Work Hard, Gain Respect - Cashier/Stocker, Pet Care Specialist PetSmart Employee Review

4.0
Aug 27, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The company is a chain, so the rules and standards are pretty black and white. I never got surprised by "getting called into the office for a talk" at this company because I tried my hardest to follow the rules and own up to and apologize for any mistakes I made. The Management sees a lot of different employees come through, so if you stay a while, work hard, and cover shifts, they will like you and be pretty helpful. (To be fair, 2 of the 8 or so managers that I have worked for at PetSmart were super kind, helpful, and understanding from day 1, but the majority take a while to get there.)

Cons

As I stated above, respect is earned at the 2 PetSmarts at which I have been employed. Some of the managers don't exactly start out warm and friendly to new employees. If you want a job where you have respect and a flexible schedule from day 1, this is probably not the best place for you. Work with them and they will work with you, but expect to put a little work in first.

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5.0
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Pros

Great leadership and clean work environment

Cons

Pay could be better but had opportunities for growth

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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