What's It Like to Work at Petco?

Key Insight for Candidates

• Mission & Purpose: Daily interaction with animals and pet parents is considered meaningful and fulfilling, especially in services like grooming and training. A love for pets is frequently cited as a primary motivator that makes the work feel worthwhile.
• Team Support: Colleagues are often seen as friendly, supportive, and collaborative at the store level, helping make demanding days more manageable. Strong local teams are credited with creating a positive, community-oriented atmosphere.
• Benefits & Perks: Employee discounts on products and services are viewed as a tangible perk, and the benefits suite for eligible roles is described as broad (e.g., medical, mental health resources, HSA match, and 401(k) match). Flexible scheduling and pet-friendly policies are also noted positives in some locations.

• Low Compensation: Pay is considered modest for many frontline roles, with raises described as difficult to secure. Total compensation, including stock or equity, is often viewed as below expectations and fuller benefits may hinge on full-time hours.
• Weak Management: Leadership above the store level is portrayed as unorganized or unprofessional, with favoritism and unrealistic goals that clash with store realities. Communication and support from higher tiers are frequently seen as insufficient.
• Workload & Burnout: Understaffing and limited hours drive heavy workloads and frequent task-switching that can lead to stress and burnout. Strong emphasis on sales programs and quotas adds pressure that some feel conflicts with animal-care priorities.