Well, I don't regret starting... - Dog and Cat Department Manager Petco Employee Review

2.0
Aug 30, 2011
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

If you're lucky, you get awesome co-workers Animal experience some don't get to have Regular Customers that are genuine Benefit package isn't bad; there's even one for part timers

Cons

Well, I'm glad I started at Petco five years ago. It was a good company, that had some easy going people, and great animals. But in these five years, this company has gone down hill and has ripped the happiness out of me. Much like many of my peers, I graduated from college and was unable to get another job due to the economy. Petco seemed like an alright place as I was working there during school, benefits and all, but as I became more invested, the more I learned how inept some of the "leaders" are. For example, the department managers at the store are all college grads, with masters degrees, one with a degree in business management. We do the work, and our uppers reap the benefits. We can't even afford to move out because of the feeble salary. And let me say: there is no way, shape or form department managers are paid enough to deal with what they deal with. In our state, 2 of the 3 department managers are below poverty level. However, no matter when some salaried managers come or go, they get the same 40 hour check, every week. Now it's not to say all are like this, but it's obvious some higher ups don't really care. We don't get any support and insult of raises. Some managers are free to do what they want. For example, ours decides to come and go whenever they see fit, and don't think it's a necessity for the department managers to have 1 weekend day off, even though that's what was promised. It's become a feeble, unstable, work environment that has myself and others stressed to the point of illness. It's great for some experience, but don't stay too long.

Explore other reviews about Petco

5.0
May 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good environment and great people

Cons

There is no cons here

1.0
Jul 14, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Wonderful people under the Sr. Director level - Dogs in the office - Brand name carries weight on your resume

Cons

- Sr. Directors and above are largely nepotism hires rather than merit-based promotions - Leadership team is toxic and disrespectful, and that tone trickles down to other senior leaders - Gender favoritism shows up repeatedly, with women being asked to pick up the work of men without additional pay. Or men being promoted over women due to favoritism and not merit. - Nearly every employee I worked with was disengaged and functioning out of fear of layoffs rather than job satisfaction (layoffs happen multiple times a year) - The company's declining position also makes it harder to land your next role, since a recent Petco title now reads as coming from a struggling brand

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All