Companion Animal Care & Education Specialist

Petco; Selden (NY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Purpose-driven work

Inclusive team environment

Career growth opportunities

Fun, fast-paced role

Job summary

Petco is seeking a Companion Animal Specialist to care for companion animals and aquatic life while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. You’ll partner with the sales team to deliver exceptional customer experiences and educate customers on animal care.

This role emphasizes animal welfare, teamwork, and adherence to Petco standards, with opportunities to mentor teammates and contribute to a friendly, fast-paced Pet Care Center environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of experience working with or caring for companion animals and aquatic life.
• Strong knowledge of animal care, husbandry, and maintenance practices.
• Demonstrated ability to educate others and communicate effectively.
• Strong customer service mindset with an aptitude for selling behaviors.
• Basic business, math, and inventory management skills.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Completion and ongoing maintenance of the Petco Animal Care Certification Program required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the health, safety, and proper care of all companion animals and aquatic life in accordance with Petco standards, policies, and procedures.
• Complete and verify required animal care tasks, including hourly animal health checks, wellness documentation, maintenance logs, and incident reports.
• Ensure proper handling, documentation, and care of relinquished and adoption animals.
• Serve as the primary resource for animal care education for customers and PCC partners.
• Adhere to and promote all safety, animal welfare, and loss prevention procedures.
• Deliver knowledgeable, compassionate, and solution-focused service to customers.
• Actively support customer interactions using Petco’s selling model.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration across the PCC.
• Mentor and educate partners on animal care standards, maintenance routines, and best practices.
• Maintain professional, clean, and well-presented animal habitats and aquatic areas.
• Support achievement of department sales, margin, and shrink goals.
• Ensure merchandise is stocked, priced, and displayed to Petco standards, with a primary focus on companion animals and aquatics.
• Efficiently order live animals, supplies, and related merchandise in partnership with the sales team to support inventory integrity and business goals.
• Analyze inventory data and identify opportunities to improve in-stock levels, shrink, and operational efficiency.
• Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts.
• Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as needed to support Pet Care Center operations.

Skills

Animal care knowledge

Customer service

Education & communication

Selling behaviors

Inventory basics

Education

High school diploma or GED

Pet Care Certification program

Job description

Petco is seeking a Companion Animal Specialist to care for companion animals and aquatic life while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. You’ll partner with the sales team to deliver exceptional customer experiences and educate customers on animal care.

This role emphasizes animal welfare, teamwork, and adherence to Petco standards, with opportunities to mentor teammates and contribute to a friendly, fast-paced Pet Care Center environment.