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Pet Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PetSmart

Pet Trainer

Clovis, NM · On-site

$13.07 - $21.08/hr

Pet Trainer About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we ...

PetSmart

Pet Trainer

Alvin, TX · On-site

$13.07 - $18.57/hr

Pet Trainer About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we ...

PetSmart

Pet Trainer

New Castle, PA · On-site

Pet Trainer About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we ...

PetSmart

Pet Trainer

Charlotte, NC

Pet Trainer About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we ...

PetSmart

Pet Trainer

North Conway, NH

Pet Trainer About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we ...

PetSmart

Pet Trainer

Oklahoma City, OK

Pet Trainer About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we ...

PetSmart

Pet Trainer

Hemet, CA · On-site

Pet Trainer About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we ...

PetSmart

Pet Trainer

Kennewick, WA

Pet Trainer About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we ...

PetSmart Careers

Pet Trainer

Lincoln, CA · On-site

$17.09 - $29.85/hr

Pet Trainer About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we ...

PetSmart Careers

Pet Trainer

Alexandria, LA · On-site

$13.07 - $17.57/hr

Pet Trainer About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we ...

PetSmart

Pet Trainer

Arlington, TX

Pet Trainer About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we ...

PetSmart Careers

Pet Trainer

San Jose, CA

$17.09 - $29.85/hr

Pet Trainer About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we ...

PetSmart Careers

Pet Trainer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$14.82 - $24.58/hr

Pet Trainer About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we ...

PetSmart

Pet Trainer

Jenkintown, PA

Pet Trainer About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we ...

PetSmart Careers

Pet Trainer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$13.07 - $19.27/hr

Pet Trainer About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we ...

PetSmart Careers

Pet Trainer

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$14.07 - $20.82/hr

Pet Trainer About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we ...

PetSmart Careers

Pet Trainer

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$14.57 - $24.58/hr

Pet Trainer About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we ...

PetSmart

Pet Trainer

Broomfield, CO · On-site

Pet Trainer About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we ...

PetSmart Careers

Pet Trainer

Cedar Hill, TX · On-site

$13.07 - $18.57/hr

Pet Trainer About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we ...

PetSmart

Pet Trainer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Pet Trainer About Life at PetSmart At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we ...

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Pet Trainer information

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$12

$16

$31

How much do pet trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for pet trainer in the United States is $16.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $14.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pet Trainer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pet Trainer, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, training techniques, and often a certification from organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). Familiarity with training tools such as leashes, clickers, and positive reinforcement systems is common, along with record-keeping software. Patience, excellent communication, and empathy are crucial soft skills for building trust with both animals and pet owners. These abilities ensure safe, effective training outcomes and strong client relationships, which are vital for success in this field.

What are some common challenges faced by Pet Trainers when working with clients and their pets?

Pet Trainers often encounter challenges such as managing varying pet temperaments, addressing inconsistent training reinforcement at home, and communicating effectively with pet owners who may have unrealistic expectations. Building trust with both the animal and its owner is crucial, and trainers must adapt their approach to each unique situation. Collaborating closely with clients, setting achievable goals, and providing practical guidance are key to overcoming these hurdles and ensuring successful outcomes.

What Does a Pet Trainer Do?

As a pet trainer, you help teach an animal how to behave in certain ways. Dog trainers are the most popular job in this field, but trainers can also work with animals like horses to prepare them for races, jumping, or performing tricks. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a pet trainer requires communication skills, the ability to gain the trust of various pets, and the ability to adjust your teaching methods based on the unique personality of each pet. Many pet trainers focus on specific types of training, such as general obedience training or teaching dogs how to work as service animals.

What is the difference between Pet Trainer vs Dog Trainer?

AspectPet TrainerDog Trainer
CertificationsCPDT-KA, CCPDT, or similar certifications often preferredCPDT-KA, CCPDT, or similar certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentPet training centers, pet stores, private homes, sheltersDog training centers, private homes, shelters
Industry UsageUsed broadly for multiple pet speciesPrimarily focused on dogs
Common Search IntentComparing pet training roles, general pet trainingFocusing on dog-specific training

Pet Trainer and Dog Trainer roles share similar certifications and work environments, but Pet Trainers typically work with multiple species, while Dog Trainers specialize in canine behavior. Both roles are essential in pet care, with Pet Trainers offering broader services and Dog Trainers focusing solely on dogs.

