Dog Trainer
PetcoThe Breakroom Take
- People enjoy this job
- Recommended by students
- Respectful managers
- Uninterrupted breaks
About Petco
Petco is a retailer. They sell pet products and services, and certain types of small live animals.
Job description from Petco
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.
Position Overview
As a Petco Certified Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in furthering Petco's mission as a Pet Health and Wellness company by enhancing the bond between pet parents and their dog companions. Your expertise in modern dog training techniques and positive reinforcement methods will help pet parents develop well-behaved, happy, and healthy dogs. You will provide one-on-one training sessions, group classes, and offer advice on basic training, environmental management, and customized training plans to address specific training goals. In addition to dog training, you'll also be actively engaging with guests to provide 360-degree personalized solutions for the unique needs of pets and pet parents. You'll positively impact the health and wellness of pets by providing recommendations on healthy nutrition, world class services and essential supplies.
Position Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
The Dog Trainer role consists of 2 core responsibilities:
Provide World Class Dog Training Services
- Attend and successfully pass Petco's 6-week Dog Trainer Instructor Program led by a Petco Certified Dog Trainer Mentor/Academy Instructor.
- Complete all assigned Workday Learning modules and DTIP Student Workbook materials per the DTIP roadmap.
- Recommend and sell appropriate dog training classes, training, and supplies to ensure pet parents and their dogs have the necessary resources for a successful dog training experience.
- Keep accurate records of training sessions, progress, and pet parents' feedback.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
- Work cross functionally with the grooming and veterinary teams to provide holistic whole health solutions for all pet parents.
- Complete and apply ongoing training programs to maintain a high level of expertise in the role.
Provide 360-Degree Solutions for all Petco Guests
- Provide an outstanding guest experience by actively engaging with guests in the recommendation and selection of merchandise and services in accordance with their identified needs.
- Generate future business through a deep understanding of the guest and their pet(s) and connection to our digital platforms.
- Demonstrate a high level of awareness and knowledge for the health, welfare, and proper handling of all animals.
- Perform related duties to support the Pet Care Center in achieving its performance goals.
- Ensure merchandise is stocked, priced, and displayed to enhance the shopping experience for pet parents.
- Complete cash register transactions and support guests with their OMNI shopping experience as needed.
- Adhere to established operational guidelines, policies, and procedures.
- Promote a positive culture of teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration.
- Complete other duties and special projects as assigned.
- Evaluate guest inquiries and refer to the Leader on Duty as needed.
Other Essential Duties
- UTILIZE SELLING BEHAVIORS. You're the key to providing an amazing guest experience within our Pet Care Center Locations. Utilizing the behaviors within our Sales Model is critical to being able to identify and solve for their needs both today and in the future.
- CONTRIBUTE TO A SAFE ENVIRONMENT. You'll be empowered through our training programs to maintain our safety protocols. Bottom line, the safety of partners, guests and pets is our #1 priority.
- BE A PART OF A COLLABORATIVE CULTURE. Being a great teammate is key to creating a culture that is centered around solving for the health and wellness needs of pets.
- ENGAGE IN YOUR CAREER. As you develop your skills and knowledge, you will have the opportunity to participate in developmental programs to support your continued growth throughout your career.
Certification Requirements
- Stage 1: All candidates are required to complete the 'Dog Training Instructor Program (DTIP)' to become Petco Certified Dog Trainer consisting of the following:
- Dog Training Apprentice: 6-weeks weeks of instructor led learning and development.
- Stage 2: Dog Trainer: Successfully run and grow the dog training business in one of Petco's Pet Care Centers with local and national marketing support, with access to internal partner resources, networking, and client acquisition through our state-of-the-art online booking and scheduling systems.
- Stage 3: Complete the Health & Wellness Certification Program for Dog.
- Note: Approved candidates with prior experience that can pass both skill and knowledge assessments may be eligible for accelerated training.
Basic Qualifications
- Passion for animal care, training, and welfare and a genuine interest for improving the lives of pets and their pet parents.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with pet parents and provide clear instructions, demonstrations and applicable selling techniques.
- Demonstrated ability to handle and work with dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds in a safe and humane manner.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities effectively.
- Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed to accommodate the training schedule and store operations.
- Physical stamina to stand, walk, bend, and lift heavy objects (up to 50 pounds) associated with dog training equipment and supplies.
- Familiarity with computer systems and software to manage training records, schedules, and communication with pet parents.
Supervisory Responsibility
- None
Starting Rate:
$14.00
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What employees say
Pay
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Needs improving
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Most people don’t get paid breaks
Do animal care specialists at Petco get paid breaks?
No. Most people don’t get paid breaks.
How we know this
73% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.Based on data from 41 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 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
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Most people don’t get paid when they’re sick
Does Petco pay animal care specialists when they’re sick?
No. Most people don’t get paid when they’re sick.
How we know this
72% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.Based on data from 46 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2025 and July 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
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The job rarely spills into unpaid time
Do animal care specialists 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
19% of people report that their job takes up time that they don’t get paid for.Based on data from 42 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 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
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Needs improving
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Less than 4 weeks notice of work schedule
How far ahead of time do animal care specialists find out their work schedule?
Most people find out their schedule less than four weeks ahead of time.
How we know this
- 24% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts one week or less ahead of time.
- 29% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts two weeks ahead of time.
- 24% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts three weeks ahead of time.
