How Old Do You Have to be to Work at PetSmart?

To get an entry-level job at PeSmart as a retail sales associate, retail custodial associate, or PetsHotel associate you must be at least 18 years old. 

When you work in one of PetSmart’s stores, salons, or one of their PetsHotels, you get the opportunity to do what you do best — show your love for pets every single day. As a member of their retail family, you will build a career that you will be extremely proud of, plus you get to build bonds and relationships with pet parents that you will cherish for life.

In addition to the following jobs, PetSmart has other positions available for teenagers, including a pet care associate, stocker, dog bather, and guest services associate.

Teen Jobs at PetSmart and Age Requirements

Retail Sales Associate  (Hourly)

When you work as a retail sales associate at PetSmart, you are part of a community of those who work together for the love of pets. As a PetSmart Sales Associate, you aren’t just selling products, you’re helping pet parents find the very best solutions for their pets. 

With your passion for pets and the education you receive from PetSmart, you’ll become a trusted partner to the families at every stage of their pets’ lives. With so many opportunities under one roof, you'll be sure to find a career path that inspires you.

Because the stores are so large, they need all hands on deck to ensure the store is operating efficiently. PetSmart offers multiple shifts throughout the early morning, day, and evening hours. So, as a PetSmart sales associate, you may be cross-trained in the following areas:

CUSTOMER SERVICE: You’ll be an essential part of creating sincere connections with pet parents. You’ll welcome them (and their pets!) to the store, facilitate an easy check out process as a cashier, and ensure that they found everything they needed.

PET CARE: You’ll ensure the safety of all living pets —including fish, reptiles, birds, and small animals. You’ll be their family until they get a family of their own; you’ll help to keep them healthy, clean, and well fed! You’ll also engage with pet parents to provide them with the best solutions specifically for their pets.

MERCHANDISING & INVENTORY: You’ll play an integral role in helping pet parents find exactly what they need, right when they need it. You’ll execute on merchandising, stocking, and pricing strategies.

You must be at least 18 years old to work as a retail sales associate at PetSmart. 

Retail Custodial Associate (Hourly)

As a retail custodial associate at PetSmart, you’ll be responsible for

• Cleaning the store floors by sweeping, mopping, running the auto scrubber, and vacuuming.
• Gather and empty all trash, dispose in the designated canister outside of receiving
• Requisition supplies and equipment needed to management for cleaning and maintenance duties
• Clean front walks and columns by power washing and remove any snow or ice by shoveling/applying pet safe ice melt

Working at PetSmart is not a job, it’s a community of those who work together for the love of pets. To work as a retail custodial associate at PetSmart, you must be at least 18 years old.

PetsHotel Associate (Hourly)

As a PetsHotel associate at PetSmart, you’ll ensure that pets feel extra loved while they are staying in the hotel! You’ll build a connection with pet parents to discuss their pet’s unique personalities and provide a safe fun environment during their visit. 

Your duties as a PetsHotel associate include:

Customer Engagement - You are the smiling face that greets pets and creates that first impression in the hotel. You’ll advise the pet parents on the different services and solutions PetSmart offers to create a customized experience for their pet.

Pet Care - All work and no play? Not here! You will interact directly with the petsーplaying with them during Doggie Day Camp, ensuring they get exercise, and ensuring their tummies are full! Safety and cleanliness are top priority, so you must keep that top of mind throughout the day of play!

Night Care: The compassion and care for the pets doesn't end when the store and hotel closes at the end of the night. On the night shift, you will ensure that the pets are well taken care of throughout their entire overnight stay. You'll be there with them taking care of them, providing food and medication, and occasionally, a bedtime story. 

 To work as a PetsHotel associate at PetSmart, you must be at least 18 years old.

Can a 15 Year Old Work at PetSmart?

No, 15-year-olds can work at PetSmart because the minimum age is 18. We do have a page on our website specifically for 15-year-olds that you can view for other options.

Can a 16 Year Old Work at PetSmart? 

