Posted 27 days ago

Sales Associate

Petco
Pay $12.00–$19.50 per hour
Location Fairfax, Virginia, 22030, United States
Contract time Part time

The Breakroom Take

5.7

Rated 5.7 out of 10, based on 637 employees who took the Breakroom Quiz

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  • People enjoy this job
  • Recommended by students
  • Respectful managers
  • Uninterrupted breaks
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About Petco

Petco is a retailer. They sell pet products and services, and certain types of small live animals.

Job description from Petco

Want to help pets live their best lives?

We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.

  • Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

  • Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through distinct experiences, products, and services.

  • Let's Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team. We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.


About Petco:

We're proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years - from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.

As a Sales Associate, you are at the heart of the Pet Care Center experience. You help pet parents find the right products and solutions for their pets while creating a welcoming, safe, and engaging environment for everyone who walks through our doors.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys helping others, learning about pet care, and working as part of a team in a fast-paced, purpose-driven retail environment.

What You'll Do

Pet First
  • Support the health, safety, and proper care of all animals in accordance with Petco policies and standards.
  • Share accurate product and pet care information to help customers make informed choices.
  • Help maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for pets, customers, and partners.

Foster the Fun
  • Greet customers and deliver friendly, helpful, and solution-focused service.
  • Create positive shopping experiences that build trust and customer loyalty.
  • Support teammates through collaboration and teamwork.
  • Help maintain an organized, visually appealing sales floor.

Let's Go!
  • Assist customers in selecting products and services that meet their pets' needs.
  • Process sales, returns, and exchanges accurately and efficiently.
  • Stock shelves, replenish merchandise, and support inventory integrity.
  • Assist with store recovery, merchandising, and promotional set-ups.
  • Follow all company policies, procedures, and safety standards.
  • Support additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned.


Key Responsibilities

Customer Experience & Sales
  • Deliver consistent, courteous, and knowledgeable service.
  • Educate customers on products, services, and promotions.
  • Support store sales and service goals.

Operations & Merchandising
  • Maintain store cleanliness, organization, and presentation standards.
  • Assist with inventory replenishment and stock accuracy.
  • Support daily operational routines and task execution.

What Success Looks Like
  • Customers feel welcomed and supported during every visit.
  • The sales floor is clean, stocked, and easy to shop.
  • Team members work collaboratively to support store goals.
  • Pets are cared for safely and responsibly.


What You Bring

Experience & Skills
  • Previous retail or customer service experience preferred but not required.
  • Passion for animals and interest in pet care.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Basic math skills and comfort handling cash and transactions.
  • Strong attention to detail and reliability.


Essential Functions & Work Environment

This role is performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment and requires active engagement on the sales floor.
  • The role requires frequent standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting.
  • Ability to safely lift and move merchandise, supplies, or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Regular engagement with customers on the sales floor, including providing customer assistance and performing cashiering and point-of-sale transactions.
  • Must be able to work in proximity to animals, including exposure to animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals.
  • Flexible availability to support Pet Care Center operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Why You'll Love It Here
  • Purpose-driven work that makes a difference for pets and people.
  • A welcoming, inclusive team environment.
  • Opportunities to learn, grow, and explore career paths.
  • A fun, fast-paced role where no two days are the same.


Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.

The pay ranges outlined below are presented in accordance with state-specific regulations. These ranges may differ in other areas and could be subject to variation based on regulatory minimum wage requirements. Actual pay rates will depend on factors such as position, location, level of experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds the minimum indicated in the pay range below, the regulatory minimum wage will be the minimum rate applied.

$12.00 - $19.50

Starting Rate:
$14.00

Hourly or Salary Range will be reflected above. For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO -see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits

To translate this webpage to Spanish or other languages on your internet browser click the translate button to the right of your browser address bar. Additional instruction can be found here: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/173424?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop

Para traducir esta página web al español u otros idiomas en su navegador de Internet, haga clic en el botón de traducción a la derecha de la barra de direcciones de su navegador. Puede encontrar instrucciones adicionales aquí:

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Map

Fairfax, Virginia, 22030, United States

A map of the rough location for this vacancy

What employees say

Pay

    Needs improving
  • Most people don’t get paid breaks

    Do sales associates at Petco get paid breaks?

    No. Most people don’t get paid breaks.

    How we know this

    84% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.

    Based on data from 38 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    Good jobs pay you for your break time.

    You should get paid for all the time you’re at work, even when you’re on break.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people don’t get paid when they’re sick

    Does Petco pay sales associates when they’re sick?

    No. Most people don’t get paid when they’re sick.

    How we know this

    97% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.

    Based on data from 34 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    Most US companies don’t have to pay you when you’re sick - only some states require it.

    But we believe a good job should pay you when you can’t work because you’re sick. Everyone gets sick sometimes.

  • Good
  • The job rarely spills into unpaid time

    Do sales associates jobs at Petco spill into time they aren’t paid for?

