Overall Reviews at Petco
1.0
Hostile and toxic
Before COVID, it was a great place to work. After, it became extremely toxic and hostile. Myself and a fellow employee had to take FMLA during COVID. When we returned, management made our lives horrible, constantly changing our schedules so we were unable to do our jobs. Management also accused both of us of being lazy and sitting for our entire shift, with no proof. When asked about it, they would change the subject or ignore the question outright. I was constantly being asked what I was doing while working on a planogram, or pulled from what I was doing to do something else that one of the other associates could easily have done. The GM and SEL allowed employees to gossip and spread lies about anyone they didn’t like, and would enforce the policies they wanted to, when they wanted to.
ProsThe customers you know who always ask how you are
ConsNo personal life, management, hostile and very toxic.
3.0
It's a job
It's only a job not a career. Only a stepping stone to get to your next place of employment. The only career at Petco is when you are manager. they do work with you if you have a personal schedule and you are all considered part time.
2.0
Negatives outweigh the positives
Definitely depends on management and coworkers as to how enjoyable and worthwhile it can be. There is room for advancement, and several different areas that you can go into. You always learn something new, and a lot of times you're able to help a customer make an educated decision on their chosen family addition. Can't be afraid to get your hands dirty. Mainly part time positions and it is considerably low pay for how much work is expected. Lines can get pretty lengthy, considering there are only a few registers. Can be a very positive environment with the right team. Teamwork mentality from all associates is necessary for success, but that isn't always the reality.
ProsEducational, can be rewarding
ConsMinimal breaks, low pay
3.0
Exciting- Especially for those Passionate about Animals
I worked at various Petco locations from the middle of 2017 to late 2019. Though my career progress was slow (and, sometimes, inherently inhibited) I enjoyed most of my hours there. I loved caring for animals and helping pet parents find the answers to their questions. The thing that ultimately drove me to resignation was a shift in leadership and scheduling that led to a very high-pressure and low-reward environment. Though I respected and cared for everyone around me, I didn’t always feel the same from them - especially from the new management and those in charge of scheduling.
ProsExciting environment, kind people, entertaining tasks, good learning opportunities
ConsHigh pressure, low reward, strict deadlines, vague guidelines, more interest in customer satisfaction than employee health
2.0
Poor management and constant abuse
The managers don’t care about you. You’re easily replaceable. The pay isn’t that great and if you’re part time there are no benefits. There is little room for career advancement. The breaks are too short. They expect you to take on extra responsibilities without compensation. The customers are the worst because they’re abusive and entitled. The managers constantly give customers what they want without supporting their employees. Also forget having a social life because you’re expected to give up your entire weekends and days to work. And asking for time off is like pulling teeth. Don’t do it.
ProsLearning about animals, customer service
ConsShort breaks, lack of management, pay is too little, no benefits for part time
3.0
rewarding working with the animals
Since they were sold a couple of years ago they have been going down hill. Some stores are great but it all depends on management, location. They do not take care of there animals as good as they use to and they care more about there bottom line then anything else. There training has also gone down hill and if you can't catch on quick it can be tough. If your an older employee they are not to kind, and most of the time belittle you because of your age. The animals and the customers are the best thing about the job. You do get to learn a few things about the whole store which is a plus. There really isn't anything that is hard about the job. You have to want to learn about all types of food and what is good or not good. You need to learn about all the animals also and how to take care of them.
ProsAnimals
Consinsurance, lack of trained help, knowledge of job and training.
1.0
Pets?
Very bad company to work for. Corporate doesn't really care about you as a person. They are not flexible. They will force you to fit their scheduling requirements. The management group always seems confused. The company will constantly change its policy, so you will never have a consistent working environment.
1.0
Stingy on payroll
Over my 5 1/2 years with the company they were constantly cutting payroll mid-week. This leaves you with less staff to accomplish what needs to be done on top of helping customers. It also made the staff disheartened when you had to tell them you’re cutting their hours during their shift and sending them home early.
Customers were consistently frustrated due to long wait times when associates were helping other customers. My store sales had tripled during my time there but payroll budget continued to dwindle.
5.0
experianced a good days work and learned alot within the first 2 weeks
it is a busy place with always something to do and animals to take care of.
I enjoyed learning about different type of pet food and amenities to help customers with their pet related problems.
1.0
Stressful unforgiving pressure no coverage lack of employees lack of training would not recommend anyone to work there long-term ever
If you're looking for a part-time summer job it will get you through that's it. Lack of training. Corporate Management expect you to do everything within a short amount of time and you're still told it's not good enough. Expected to fix and maintain everything without training. Anyone with age or time with the company will be targeted for removal from the company
ProsDecent benefits need Improvement
ConsNot paid enough for upper management skills plus lack of training throughout the company
