PetSmart Hiring Age & Requirements [NEW 2026]
PetSmart sets clear standards for new hires to make sure they are a good fit in its pet-focused retail environment.
PetSmart isn’t just a regular retail store. It’s an environment where employees interact with live animals and assist pet owners with important buying decisions.
This article breaks down the key details on age limits, eligibility criteria, and the steps to apply for jobs at this major pet supply chain.
Key Takeaways
- PetSmart hiring age & requirements start with a minimum of 18 years old in most U.S. and Canadian locations, with exceptions based on state laws.
- Key criteria include work authorization, relevant skills, and passing a background check without drug testing.
- Apply online via the careers site for roles in stores, grooming, or distribution, emphasizing pet care passion and availability.
With over 1,600 stores across North America, PetSmart offers roles in retail, grooming, and distribution.
Minimum Age to Work at PetSmart
PetSmart requires applicants to be at least 18 years old in the United States and Canada.
This is a firm requirement across all positions, and it applies regardless of the role you’re interested in. Whether you’re eyeing a cashier position, a pet care associate role, or something in the grooming salon, the minimum age is the same.
The main reason is that PetSmart employees regularly handle live animals, operate equipment, and assist customers with decisions that directly impact pet health and safety.
This rule applies to most positions, including those in stores and distribution centers.
Exceptions exist in states like Montana or where local laws allow younger hires. In some areas, work permits may let those under 18 join, but this varies by location. Always check state regulations before applying.
What PetSmart Looks For in Applicants
Meeting the age requirement is just the first step.
PetSmart also looks for candidates who have the right mix of skills, background, and physical ability to handle the demands of the job.
Notice Title
- Most roles need U.S. or Canadian work authorization, as the company does not sponsor visas.
- Education levels are not strictly defined, but high school completion or equivalent helps for many entry-level spots.
- Experience matters more for specialized roles like pet grooming or management.
- Physical abilities play a role too, like lifting items or standing for long periods in store settings.
PetSmart provides accommodations for disabilities to support qualified applicants. You’ll also need to be comfortable following store-level policies around pet handling and customer service.
How to Apply for a Job at PetSmart
Start by visiting the official careers site to browse openings.
➔ The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes online.
➔ Submit your resume in PDF or Word format, along with work history and contact info.
➔ Some positions include short assessments to gauge fit, adding another 10 to 20 minutes.
After submitting, you can monitor your application status through your careers portal account. You can also follow up by contacting the specific store you applied to directly.
➤ Most applicants hear back within one to two weeks, though timelines can vary depending on how urgently the store is hiring.
You can apply for multiple roles at once. After submission, track your status by contacting the store or waiting for email updates.
Background Checks and Drug Testing
Before you officially join the team, PetSmart conducts a background check on all new hires. This is standard practice for most retailers, and PetSmart is no exception.
Drug-free Policy
The company skips drug tests during hiring but enforces a drug-free policy on the job. This approach focuses on qualifications over minor past issues.
For Applicants with a Felony Record
PetSmart has a relatively open stance when it comes to hiring individuals with felony records.
Rather than applying a blanket ban, the company looks at the full picture, like your qualifications, the specific role, and whether the offense poses any genuine concern in a pet-focused retail environment.
➤ If you have a felony on your record and are considering applying, I’d encourage you not to rule yourself out before even trying. Honesty during the process goes a long way.
What Each Role Actually Requires
Entry-level roles like retail sales associates need basic customer service skills and a genuine interest in pets.
These positions involve
- Stocking shelves
- Helping shoppers
- Handling transactions.
Grooming jobs demand more, like certification or training in pet care. Distribution center work focuses on logistics, needing strength for heavy lifting.
Management spots call for leadership experience and knowledge of retail operations. Availability, including weekends, is key for most store-based roles.
If you’re curious about what the grooming role looks like from the customer side, our guide to grooming services and pricing gives you the full picture of what groomers handle day-to-day.
Perks of Working at PetSmart
For pet lovers especially, some of PetSmart’s employee perks are genuinely hard to find anywhere else.
Benefits
- Employee discounts on pet products, supplies, and services
- Health insurance coverage for eligible full-time employees
- Retirement savings plans to support long-term financial goals
- Paid time off for vacation, illness, and personal needs
- Paid training programs, including grooming academies
- Flexible scheduling to balance school, family, or other commitments
You can also stack your employee discount with seasonal promotions and coupon codes for even bigger savings on pet supplies. There’s a clear path from entry-level to leadership if you stick around.
Can You Work at PetSmart Under 18?
PetSmart’s official minimum hiring age is 18, but labor laws vary from state to state, and in some cases, those local rules can create exceptions worth knowing about.
Certain states allow minors as young as 16 to work in retail settings, but usually with restrictions attached.
Check your local PetSmart or state labor department for details.
In Canada, the situation is similar. Each province has its own labor standards around minimum working age and youth employment rules.
➤ PetSmart Canada’s baseline hiring age remains 18 across the board, with provincial rules adding further nuance on top of that.
What I’d Focus On If I Were Applying
Don’t overthink the application. It takes 15 minutes online, and the biggest thing PetSmart cares about is whether you actually like animals and can show up reliably. Mention any experience with pets, even personal experience counts, and be upfront about your availability including weekends.
If you’re going for a grooming position, know that PetSmart pays for your training through their academy, so you don’t need certification going in. For everything else, just be honest on the background check, follow up with the store a week after applying, and you’ll be ahead of most other candidates.