    Rarely. The job doesn't usually spill into unpaid time.

    How we know this

    3% of people report that their job takes up time that they don’t get paid for.

    Based on data from 30 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    You should be paid for all the work you do.

    A good job pays you for every minute you spend working for your employer.

Hours and flexibility

    Needs improving
  • Less than 4 weeks notice of work schedule

    How far ahead of time do sales associates find out their work schedule?

    Most people find out their schedule less than four weeks ahead of time.

    How we know this

    • 32% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts one week or less ahead of time.
    • 48% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts two weeks ahead of time.
    • 16% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts three weeks ahead of time.
    • 3% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts four weeks or more ahead of time.

    Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    We believe your workplace should tell you your schedule at least 4 weeks ahead of time.

    You need to know when you’ll be working so you can plan your life and know how much money you’ll earn.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people worry about their hours

    Do sales associates at Petco worry about hours?

    Most people worry about getting enough hours.

    How we know this

    68% of people report they worry about getting enough hours.

    Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    A good employer should give you the hours you need each week.

    You shouldn’t have to struggle or beg for work time.

  • Okay
  • Only some people can choose their shifts

    Do sales associates at Petco get to choose the shifts they work?

    Some people don’t get to choose which shifts they work.

    How we know this

    52% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.

    Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.

  • Okay
  • Can be hard to change shifts

    How easy is it for sales associates at Petco to change shifts?

    Some people find it hard to change shifts.

    How we know this

    58% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.

    Based on data from 38 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    A good job works with your personal life.

    It should be easy to change your schedule when you need to - both for emergencies and when you’re planning ahead.

  • Okay
  • Can be hard to get time off

    How easy is it for sales associates to get time off at Petco?

    Some people find it hard to get time off.

    How we know this

    38% of people report it’s hard to get time off.

    Based on data from 34 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    A good job should let you use your vacation time when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a hassle to arrange.

  • Okay
  • Schedules can get changed at the last minute

    Do Petco managers change sales associates schedules at the last minute?

    Some managers change people’s schedules at the last minute.

    How we know this

    45% of people say their manager changes their shift schedule at the last minute.

    Based on data from 42 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    If your bosses keep changing your schedule at the last minute, that shows they aren’t planning well.

    Good jobs don’t switch your hours around without warning.

  • Okay
  • Some people find it hard to take sick days

    How easy is it for sales associates to take sick days at Petco?

    Some people find it hard to take sick days.

    How we know this

    44% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.

    Based on data from 39 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    Everyone gets sick sometimes.

    You should be able to stay home when you need to get better.

    A good job should make it easy to take sick time and have clear steps for letting them know you’re sick.

  • Good
  • Most students say it’s good

    Is sales associates at Petco job good for students?

    Most students say this is a good place to work if you’re studying.

    How we know this

    70% of students report this is a good place to work if you’re studying.

    Based on data from 20 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and May 2026.

Benefits

    Okay
  • Only some people get separate paid time off for sick days and vacation

    At Petco, are sales associates’s sick days and vacation days separate paid time off?

    Only some people have separate paid time off for sick days and vacation.

    How we know this

    53% of people say they have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.

    Based on data from 17 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    Getting sick isn’t a vacation.

    You shouldn’t have to lose your time off just because you got sick or had a medical emergency.

    A good job gives you separate sick days so you can rest and get better without losing your paid time off allowance.

  • Good
  • Most part-timers get paid time off

    Do part-time sales associates get paid time off at Petco?

    Most people who work part-time get paid time off.

    How we know this

    86% of people who work part-time say they get paid time off

    Based on data from 21 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should get paid time off, no matter if they work full-time or part-time.

    At a good job, you deserve all the same benefits, even if you work fewer hours.

  • Good
  • Most people get paid time off

    Do sales associates get paid time off at Petco?

    Most people get paid time off work.

    How we know this

    74% of people say they get paid time off.

    Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    Everyone needs time to rest and take care of life outside of work.

    A good employer offers paid time off so their workers can choose when to have a break or go to appointments without worrying about losing pay.

Workplace

    Good
  • Most people feel treated with respect

    Do sales associates at Petco feel treated with respect by their managers?

    Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.

    How we know this

    81% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.

    Based on data from 42 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    Your boss should treat you with respect.

    No one at work should bully you or treat you unfairly.

    If you have a problem, you should be able to talk to someone else who can help.

  • Good
  • Most people get breaks without interruption

    Do sales associates at Petco get to take their breaks without interruption?

    Most people get breaks without interruption.

    How we know this

    80% of people report that they get to take their breaks without interruption.

    Based on data from 30 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    When you take a break it should be a proper rest. You should be able to do what you want to and not get pulled off it early.

  • Okay
  • Some people are stressed out

    Is it stressful for sales associates to work at Petco?

    Some people feel stressed out here.

    How we know this

    60% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.

    Based on data from 35 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    Work can be hard sometimes, but you shouldn’t feel stressed all the time.

