Dog Trainer

Petco Certified Dog Trainer

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.

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. Your expertise in modern dog training techniques and positive reinforcement methods will help pet parents develop well-behaved, happy, and healthy dogs. 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. In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents. You'll positively impact the health and wellness of pets by providing recommendations on healthy nutrition, world class services and essential 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
• Provide 360-Degree Solutions for all Petco Guests

Other Essential Duties

• UTILIZE SELLING BEHAVIORS
• CONTRIBUTE TO A SAFE ENVIRONMENT
• BE A PART OF A COLLABORATIVE CULTURE
• ENGAGE IN 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: $12.00

For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO - see

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.