Great Place to Work (Not Play) - Assistant Store Manager Petco Employee Review

4.0
Apr 12, 2011
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

1. Interaction with customers (our customers are generally happier than other retail stores...people enjoy shopping for their pets). 2. Individuality of each store. I've been at 6 different stores, and all of them had different team dynamics. If you're an expert in one store, you may not be needed in that area at another. It's a great opportunity to expand your knowledge and experience. 3. Employee discount program is excellent if you own pets.

Cons

1. Inconsistent management. I hate to say it, but depending on which store you work at, your experience may significantly differ. Too many managers will hire anybody. The Right person is not just somebody that loves animals. You have to be a motivated, goal-oriented and hard-working individual to be successful with PETCO. It's not playtime at work. I expect that employees will get their job done and ask for more, just as I did when I started as a sales associate. 2. Advancement. There is an apparent ceiling to every employee's advancement. It is not clearly communicated what it takes to make it to the next step. I highly recommend shopping yourself around to other stores if you want to move up. By showing your commitment to a larger team, you open up your ability to move throughout the organization.

Explore other reviews about Petco

5.0
Jun 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good environment, good management and able to learn and improve

Cons

none so far that ive been working here

2.0
Jul 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

friendly store managers usually good discounts nostalgic

Cons

Forced to stay short staffed. Couldn't take proper breaks most days as a closing lead unless it was during the first few hours of shift. At the time the regional manager seemed more worried about the aesthetics of the back animal rooms floor that only employees saw when we had ac issues, issues getting access to an exotic vet, and only had enough hours to have two employees working at a time most shift on most days. I only had a couple interactions but that was one of them. Could not call off sick without leaving the store scrambling to find someone to stay open. Also sold improper habitats.

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