Much work, little in return - Store Leader Petco Employee Review

2.0
Aug 2, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Working with pets and pet parents can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Employee discount is reasonable (which includes some free veterinary services). Bonuses are paid quarterly so you can be rewarded performance more fairly than being rated on the entire fiscal year at once.

Cons

Due to budgets constantly being reduced and positions being eliminated, there is no work/life balance as a Store Leader being you are the only salaried team member in the store. If there are any tasks that need to be completed you get to be the one to finish them. Low wages for Department Leaders cause much turnover (there are other jobs available that pay more for a non-management position than Petco pays for one.) You are constantly on the lookout to hire new Department Mangers because of this. The workload is constantly being increased while there is no increase and/or a reduction in payroll and staffing to accomplish the workload. Increased focus on services sales (grooming, dog training and veterinary services) are being pushed to ridiculous budgetary goals in an effort to make up for lost sales to the internet in stores. Fear is the primary motivator for reaching these goals because your job is now constantly on the line if they are not met.

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