At PetSmart, learning is the key to both personal and professional growth. As a company that cares deeply about our associates and their continued career development, we're committed to providing best-in-class training and experiences across all our services—from salons to hotels to pet training programs. Our associates are at the heart of what we do, and we continuously invest in their education to help them maintain the standard of care in our industry. After all, one of our core values is to Learn New Tricks: We are always curious, try new things, and learn from our mistakes. Every day is an opportunity to be better.
Our values are more than just words. They're how we live each day.
Read on to learn more about how PetSmart supports ongoing education so our associates can grow and thrive in their careers.
Our Commitment to Continuous Education
At PetSmart, we don't just train; we inspire. Our commitment to continuous education extends beyond the basics. It is designed to empower associates with the tools, skills, and resources they need to excel and succeed in their roles at PetSmart
Tuition Assistance: Invest in Your Future
Our tuition reimbursement program is one of the many ways we support career development at PetSmart. We understand the importance of furthering your education, so we offer up to $3,500 per year in tuition assistance for both full-time and part-time associates. This program encourages associates to pursue their educational goals, whether working toward a degree or would benefit from professional development.
Participation in the program continues to grow and last year, we saw a 34% increase with more than $660,000 invested in associate assistance. Over 94% of participating associates work in our stores and distribution centers and truly value the opportunities for growth. At PetSmart, your education doesn't stop once you're hired; we're here to support your career journey every step of the way.
Training Programs: A Path to Excellence
Our associates are our most valuable asset, and we're proud to invest in training programs to help them become experts in their areas of interest. We offer extensive training across our various departments, ensuring that every associate has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Salon Associate Training: Grooming the Experts
PetSmart's Grooming Academy is the largest of its kind in the industry, training over 2,500 students annually. The training includes:
Up to 800 hours of in-person training on pet safety, breed characteristics, and proper grooming techniques
Breed-specific training for all AKC breed groups
Technical evaluations to assess skills and ensure excellence
A minimum of 325 dog baths/grooms are required to become a certified PetSmart groomer
Annual safety certification to ensure safety standards are met
We are proud to offer our groomers industry-leading training that provides more than just fluff and sets them apart as experts in pet care.
Hotel Associate Training: Ensuring Pet Safety and Comfort
Our PetSmart Hotels provide a home-away-from-home for pets, and peace of mind for pet parents. Our associates are trained to deliver exceptional care. Training includes:
23.5 hours of education on pet behavior and health practices
In-depth curriculum on proper pet health and welfare
Annual safety certification to maintain safety standards
Our hotel associates undergo rigorous training to ensure pets receive the best care while staying with us.
Pet Trainer Associate Training: Mastering Dog Behavior
Our pet trainer associates are experts in understanding and training dog behavior. The training program includes:
96+ hours of hands-on training to learn dog behavior and training techniques
Accreditation that ensures trainers meet high industry standards
Annual safety certification to maintain safety and best practices
Through this comprehensive program, we equip our associates with the skills they need to make a real difference in pets' lives and help pet parents strengthen their bond with their furry family members.
Pet Care Associate Training: Keeping Pets Happy and Healthy
As pet care evolves, so does our training. We're continually enhancing our curriculum, incorporating expertise from our panel of staff veterinarians, to provide the best care for all pets in our stores. Our training ensures our pet care associates maintain superior pet care and safety standards.
In 2023, our teams dedicated over 70,000 hours each week to educating pet parents, while our Pet Care associates racked up an impressive 1.1 million hours of training, ensuring they're always equipped with the knowledge to care for pets like experts!
Why Continuous Education Matters
The benefits of continuous education extend far beyond just knowledge. Here's why we prioritize it:
Empowerment: Our associates feel confident in their roles, knowing they have the training and support to succeed.
Growth: We offer countless opportunities for career advancement within the company, and education plays a crucial role in that journey.
Industry Leadership: PetSmart associates are some of the most knowledgeable in the industry, thanks to our rigorous training programs.
At PetSmart, every associate is given the tools to grow, succeed, and contribute to the happiness and health of pets everywhere. We're committed to nurturing talent, fostering curiosity, and helping each associate reach their full potential.
Ready to Unleash Your Potential?
If you're passionate about pet care and eager to grow professionally, PetSmart is the place for you. With continuous education opportunities, career development programs, and hands-on training, we're here to help you build the future you've always wanted.
Join us in creating a world where pets and associates thrive. Your journey to greatness starts here.
