Finish your contract and move on to a better salon. - Dog Groomer PetSmart Employee Review

3.0
Nov 2, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

If you're a full-time groomer you get benefits, vacation time, and 50% commission 6 months after graduating academy. You DO NOT have to accept the kit that comes with academy, although no one will tell you that. Read the contract before you sign it. The company does try to acknowledge people with EOTM and little gift bags or food on occasion. The company has been giving bonuses for COVID/sometimes the holidays Some of the managers try really hard to keep the staff happy and feel supported, they're not all bad.

Cons

The company expects you to groom minimum 6 dogs per 8-hr shift, regardless of the dog's size, condition, or behavior. This is a safety issue. Overstressing the groomers with too many large dogs or dogs with health issues slows them down and forces them into overtime. If they get overtime or skip a lunch, they are swiftly reprimanded for it. At the same time, they are also reprimanded for not answering phones, even if the dog on the tables has difficulties or there's no one else in the room to help out. If you want to see your family for the holidays, forget it. You will NEVER be able to request time off during December. They don't accommodate for it at all.

avatar
PetSmart Response
4y
Hey there, thanks for the review! We appreciate you taking the time to share with us. Please feel free to reach out to the CareSmart line at 1-800-738-4693 so that we can learn more about your concerns, as the safety of our associates is a #1 priority. Thanks again!

Explore other reviews about PetSmart

5.0
Jul 13, 2026
Anonymous contractor
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

everyone communicates and willing to pass on knowledge

Cons

no cons that i can think of

1.0
Jul 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The staff care a lot and try their hardest but it leads to burn out and being taken advantage of by a company the does not care about YOU.

Cons

Poor management. No work life balance. Bad scheduling. Bad pay. No communication. Leads expected to work more than 10 hours a day during high volume periods, Be responsible for too many things. You run around like a chicken with it's head chopped off the whole time you're at work. Staff are snippy, and rude. A few are okay. Company has you working bare bones, and does not care. Pet parent's are weird, and I don't think have realistic expectations that the boarding facility is more like dropping your dog off at a dog shelter for a week while you go on vacation than a "fun time" for your dog. Dogs get fed, watered, pottied. If that is all you care about, then use the PetHotel. If you want your dog to have fun, and be out of a stressful environment (few dogs do well with constant barking and noise all day, plus being stuck in a cement run, thrown in with a bunch of other dogs who have never been properly socialized) just do in home boarding. I would never board my dog at a place like this.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All