Pretty Good Company Culture Depends on Leadership - Store Manager PetSmart Employee Review

4.0
Jan 26, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great benefits and bonus structure for management and really good health benefits. Working with pets and the pet parents is really the most enjoyable. The adoption program and partnerships was also another favorite and meaningful aspect of the business.

Cons

Work life balance. Store leaders are expected to work mid shifts and not permitted to open by their District Leader depending on who it is. Our District Leader was a great team builder and leader in our district and was people first focused and her position was “eliminated” for the likely KPI opportunities in the market. Like any organization, it depends on the leadership. I left due to the unkind and gaslighting District Leader who had been with the company for 20 years that replaced her. In a matter of 6 months, 7 Store Leaders left the district. Petsmart Senior Leadership did address this and he is no longer with the company, but it took turnover of tenured and dedicated Store Leaders to move on before it happened. Unannounced store visits are always a blast and anxiety provoking for the store teams and grooming salon.

Explore other reviews about PetSmart

5.0
Jul 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

good pay benefits PTO always approved

Cons

sometimes pet health and care is overlooked

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
3w
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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