Good for first time job people but not for smart or independent thinkers - Cashier PetSmart Employee Review

3.0
Nov 6, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

People who love and care for animals are certainly nice to work with as are the customers coming in looking for help and advice concerning their animals. actively promotes dog and cat adoptions. the dog training at this company teaches newer positive ways to learn obedience; better than yanking the dogs neck with a chain. I also think this company really likes to hire give opportunities/advancement the younger "first job" set.

Cons

Constantly changing days and hours of work gives little room to plan life outside of work. Managers have a ton of micro management to do which leaves little time for nuts and bolts of staff business, concerns, betterment of store. Be prepared for days to go by if you have a question to get an answer and feel lucky when you do get an answer. New ideas seem to be shot down quickly or you get a nod. Any comment to a manager gets discussed with all the managers. If you are interested in being a good company soldier, have not had a job before, love animals, and helping people this is a place for you. Pay and raises are low ; reviews based on if you are liked by managers, staff, service you give customers, which if fine,but not based on your specific job duties. So, if you EVER have a disagreement (or even perceived) with staff, especially managers, or any questionable comment from a customer, no matter how 110% you have done in the last year or how many customers have said nice things about you, you still have a strike. And there is no defending yourself ,reasons, or explanation allowed AT ALL

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5.0
May 4, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Fun, welcoming, easy, flexible, growth

Cons

Weekends, slow, customers, busy, fast pace

1.0
Jun 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The company pushes for more and more from the bottom level employees without better pay. I worked there before the restructuring and; not much can make me cry, but working here sure did, even back then. I can’t imagine how anxiety inducing it must be to work there now. Animal welfare is a complete non-concern. The only thing that’s pushed is sell, sell, sell. It’s borderline dystopian. Bad management seems to be a common issue, not only from my experience, but many others’ as well. I worked until I was an exhausted sweaty mess to make sure everything in pet care or, when I groomed, the salon, was cleaned to perfection as expected of me (and I reiterate: “me,” because these standards were not expected of my co-workers, just me) and overall felt very unseen. The only times I did feel “seen,” was when mistakes were made. Work was treated like boot camp. A co-worker that was subtley targeting/bullying me, and even started rumors accusing me of racist remarks(!!!), was promoted and anything I reported was downplayed because they were friends with the assistant manager. Working here was an overall traumatizing experience.

Cons

Employees are expected to be work-robots

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PetSmart Response
2w
We’re disappointed to hear that your experience didn’t reflect what we aim to create for our associates, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. We invite you to contact the CareSmart line at 1-800-738-4693 so we can learn more and see how we can support you. Thank you.
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