No. 16-year-olds can’t work at PetSmart. We do have a page on our website specifically for 16-year-olds that you can view for other options.

How Much Does PetSmart Pay Part-Time Workers?

The hourly earnings for employees at PetSmart vary because of state and city minimum wage laws. However, we can give you a general idea of what the hourly pay is for each position.

Retail Sales Associate (Hourly)

As a retail sales associate at PetSmart, you will be making somewhere between $8 and $13 per hour. If this is your first job, then you will most likely start at the lower end of the range.

The average hourly rate for a PetSmart retail sales associate is $10.

Retail Custodial Associate (Hourly)

The rate of pay for retail custodial associate is between $8 and $15 an hour. You will most likely start at the lower end of the range.

The average hourly rate for a PetSmart retail custodial associate is $10. 

PetsHotel Associate (Hourly)

The rate of pay for PetsHotel associates is between $8 and $12 an hour. You will most likely start at the lower end of the range unless you have previous experience.

The average hourly rate for a PetsHotel associate is $10. 

How Much Experience Do You Need to Work at PetSmart?

PetSmart is an entry-level friendly company that is a great first job. So, you can apply for a variety of positions without any experience and get hired.

What Should You Wear to a Job Interview at PetSmart?

When you show up for your interview at PetSmart, you will want to be dressed in casual or business casual attire.  Consider something like a buttoned-down shirt with nice slacks or jeans and dress shoes. There is no need to dress formal in a suit.

PetSmart Interview Questions

The possible questions in a job interview are endless, and it always depends on the interviewer. But, there are some common questions that they do often ask. Remember to thoroughly review the job description and do your research on PetSmart before your interview.

Also, be prepared to provide specific and thoughtful examples that allow you to go in depth about your relevant experience and expertise. Also, be ready to ask them questions—interviewing is a mutual selection process, and they want you to be just as excited about them as they are about you.

Be ready to answer the question WHY PETSMART? They are looking for passionate associates who really want to join their team.

Are you available to work nights, weekends, or holidays?

Why are they asking?  

Since they are a large retail store, PetSmart is open late during the week, and they are also open on weekends and some holidays. The PetsHotel also has overnight positions so the animals are never left alone. If they are asking you this, they are wanting to make sure you have the availability to work those hours.

What’s the ideal answer?

The ideal answer to this question is yes. You don’t necessarily have to have complete open availability to work at any hour, day or night. If you can work at least a few nights or weekends, it is a huge plus to landing a position with the company.

What experience do you have working with animals?

Why are they asking?  

Obviously, the most important part of working at PetSmart (in addition to providing good customer service) is keeping the animals safe and healthy. Animals are your job, so any experience you have with animals will help you land a position. 

What’s the ideal answer?

The interviewer wants to hear about any animal experience you have. It doesn’t have to be from a traditional job, either. Maybe you have done some pet-sitting or dog-walking? If you have, let them know. Also let them know about any experience you have with your own pets.

Why should we hire you?

Why are they asking?  

If a manager asks you this question, they are trying to get you to sell yourself. A big part of your job at PetSmart is to give excellent customer service and to be able to drive sales with excellent communication and product knowledge. 

They are wanting to find out how well you can communicate while being positive and professional. If you can sell yourself, you can sell their merchandise.

What’s the ideal answer?

Know your strengths. If you get asked this question, tell them how you will benefit their business. They want to hear that you are creative, have above average verbal communication skills, have a friendly and upbeat demeanor, and can successfully sell merchandise. Plus, you really need to have a huge love of animals.

Tell them that you are a reliable worker who will show up to work on time for every scheduled shift. If you want a career with PetSmart, definitely let them know because there are opportunities for advancement. 

Benefits of Working at PetSmart 

Everyone who works at PetSmart gets an employee discount.  The following benefits are available for full-time workers only.

Benefits include:

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Paid time off, Paid Sick Days, and Paid Holidays
• Performance Bonus
• 401(K)
• Pet-friendly workplace
• Flexible shifts and continued training

What it’s Like to Work at PetSmart

How to Apply at PetSmart