Dog Trainer

Petco; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 15,911 - 22,661; Full time

Job summary

Petco is seeking a Certified Dog Trainer in Hampton, Virginia, committed to furthering the company's mission of enhancing the pet-human bond. This position will involve conducting one-on-one training sessions, as well as group classes.

Qualified candidates should possess a genuine passion for animal welfare, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively. The starting rate is $14.00 per hour, with opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to handle dogs of all sizes safely.
• Flexibility to work as needed on weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one and group dog training sessions.
• Engage with guests to deliver tailored advice.
• Maintain accurate records of training sessions.

Skills

Passion for animal care

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Completion of Dog Trainer Instructor Program

Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives? We’re proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. 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 and people.

• Pet First – Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.
• Foster the Fun – Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through district experiences, products, and services.
• Let’s Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team. We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco

We’re proud to be “where the pets go” to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years — from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood — the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we’re here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.

Position Overview

As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco’s mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their dog companions. You will provide one‑on‑one training sessions, group classes, and offer advice on basic training, environmental management, and customized training plans to address specific training goals. Additionally, you’ll actively engage with guests to provide 360‑degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents, positively impacting the health and wellness of pets by recommending nutrition, services and supplies.

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.

The Dog Trainer Role Consists Of 2 Core Responsibilities

Provide World Class Dog Training Services

• Attend and successfully pass Petco’s 6‑week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor.
• Complete all assigned Workday Learning modules and DTIP Student Workbook materials per the DTIP roadmap.
• Recommend and sell appropriate dog training classes, training, and supplies to ensure pet parents and their dogs have the necessary resources for a successful dog training experience.
• Keep accurate records of training sessions, progress, and pet parents’ feedback.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Work cross‑functionally with the grooming and veterinary teams to provide holistic whole health solutions for all pet parents.
• Complete and apply ongoing training programs to maintain a high level of expertise in the role.

Provide 360‑Degree Solutions for all Petco Guests

• Provide an outstanding guest experience by actively engaging with guests in the recommendation and selection of merchandise and services in accordance with their identified needs.
• Generate future business through a deep understanding of the guest and their pet(s) and connection to our digital platforms.
• Demonstrate a high level of awareness and knowledge for the health, welfare, and proper handling of all animals.
• Perform related duties to support the Pet Care Center in achieving its performance goals.
• Ensure merchandise is stocked, priced, and displayed to enhance the shopping experience for pet parents.
• Complete cash register transactions and support guests with their OMNI shopping experience as needed.
• Adhere to established operational guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Promote a positive culture of teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration.
• Complete other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Evaluate guest inquiries and refer to the Leader on Duty as needed.

Other Essential Duties

• UTILIZE SELLING BEHAVIORS. You’re the key to providing an amazing guest experience within our Pet Care Center Locations. Utilizing the behaviors within our Sales Model is critical to being able to identify and solve for their needs both today and in the future.
• CONTRIBUTE TO A SAFE ENVIRONMENT. You’ll be empowered through our training programs to maintain our safety protocols. The safety of partners, guests and pets is our #1 priority.
• BE A PART OF A COLLABORATIVE CULTURE. Being a great teammate is key to creating a culture that is centered around solving for the health and wellness needs of pets.
• ENGAGE IN YOUR CAREER. As you develop your skills and knowledge, you will have the opportunity to participate in developmental programs to support your continued growth throughout your career.

Certification Requirements

• Stage 1: All candidates are required to complete the ‘Dog Training Instructor Program (DTIP)’ to become Petco Certified Dog Trainer consisting of the following:
  • Dog Training Apprentice: 6‑weeks of instructor led learning and development.
• Stage 2: Dog Trainer: Successfully run and grow the dog training business in one of Petco’s Pet Care Centers with local and national marketing support, with access to internal partner resources, networking, and client acquisition through our state‑of‑the‑art online booking and scheduling systems.
• Stage 3: Complete the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dog.
• Note: Approved candidates with prior experience that can pass both skill and knowledge assessments may be eligible for accelerated training.

Basic Qualifications

• Passion for animal care, training, and welfare and a genuine interest for improving the lives of pets and their pet parents.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with pet parents and provide clear instructions, demonstrations and applicable selling techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to handle and work with dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds in a safe and humane manner.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities effectively.
• Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed to accommodate the training schedule and store operations.
• Physical stamina to stand, walk, bend, and lift heavy objects (up to 50 pounds) associated with dog training equipment and supplies.
• Familiarity with computer systems and software to manage training records, schedules, and communication with pet parents.

Supervisory Responsibility

• None

Start Rate: $14.00

Petco Animal Supplies, 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.