Pet Trainer

San Marcos, TX, USA|

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Benefits

Paid Weekly

Health and wellness benefits

401k plan with company match

Paid time off for full-time associates

associate discounts

Tuition Assistance

Career pathing

development opportunities

Job Description

PetSmart is a leading pet specialty retailer committed to providing pet parents with everything they need to enhance the lives of their pets. With a mission rooted in compassion and care for pets, PetSmart operates hundreds of stores across the United States and Canada, offering a wide range of products and services including pet training, grooming, boarding, and adoption support. The company prides itself on its values-based culture that emphasizes teamwork, associate development, and customer engagement. Employees at PetSmart are considered the heart of the organization, driving the company’s vision through a culture that fosters growth, learning, and meaningful connections both within the team and with pet parents.

The role of a Pet Trainer at PetSmart is a dynamic and rewarding position that centers on fostering positive relationships between pets and their owners. This position involves delivering engaging and educational pet training classes in accordance with PetSmart’s established curriculum. The Pet Trainer is responsible for actively promoting training programs, responding to pet parents’ questions and concerns, and ensuring a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all pets and participants. Beyond leading training sessions, the Pet Trainer acts as a resource and subject matter expert for pet training within the store, collaborating with other associates to boost awareness and participation in these important services.

PetSmart emphasizes not only the technical skills of pet training but also the ability to create meaningful experiences that improve the bond between pets and their families. This comprehensive role requires a strong understanding of animal behavior, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks including scheduling classes, maintaining training records, and responding promptly to any pet health concerns. The work environment is physically active and interactive with live animals, necessitating physical stamina and attention to safety protocols.

The company offers a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, encouraging associates to bring their unique perspectives and passion for pets to the team. Employment at PetSmart as a Pet Trainer comes with a competitive hourly wage that varies by experience and location, with additional compensation based on training sales performance. Associates also enjoy a range of benefits including health and wellness programs, paid time off for full-time employees, 401(k) retirement plans with company matching, tuition assistance, associate discounts, and opportunities for career development and advancement. Working as a Pet Trainer at PetSmart not only allows individuals to grow professionally but also to make a meaningful impact every day by helping pets and their owners thrive together.

Job Requirements

Associate required to stand, walk, climb a ladder, and use hands to handle, feel, hold, write, etc
Frequently required to reach with hands and arms: stoop, kneel, crouch, talk and hear
Specific vision abilities required by this job include depth perception
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
Must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally team lift and/or move more than 100 pounds
Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and a wet environment with an abundance of pet hair
Moderate noise level in the work environment
Exposure to live animals and their handling is common
Applicants must be over the age of 18 (except in Montana or where otherwise required by local or state law)

Job Qualifications

1-2 years of retail experience in a customer-focused environment
Accredited in PetSmart Training Instructor Course
Proficiency in computer applications
Ability to react under pressure and maintain composure
Flexibility in schedule, able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Strong written and verbal communication skills

Job Duties

Responsible for pet parent experience and outcomes conducted over the telephone, in person or online, and responding to pet parent concerns
Actively sell training classes in store, over the phone and online
Educates pet parents about the benefits of our entire pet training curriculum
Maintains all paperwork related to pet training
Educates fellow associates and acts as the subject matter expert for their location on the benefits of pet training
Schedules training classes as outlined by the company expectations
Responsible for creating a safe environment for the people and pets in their classes and surrounding areas of the store
Ensures the pet training area and surrounding areas are clean and presentable
Recognize associates for their contributions to selling pet training
Responsible for taking immediate action when a sick/injured pet is identified in the store
Recommends, informs and sells merchandise and services
Assists and works in other departments as required
Other duties may be assigned
Participates in our culture of belonging and recognition
Follows all company policies and procedures