- 24% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts four weeks or more ahead of time.
Based on data from 38 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 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.
Okay
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Some people worry about their hours
Do animal care specialists at Petco worry about hours?
Some people worry about getting enough hours.
How we know this
34% of people report they worry about getting enough hours.Based on data from 44 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 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.
Good
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Most people can choose their shifts
Do animal care specialists at Petco get to choose the shifts they work?
Most people get to choose which shifts they work.
How we know this
68% report that they have enough control over which shifts they work.Based on data from 40 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 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
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Can be hard to change shifts
How easy is it for animal care specialists at Petco to change shifts?
Some people find it hard to change shifts.
How we know this
53% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.Based on data from 30 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 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
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Can be hard to get time off
How easy is it for animal care specialists to get time off at Petco?
Some people find it hard to get time off.
How we know this
56% of people report it’s hard to get time off.Based on data from 45 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 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.
Good
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Schedules don’t get changed at the last minute
Do Petco managers change animal care specialists schedules at the last minute?
Most managers don’t change people’s schedules at the last minute.
How we know this
84% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.Based on data from 38 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 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
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Some people find it hard to take sick days
How easy is it for animal care specialists to take sick days at Petco?
Some people find it hard to take sick days.
How we know this
50% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.Based on data from 40 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2025 and July 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.
Okay
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Only some students say it’s good
Is animal care specialists at Petco job good for students?
Only some students say this is a good place to work if you’re studying.
How we know this
55% of students report this isn’t a good place to work if you’re studying.Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.
Okay
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Only some parents say it’s good
Is working as animal care specialists at Petco good if you have caring responsibilities?
Only some parents and caregivers say this is a good place to work.
How we know this
50% of people who care for a child or other relative report this isn’t a good place to work.Based on data from 16 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and February 2026.
Why this matters
A good job should understand when you need to take care of your kids or help sick family members. Your work should respect your family needs.
Benefits
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Okay
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Only some people get separate paid time off for sick days and vacation
At Petco, are animal care specialists’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
46% of people say they have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.Based on data from 37 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2025 and July 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
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Most part-timers can get health insurance
Are part-time animal care specialists able to get health insurance from Petco?
Most people who work part-time can get health insurance.
How we know this
67% of people who work fewer than 30 hours a week say they can get health insuranceBased on data from 6 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and February 2025.
Why this matters
A good employer offers health insurance to all their workers, no matter how many hours they work or what kind of job they have.
Good
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Most part-timers get paid time off
Do part-time animal care specialists get paid time off at Petco?
Most people who work part-time get paid time off.
How we know this
70% of people who work part-time say they get paid time offBased on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 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
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Most people say they can afford the health insurance
Is the health insurance from Petco affordable enough for animal care specialists?
Most people say the health insurance costs are okay.
How we know this
87% of people say the health insurance costs are okayBased on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and July 2026.
Why this matters
Everyone needs medical care sometimes, but it can be expensive.
A good job should offer health insurance that workers can actually afford.
Good
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Most people get paid time off
Do animal care specialists get paid time off at Petco?
Most people get paid time off work.
How we know this
91% of people say they get paid time off.Based on data from 46 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2025 and July 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
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Okay
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Only some people feel treated with respect
Do animal care specialists at Petco feel treated with respect by their managers?
Some people don’t feel treated with respect by their managers.
How we know this
41% of people say they’re not treated with respect by their managers.Based on data from 41 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2025 and July 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.
Okay
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Only some people get breaks without interruption
Do animal care specialists at Petco get to take their breaks without interruption?
Only some people get breaks without interruption.
How we know this
38% of people report that their breaks get interrupted.Based on data from 45 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 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.
Needs improving
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Most people are stressed out
Is it stressful for animal care specialists to work at Petco?
Most people feel stressed out here.
How we know this
78% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.Based on data from 46 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2025 and July 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.
Good
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Most people enjoy their job
Do animal care specialists at Petco enjoy their jobs?
Most people enjoy their job.
How we know this
85% of people report they enjoy their job.Based on data from 34 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2025 and July 2026.
Okay
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Only some people recommend their team
Do animal care specialists at Petco recommend working with their team?
Only some people recommend working with their team.
How we know this
60% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2025 and July 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
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Only some people get enough training
Do animal care specialists get enough training when they start at Petco?
Some people didn’t get enough training when they started.
How we know this
49% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.Based on data from 45 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2025 and July 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.
Good
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Most people get support to advance
Do animal care specialists get support to advance at Petco?
Most people are given support to advance their career here.
How we know this
In the last year, 68% of people report being given support to advance their career here.Based on data from 44 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2025 and July 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
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Headquarters doesn't understand what's happening
Do animal care specialists 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
93% 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 42 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2025 and July 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.
Needs improving
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Most people don’t feel well informed by headquarters
Do animal care specialists feel well informed about how Petco is doing?
Most people don’t feel well informed about how the company is doing.
How we know this
71% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.Based on data from 48 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 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.
What Petco employees say about their job
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Best thing
The knowledge I gain, the good regular customers, the good employees
Worst thing
The pay vs the workload, there are very limited hours for regular partbers, the store is too high volume for the labor hours provided, the manager operates against some labor laws in my state. Employees aren't trained the best.
Report this reviewEmployee at Petco, January 2026
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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)Report this reviewGrooming salon manager at Petco, August 2025
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