Animal Care Specialist

Petco; Williamsburg (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Petco seeks an Operations Specialist in Animal Care to ensure proper care for companion animals and aquatic life in their Pet Care Center. The role involves maintaining animal health, supporting sales goals, and creating a positive guest experience. Ideal candidates will have a strong interest in animal welfare and previous experience in animal care.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year experience with companion animals and aquatic life.
• High knowledge level of animal care and good communication skills required.
• Completion of Petco Animal Care Certification program is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Ensure proper animal care and maintenance for all companion animals.
• Process transactions to create a positive guest experience.
• Support guest interactions and adhere to operational guidelines.

Skills

Animal welfare knowledge

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 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 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 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 with a primary focus on 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 guests and their pets. Success in this role requires a passion for animal welfare, health, and proper care, as well as being a positive team partner.

Position Responsibilities

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

• Have a strong interest in animal welfare and possess a high level of knowledge of our 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 transactions to create a positive guest experience.
• Support guest interactions with proficiency in our selling model.
• Ensure merchandise is stocked, priced, and displayed attractively.
• Complete training programs to maintain expertise and educate other PCC partners in animal care.
• Promote a positive culture of teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration.
• Adhere to operational guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Evaluate guest inquiries and refer to leadership as needed.
• Act as the primary resource for guests and partners regarding animal education and care.
• Order animals, supplies, and merchandise in partnership with the sales team to maximize sales, margin, and inventory.
• Analyze inventory data and recommend improvements.
• Perform routine housekeeping tasks to maintain a professional environment.
• Ensure proper handling and documentation for relinquished and adopted animals.
• Verify completion of maintenance tasks.
• Participate in physical inventory counts for animals and aquatic life.
• Follow safety and loss prevention procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Other Essential Duties

• Utilize Selling Behaviors: Use sales behaviors to provide an excellent guest experience.
• Contribute to a Safe Environment: Follow safety protocols to ensure safety for partners, guests, and pets.
• Be a Part of a Collaborative Culture: Work as a team to address pet health and wellness needs.
• Engage in Your Career: Participate in developmental programs for growth.

Basic Qualifications

Minimum of one year experience caring for or working with companion animals and aquatic life. High knowledge level 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 is required.

Education/Skills

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

Supervisory Responsibility

• Ensure PCC opening and closing in accordance with procedures.
• Promote safety procedures for partners, guests, and pets.

Work Environment

Mostly indoors, with some outdoor activities. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for long periods, and work flexible hours 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, veteran status, or other protected classes.