$9 - $12.25/hr
Let's Go! * Assist customers in selecting products and services that meet their pets' needs ... animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals. * Flexible availability to support Pet Care ...
$9 - $12.25/hr
Let's Go! * Assist customers in selecting products and services that meet their pets' needs ... animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals. * Flexible availability to support Pet Care ...
Animal Care Assistant information
What is an animal care assistant?
Animal care assistants are professionals who support the daily care and well-being of animals in settings like veterinary clinics, animal shelters, zoos, and research facilities. Their duties typically include feeding, grooming, exercising animals, cleaning enclosures, and monitoring animal health and behavior. They may also assist veterinarians or other staff with medical procedures and record-keeping. Compassion, attention to detail, and good communication skills are important traits for this role.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal care assistant, and why are they important?
To thrive as an Animal Care Assistant, you need a basic understanding of animal health, handling, and husbandry, often supported by a high school diploma or animal care certification. Familiarity with animal management software, cleaning equipment, and medical or grooming tools is typically required. Compassion, reliability, and strong communication skills help build trust with animals and collaborate effectively with veterinary staff. These skills ensure the well-being of animals, maintain a safe environment, and support the smooth operation of animal care facilities.
What is the difference between Animal Care Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?
| Aspect | Animal Care Assistant | Veterinary Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | High school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training | Associate degree in veterinary technology; certification required |
| Work Environment | Animal shelters, kennels, pet stores, clinics | Veterinary clinics, hospitals, animal clinics |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Animal care facilities, shelters, pet stores | Veterinary practices, animal hospitals |
| Common Search & Comparison Intent | Understanding entry-level animal care roles | Exploring technical veterinary roles and certifications |
Animal Care Assistants typically perform basic animal handling, feeding, and cleaning tasks in shelters or pet stores, often with minimal formal education. Veterinary Technicians have more advanced responsibilities, including assisting veterinarians with medical procedures, requiring specialized training and certification. Both roles are essential in animal care, but Veterinary Technicians have a broader scope of medical duties and higher qualifications.
What does an animal care assistant do?
Animal care assistant help feed and care for one or more animals. In this role, you may provide obedience training for a pet, groom animals, or assist other caregivers as necessary. Many animal care assistants specialize in specific areas, such as farm animals, marine mammals, or horses. This is not a veterinary position, though some animal care assistants work with vets to provide additional services to clients and customers. Many of the specific job duties of this position depend on the employer. For example, animal care assistants who work at zoos may be responsible for feeding animals or cleaning habitats, while animal care assistants at pet stores may help clean and groom animals daily in preparation for adoption.
What are some common challenges animal care assistants face in their daily work, and how can they be addressed?
Animal Care Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing a high workload, handling stressed or uncooperative animals, and maintaining strict hygiene standards. These can be addressed by developing strong time-management and observation skills, following established safety protocols, and seeking guidance from more experienced staff. Building rapport with animals and learning to recognize signs of stress can also help create a safer and more comfortable environment for both pets and staff. Teamwork and clear communication with veterinarians and other assistants are essential for overcoming these daily challenges.
More about Animal Care Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Care jobs in Puerto Rico? The most popular types of Animal Care jobs in Puerto Rico are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Care Assistant jobs in Puerto Rico look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Care Assistant jobs in Puerto Rico are:
$9 - $12.25/hr
Part-time
This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.
Petco rating
5.7
Based on 637 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
458th of 732 rated retailers
Job description
Want to help pets live their best lives?
We're proud to be where the pets go and where thepet peoplego. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing,Petco is the place for you.
Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.
- Pet First - Protect & Empower.All pets shouldLive their Best Life.We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.
- Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond.OurPassionfor pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through distinct experiences, products, and services.
- Let's Go! Own & Commit.We are stronger asOne Petco team.We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.
About Petco:
We're proud to be"where the pets go"to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years - from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are29,000+strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than1,500Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico,250+Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we foundedPetco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately7 million animalsthrough in-store adoption events.
As a Sales Associate, you are at the heart of the Pet Care Center experience. You help pet parents find the right products and solutions for their pets while creating a welcoming, safe, and engaging environment for everyone who walks through our doors.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys helping others, learning about pet care, and working as part of a team in a fast-paced, purpose-driven retail environment.
What You'll Do
Pet First
- Support the health, safety, and proper care of all animals in accordance with Petco policies and standards.
- Share accurate product and pet care information to help customers make informed choices.
- Help maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for pets, customers, and partners.
Foster the Fun
- Greet customers and deliver friendly, helpful, and solution-focused service.
- Create positive shopping experiences that build trust and customer loyalty.
- Support teammates through collaboration and teamwork.
- Help maintain an organized, visually appealing sales floor.
Let's Go!
- Assist customers in selecting products and services that meet their pets' needs.
- Process sales, returns, and exchanges accurately and efficiently.
- Stock shelves, replenish merchandise, and support inventory integrity.
- Assist with store recovery, merchandising, and promotional set-ups.
- Follow all company policies, procedures, and safety standards.
- Support additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned.
Key Responsibilities
Customer Experience & Sales
- Deliver consistent, courteous, and knowledgeable service.
- Educate customers on products, services, and promotions.
- Support store sales and service goals.
Operations & Merchandising
- Maintain store cleanliness, organization, and presentation standards.
- Assist with inventory replenishment and stock accuracy.
- Support daily operational routines and task execution.
What Success Looks Like
- Customers feel welcomed and supported during every visit.
- The sales floor is clean, stocked, and easy to shop.
- Team members work collaboratively to support store goals.
- Pets are cared for safely and responsibly.
What You Bring
Experience & Skills
- Previous retail or customer service experience preferred but not required.
- Passion for animals and interest in pet care.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.
- Basic math skills and comfort handling cash and transactions.
- Strong attention to detail and reliability.
Essential Functions & Work Environment
This role is performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment and requires active engagement on the sales floor.
- The role requires frequent standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting.
- Ability to safely lift and move merchandise, supplies, or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Regular engagement with customers on the sales floor, including providing customer assistance and performing cashiering and point-of-sale transactions.
- Must be able to work in proximity to animals, including exposure to animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals.
- Flexible availability to support Pet Care Center operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
Why You'll Love It Here
- Purpose-driven work that makes a difference for pets and people.
- A welcoming, inclusive team environment.
- Opportunities to learn, grow, and explore career paths.
- A fun, fast-paced role where no two days are the same.
Starting Rate:
$12.00To translate this webpage to Spanish or other languages on your internet browser click the translate button to the right of your browser address bar. Additional instruction can be found here: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/173424?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop
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About Petco
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Retail
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
San Diego, CA, US
Year founded
1965