a dynamic environment, this position offers a rewarding career path where you can truly make a difference in the lives of pets and their families.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of experience with companion animals and aquatic life.
• Proficiency in mathematics and basic accounting.

Responsibilities

• Ensure proper care and maintenance for all animals in the PCC.
• Support guest interactions with proficient selling skills.
• Maintain merchandise presentation and cleanliness.

Skills

Animal Care

Customer Service

Communication Skills

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 in the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, including more than 250 Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics, and eight distribution centers. We’re committed to purpose-driven work, and we strongly believe that what’s good for pets, people, and the 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 will serve as the primary resource for animal care and maintenance, supporting the achievement of the PCC's sales and shrink goals. You will execute merchandising and inventory strategies focused on companion animals and aquatic life, ensuring the efficient 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 member within the entire Pet Care Center.

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 in the PCC receive appropriate care, including maintenance, incident reports, and health checks.
• Process register transactions to enhance guest experience.
• Support guest interactions with proficient selling skills.
• Maintain merchandise presentation through stocking, pricing, and display.
• Complete training programs to maintain expertise and educate other team members.
• 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 optimize sales and inventory.
• Analyze inventory data and recommend improvements.
• Perform routine housekeeping to maintain habitat and aquatic area cleanliness and appearance.
• Handle and document relinquished and adopted animals properly.
• Ensure maintenance tasks are completed as scheduled.
• Participate in physical inventory counts for animals and aquatic life.
• Follow safety and loss prevention procedures.
• Perform additional duties and projects as assigned.

Other Essential Duties

• Utilize Selling Behaviors: Use our sales model to provide excellent guest experiences by identifying and addressing their needs.
• Contribute to a Safe Environment: Maintain safety protocols to ensure the safety of partners, guests, and pets.
• Be a Part of a Collaborative Culture: Foster teamwork to support pet health and wellness.
• Engage in Your Career: Participate in developmental programs to grow your skills and knowledge.

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, genuine interest in animals, and good 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 are necessary.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Ensure PCC is opened and 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. Ability to perform physical tasks and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Petco is an Equal Opportunity Employer, considering all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected categories.