    Your boss should make sure there are enough people and resources to get the work done without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Okay
  • Only some people enjoy their job

    Do sales associates at Petco enjoy their jobs?

    Only some people enjoy their job.

    How we know this

    35% of people report they don’t enjoy their job.

    Based on data from 40 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2026.

  • Okay
  • Only some people recommend their team

    Do sales associates at Petco recommend working with their team?

    Only some people recommend working with their team.

    How we know this

    49% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.

    Based on data from 35 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    The people you work with every day are important. They can make the difference between a bad day and a good one.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get enough training

    Do sales associates get enough training when they start at Petco?

    Some people didn’t get enough training when they started.

    How we know this

    61% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.

    Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    A good job should train you well from your first day, not just throw you into the deep end.

    Nobody can do their job well without proper training at the start.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get support to advance

    Do sales associates get support to advance at Petco?

    Only some people are given support to advance their career here.

    How we know this

    In the last year, 61% of people report not being given support to advance their career here.

    Based on data from 44 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2024 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    A good job should help you grow, if you want to.

    This could mean getting better at your current job, learning new things, becoming a team leader, or taking on more duties.

    This helps you build skills and earn more money.

  • Needs improving
  • Headquarters doesn't understand what's happening

    Do sales associates think Petco’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?

    Most people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.

    How we know this

    91% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.

    Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    In a good job, the people running the organization should support the workers who do the hands-on work.

    To do this well, they need to know what’s really happening at each location.

    This is extra important when an organization has many different sites.

  • Okay
  • Only some people feel well informed by headquarters

    Do sales associates feel well informed about how Petco is doing?

    Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.

    How we know this

    67% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.

    Based on data from 30 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and May 2026.

    Why this matters

    A good employer shares news with all its workers.

    You should know how your employer is doing - both the good news and the problems.

    Managers should keep you updated about what’s happening.

Find out more about working at Petco

What Petco employees say about their job

  • Best thing

    I like being a groomer, and a salon manager. I like helping dogs and clients. I like having a set schedule.

    Worst thing

    I cannot take just a day of PTO it has to be a week or my pay is docked.
    Many dogs have to be referred out to other shops because of the strict policies that end up loosing us business.
    Getting anything broken fixed is timely and very hard to get accomplished.
    Communication is very hard from higher ups to discuss.
    Grooming salon managers pay is hard to calculate and the PTO plans do not align well with this job structure. If a salon manager doesn’t hit 30 hours worked for a week, they don’t get commission so you must use PTO after your first year for a week at a time to get paid correctly, because PTO is not counted as worked hours and is paid with an average of your hourly plus commission after your first year of work (when I asked higher ups about this, they told me 30 hours min to get commission but if you have PTO it counts and they were wrong)

    5.1

    Grooming salon manager at Petco, August 2025

    Report this review
  • Best thing

    The animals. The only reason I started working here. The employee discounts are great too and my coworkers are pretty decent.

    Worst thing

    Management above the general manager and beyond has terrible communication and unrealistic, unachievable goals set for stores that are burnt out and short staffed. Getting a raise here is almost impossible because they take those unrealistic goals into consideration when doing your yearly review. Higher-Ups makes you feel like the reason the company isn't doing good is because of the employees working at their stores. They dont say it but they make you feel like youre not doing enough and always pushing for more, no acknowledging the good you've done for the company as an individual. They hyper focus on the bad.

    7.4

    Employee at Petco, June 2025

    Report this review
See more reviews
  • Best thing

    The animals are cute

    Worst thing

    To much to do with limited staff and time. Hire ups expect us to do everything

    4.6

    Employee at Petco, June 2025

    Report this review
  • Best thing

    The people you work with inside the store

    Worst thing

    We hire more people without giving the people you already have more hours

    5.8

    Cashier at Petco, May 2025

    Report this review
  • Best thing

    The animals

    Worst thing

    My Coworkers one who is a manager and the other micro manages and it’s annoying

    6.2

    Inventory specialist at Petco, May 2025

    Report this review
  • Best thing

    My team.

    Worst thing

    Lack of payroll vs. expectations.

    6.5

    General manager at Petco, March 2025

    Report this review
  • Best thing

    No people

    Worst thing

    Dealing with bad rules

    4.8

    Overnight stocker at Petco, March 2025

    Report this review
  • Best thing

    I get to see animals all day

    Worst thing

    Management and pay

    5.9

    Dog trainer at Petco, February 2025

    Report this review
  • Best thing

    I like working with animals and helping people understand what they need for aquariums.

    Worst thing

    Getting yelled at by customers.
    Management being full of themselves.
    Lack of total store hours
    Lack of employees in store
    Time given for tasks.

    5.5

    Aquatics specialist at Petco, December 2024

    Report this review
  • Best thing

    My clients

    Worst thing

    Not enough money for my experience

    6.2

    Employee at Petco, December 2024

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  • More reviews from Petco employees

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