Animal Care Specialist

Petco; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pet care company seeks an Operations Specialist in Animal Care who will ensure proper care for animals in the Pet Care Center. The role involves supporting sales goals, engaging with guests, and promoting a culture of teamwork and collaboration, all while meeting the diverse needs of pets and pet parents.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of experience with companion animals and aquatic life.
• Knowledgeable about animal care and has good communication skills.
• Professional appearance and genuine interest in animals required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all companion animals and aquatic life in the PCC receive appropriate care.
• Process register transactions to create a positive guest experience.
• Ensure merchandise is stocked, priced, and displayed appealingly.

Skills

Animal Care Knowledge

Communication Skills

Sales Techniques

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 proper animal care and husbandry 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 operations 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 player within the Pet Care Center.

Position Responsibilities

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

• Have a strong interest in animal welfare and possess a high level of knowledge of companion animal 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.
• Ensure merchandise is stocked, priced, and displayed appealingly.
• 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 to the Leader on Duty as needed.
• Be a primary resource for animal education and care for guests and partners.
• Order animals, supplies, and merchandise to maximize sales and inventory management.
• Analyze inventory data and recommend improvements.
• Maintain cleanliness and appearance of animal habitats and aquatic areas.
• Handle and document relinquished and adopted animals properly.
• Complete maintenance tasks as scheduled.
• Participate in physical inventory counts.
• 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 a part of a collaborative culture.
• Engage in career development opportunities.

Basic Qualifications

Minimum one year of experience with companion animals and aquatic life. Knowledgeable about animal care, sales techniques, and possesses good communication skills. Professional appearance and genuine interest in animals required.

Certification

Completion and maintenance of Petco Animal Care Certification required.

Education/Skills

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

Supervisory Responsibility

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

Work Environment

Mostly indoors; some outdoor activities. Requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 50 pounds), and standing for long periods. Flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.

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, protected veteran status, or other protected classifications.