Assistant Manager

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.

As an Assistant Manager , you play a critical leadership role in bringing this purpose to life. You support the General Manager in running a high-performing Pet Care Center, leading partners, caring for pets, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.

You are a trusted leader on the sales floor, stepping in as the lead in the General Manager's absence, and a role model who helps develop talent, drive results, and ensure operational excellence every day.

What You'll Do

Pet First

• Uphold Petco's animal care standards, ensuring the health, safety, and proper handling of all animals.
• Promote a safe, welcoming environment for pets, pet parents, and partners.
• Act with integrity and care in every decision that impacts pets and their families.

Foster the Fun

• Lead, motivate, and engage store partners to deliver outstanding service and build customer loyalty.
• Support hiring, onboarding, training, and ongoing development of store partners.
• Provide timely coaching, feedback, and recognition to strengthen performance and engagement.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and visually appealing store that reflects Petco's brand and values.

Let's Go!

• Support daily store operations to ensure smooth workflow and execution.
• Drive sales, service, and operational goals by leading from the floor.
• Monitor store performance metrics and share results and insights with the General Manager.
• Assist with inventory control, merchandising execution, and promotional events.
• Step into leadership responsibilities and decision-making in the absence of the General Manager.
• Resolve escalated customer concerns quickly and professionally.

Key Responsibilities

People Leadership

• Serve as a role model for Petco values, behaviors, and service standards.
• Coach partners to strengthen selling skills, pet care knowledge, and customer engagement.
• Support a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture.
• Assist with performance management and accountability.

Business & Operations

• Execute merchandising standards and ensure accurate inventory levels.
• Support labor efficiency, task prioritization, and operational routines.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Assist with additional duties as needed to support business needs.

What Success Looks Like

• Pets are healthy, safe, and cared for to Petco standards.
• Customers receive friendly, knowledgeable, and solution-focused service.
• Partners feel supported, coached, and motivated.
• The Pet Care Center runs smoothly, looks great, and consistently meets performance goals.

What You Bring

Experience & Skills

• 2+ years of retail experience, including supervisory or management experience.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and motivate a team.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with point-of-sale systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Passion for animals and knowledge of pet care strongly preferred.

Essential Functions & Work Environment

This role is primarily performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment . The Assistant Manager is expected to be regularly present on the sales floor, leading by example and engaging with partners, customers, and pets.

• Majority of work is conducted indoors; however, occasional duties may require leaving the Pet Care Center for tasks such as bank deposits, merchandise transport, or community events.
• The role requires frequent standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting.
• Ability to safely lift and move merchandise, supplies, or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Regular engagement with customers on the sales floor, including providing customer assistance and performing cashiering and point-of-sale transactions.
• Must be able to work in proximity to animals, including exposure to animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals.
• Flexible availability to support Pet Care Center operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• This is a full-time position. Eligibility for full-time status is based on average hours worked, as defined by company policy and applicable law.
• A limited amount of travel may be required for training, meetings, or community engagement.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Why You'll Love It Here

• Purpose-driven work that makes a difference for pets and people.
• Hands-on leadership experience and career growth opportunities.
• A supportive, inclusive culture built on teamwork and authenticity.
• The chance to grow your leadership skills while having fun doing meaningful work.

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.

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