About Average. - Pet Stylist PetSmart Employee Review

4.0
Dec 26, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

If you're working as a PetStylist, you can make a LOT of money--as long as you're in a busy store. Stylists work on commission, so the more dogs you get each day, the more money you can make. The salon is also generally its own isolated little bubble, so you don't really get involved with the rest of the store. As far as benefits go, medical was probably about average for retail, but I really liked my vision and dental plans.

Cons

It really came down to management in my store. The store manager spent most of her time out front smoking, and several of the other managers were catty and back-stabbing. That alone is enough to make the work environment undesirable. The biggest overall problem is that the company is concerned with Quantity over Quality. They expect you to be able to groom at least 6 dogs right off the bat, and if you're a "Power Groomer" then you can do 8 a day (yet still have time to take your lunch breaks, because they'll really hound you if you miss those). As far as pay goes, unless you're a groomer, prepare to be paid about minimum wage.

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5.0
May 4, 2026
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Pros

Fun, welcoming, easy, flexible, growth

Cons

Weekends, slow, customers, busy, fast pace

1.0
Jun 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The company pushes for more and more from the bottom level employees without better pay. I worked there before the restructuring and; not much can make me cry, but working here sure did, even back then. I can’t imagine how anxiety inducing it must be to work there now. Animal welfare is a complete non-concern. The only thing that’s pushed is sell, sell, sell. It’s borderline dystopian. Bad management seems to be a common issue, not only from my experience, but many others’ as well. I worked until I was an exhausted sweaty mess to make sure everything in pet care or, when I groomed, the salon, was cleaned to perfection as expected of me (and I reiterate: “me,” because these standards were not expected of my co-workers, just me) and overall felt very unseen. The only times I did feel “seen,” was when mistakes were made. Work was treated like boot camp. A co-worker that was subtley targeting/bullying me, and even started rumors accusing me of racist remarks(!!!), was promoted and anything I reported was downplayed because they were friends with the assistant manager. Working here was an overall traumatizing experience.

Cons

Employees are expected to be work-robots

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PetSmart Response
2w
We’re disappointed to hear that your experience didn’t reflect what we aim to create for our associates, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. We invite you to contact the CareSmart line at 1-800-738-4693 so we can learn more and see how we can support you. Thank you.
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