Animal Care Supervisor

Petco; Lexington, Bay Lake (KY, SC, FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Petco is seeking an Operations Leader - Animal Care to oversee the Companion Animal Department. This role involves coaching staff, ensuring animal care standards, and driving sales. Ideal candidates will have management experience, strong leadership skills, and a passion for animal welfare.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year management experience; 2+ years preferred.
• Must hold a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the health and well-being of live animals.
• Lead, coach, and provide feedback to PCC partners.
• Recruit, hire, train, and develop team members.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Leadership

Guest Service Excellence

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

College courses preferred

Tools

Outlook

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

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

The Operations Leader - Animal Care promotes and ensures the efficient and effective operations of the Companion Animal Department and drives the sales of aquatic pets, reptiles, birds, and small companion animals. The Operations Leader - Animal Care will coach and mentor all Pet Care Center partners in the processes to support and drive the guest experience and animal care. This role is responsible for training, developing, supporting operations scheduling, and leading a high-performing team that delivers the department's sales goals, gross margin, and animal and merchandise shrink targets. They will also assist in managing all aspects of the Pet Care Center's business in accordance with Petco standards and safety procedures.

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.

1. Utilize business acumen to measure, analyze, and diagnose business trends and implement improvement plans.
2. Ensure the health and well-being of live animals by providing proper care according to Petco standards, policies, and procedures, including health checks and wellness documentation.
3. Adhere to Veterinary Protocol for all sick animals.
4. Process transactions to create a great guest experience.
5. Support guest interactions with product knowledge and selling strategies.
6. Implement and execute Companion Animal Operations and Aquatics through training and coaching on Animal Care, Aquatics, Maintenance, Ordering, and compliance standards.
7. Order live animals efficiently to maximize sales, margin, and inventory; analyze inventory data for improvements.
8. Maintain operational standards within the department.
9. Ensure all animal-related maintenance tasks are completed as scheduled.
10. Maintain high presentation standards in aquatics and companion animal areas.
11. Partner with Merchandising to ensure proper merchandise levels and stock management.
12. Handle and document all Adoption Animals properly.
13. Monitor sales and margin reports to inform decision-making.
14. Lead, coach, and provide feedback to PCC partners to ensure quality guest service and task performance.
15. Coordinate partner scheduling to meet in-stock and guest service goals during peak hours.
16. Recruit, hire, train, and develop team members, supporting succession planning.
17. Provide quick, courteous service by understanding guest needs and sharing product knowledge.

Other Essential Duties

• Model inspiring leadership and positive selling behaviors.
• Promote safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe environment for partners, guests, and pets.
• Foster a collaborative culture encouraging ideas and efficiency improvements.
• Prioritize talent development to ensure a strong, engaged workforce.
• Represent Petco's brand positively through high standards and leadership.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college courses preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year management experience; 2+ years preferred.
• Must hold a valid driver's license.
• Proficiency in communication, organization, and computer skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong business, finance, analysis, and people development skills.
• Ability to demonstrate guest service excellence and instruct others.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Supervise Operations Specialists & Senior Aquatics Specialists.
• Support Pet Care Center operations as Leader on Duty, ensuring safety and attendance standards.

Work Environment

This role requires support during key hours, including weekends. Most duties are indoors, with occasional outdoor activities. Physical requirements include bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 50 pounds), and standing for long periods. Some travel may be needed.

Contacts

This position involves ongoing contact with guests, partners, vendors, and other departments, coordinating activities like merchandise returns, repairs, clinics, and events.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Petco is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected classes.