Animal Care Specialist

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

Job summary

An established industry player in pet care is seeking an Operations Specialist to ensure the well-being of companion animals and aquatic life. This role emphasizes a passion for animal welfare and requires effective collaboration with the sales team to enhance customer experiences. You'll be responsible for maintaining high standards of animal care, managing inventory, and promoting a culture of teamwork. Join a dynamic team dedicated to improving lives through quality pet care and wellness initiatives, where your contributions will make a real difference in the community.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience with companion animals and aquatic life.
• Proficiency in sales techniques and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure proper care and health checks for all animals in the center.
• Support sales team and manage inventory effectively.
• Promote a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration.

Skills

Animal Care

Sales Techniques

Interpersonal Skills

Verbal Communication

Mathematics Proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Petco Animal Care Certification

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 is being 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 will support the achievement of the PCC's budgeted sales and shrink goals. You’ll ensure our merchandising and inventory strategies are executed across the Pet Care Center with your primary focus in companion animals and aquatic life. You will ensure the efficient and effective operations of the Pet Care Center in close partnership with the sales team to meet the needs of the guest and their pet/s. You can excel in this role by exhibiting a passion for the welfare, health, and proper care of animals as well as being a positive partner within the whole Pet Care Center team.

Position Responsibilities

• Have a strong interest in animal welfare and possess a high level of knowledge of our companion animal and aquatic care.
• Ensure that all companion animals and aquatic life in the PCC are receiving appropriate care, including incident reports and hourly health checks.
• Process register transactions to create a great experience for each guest.
• Be proficient within our selling model and support guest interactions as needed.
• Ensure merchandise is stocked, priced, and displayed effectively.
• Complete training programs to maintain expertise and educate other PCC partners.
• 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 a primary resource for guests and other PCC partners regarding animal education and care.
• Efficiently order companion animals, aquatic life, supplies, and merchandise with the sales team.
• Analyze inventory management data and recommend improvements.
• Perform housekeeping tasks to maintain professional appearance of habitats and areas.
• Ensure proper handling and documentation for relinquished and adoption animals.
• Verify maintenance tasks are completed as outlined on schedules.
• Participate in animal and aquatic life physical inventory counts.
• Adhere to and promote safety and loss prevention procedures.
• Perform additional duties as required or assigned.

Other Essential Duties

• UTILIZE SELLING BEHAVIORS. You’re the key to providing an amazing guest experience within our Pet Care Center locations.
• CONTRIBUTE TO A SAFE ENVIRONMENT. You’ll be empowered to maintain our safety protocols.
• BE A PART OF A COLLABORATIVE CULTURE. Being a great teammate is key to creating a culture centered around health and wellness needs of pets.
• ENGAGE IN YOUR CAREER. Participate in developmental programs to support your continued growth.

Basic Qualifications

Minimum of one year of experience working with and/or caring for companion animals and aquatic life is required. Applicants must possess a high level of knowledge of companion animals and aquatic life, as well as sales techniques. Good interpersonal and verbal communication skills are necessary due to interaction with the public and other partners.

Certification

Completing and maintaining the Petco Animal Care Certification program is required.

Education/Skills

In addition to a high school diploma or GED, an applicant must demonstrate proficiency in mathematics and basic accounting relationships and exhibit exceptional communication skills.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Ensure the Pet Care Center is opened and/or closed according to established P&Ps.
• Adhere to and promote established safety procedures for partners, guests, and pets.

The majority of job duties are conducted indoors, although guest carryouts and veterinary visits will require brief departures from the PCC. This position requires bending, kneeling, moving merchandise (up to 50 pounds), and standing for long periods, with risks of injury if procedures are not followed. Flexibility in schedule, including evenings and weekends, is necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Petco Health & Wellness, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.