Animal Care Specialist

Overview As a Companion Animal Specialist, you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding customer experience by combining deep animal‑care knowledge with strong operational discipline. Key Responsibilities Animal Care & Maintenance 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. Customer Experience & Sales Support Process register transactions accurately and efficiently. Deliver knowledgeable, compassionate, and solution‑focused service to customers. Actively support customer interactions using Petco’s selling model. Provide evaluation of customer needs and escalation to the Leader on Duty when appropriate. Support Omni‑channel and in‑store initiatives through consistent execution and customer engagement. Leasing & Inventory Support the 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. 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. What Success Looks Like Animals are healthy, safe, and cared for to Petco’s highest standards. Customers trust the team’s expertise and return for guidance and solutions. Animal habitats and aquatic areas are clean, compliant, and visually appealing. Inventory and merchandising support sales while minimizing shrink. Partners feel supported and informed through shared animal‑care knowledge. What You Bring Experience & Skills 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. Essential Functions & Work Environment This role is performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment and requires active engagement on the sales floor. Frequent standing and walking, 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 assistance and performing cashiering and point‑of‑sale transactions. Must be able to work in proximity to animals, including exposure to dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals. Flexible availability to support Pet Care Center operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. 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. Welcoming, inclusive team environment. Opportunities to learn, grow, and explore career paths. Fun, fast‑paced role where no two days are the same. Benefits & Compensation Salary Range: $17.00 - $25.00 per hour Start Rate: $19.70 per hour Hourly or salary range will be reflected above. For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401(k), incentives, and PTO, see Equal Opportunity Employer 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. Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. #J-18808-Ljbffr