What are pet trainers and what do they do?

Pet trainers are professionals who teach animals, most commonly dogs, to obey commands, follow rules, and modify unwanted behaviors. They use techniques such as positive reinforcement, repetition, and socialization to help pets learn desired behaviors. Pet trainers may work with individual animals or in group settings and often coach pet owners on how to maintain training at home. Their ultimate goal is to improve the relationship between pets and their owners while ensuring the safety and well-being of both.
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Pet Trainer jobs near you
Pet Trainer

Pet Trainer

PetSmart

Clovis, NM • On-site

$13.07 - $21.08/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

PetSmart rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 1,083 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 39 rated national retailers

Job description

Job Description
PetSmart does Anything for Pets - JOIN OUR TEAM!
Pet Trainer
About Life at PetSmart
At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we empower our teams with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and succeed.
Benefits that benefit you
  • Paid Weekly
  • Health & Wellness Benefits
  • 401k Plan with company match
  • Paid Time off for full-time associates
  • Associate discounts
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Career pathing
  • Development opportunities

Job Summary
PetSmart's Pet Training Instructor is responsible for engaging with pet parents and their pets while providing positive experiences and upholding the company's vision, mission, values, and strategy. They will actively seek out pets and pet parents to educate them on the benefits of pet training and will deliver pet training services in accordance with PetSmart's curriculum.
Essential Responsibilities
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following and may vary depending on store characteristics and needs:
  • Responsible for pet parent experience and outcomes conducted over the telephone, in person or online, and responding to pet parent concerns.
  • Actively sell training classes in store, over the phone and online.
  • Educates pet parents about the benefits of our entire pet training curriculum.
  • Maintains all paperwork related to pet training.
  • Educates fellow associates and acts as the subject matter expert for their location on the benefits of pet training.
  • Schedules training classes as outlined by the Company expectations.
  • Responsible for creating a safe environment for the people and pets in their classes and surrounding areas of the store.
  • Ensures the pet training area and surrounding areas are clean and presentable.
  • Recognize associates for their contributions to selling pet training.
  • Responsible for taking immediate action when a sick/injured pet is identified in the store; transport to the vet as needed.
  • Recommends, informs and sells merchandise and services.
  • Assists and works in other departments as required. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Participates in our culture of Belonging and Recognition.
  • Follows all Company Policies and Procedures.

Qualifications
  • 1-2 years of retail experience in a customer-focused environment.
  • Accredited in PetSmart Training Instructor Course
  • Proficiency in computer applications.
  • Ability to react under pressure and maintain composure.
  • Flexibility in schedule, able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Essential physical demands and work environment
  • Associate required to stand, walk, climb a ladder, and use hands to handle, feel, hold, write, etc. The associate frequently is required to reach with hands and arms: stoop, kneel, crouch, talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include depth perception. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Associate must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally team lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include depth perception.
  • While performing this job, the associate is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and a wet environment with an abundance of pet hair. The noise level is moderate in the work environment; however, associates may be exposed to high levels of noise at times. Exposure to live animals and their handling is common.

Do what you love
Join us for a chance to make a meaningful impact every day. Whether it's helping a customer choose their first fish, celebrating a pet's birthday, or seeing the smile on a pet parent's face after a fresh groom-you'll create moments that matter. At PetSmart, we cherish diversity and the unique perspectives of our 50,000 associates, all united by a passion for pets.
We're delighted you're interested in joining our pack and helping us in our commitment to doing Anything for Pets, and the people who love them. We're excited to hear your story and learn more about you! Apply Now!
PetSmart is an Equal Opportunity Employer
PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We offer reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout our application process, upon request and as required by law.
This listing is not an indication that the position is currently open or available. We are continually looking to build a strong network of talented candidates to join our organization and are always accepting applications. Feel free to contact your local PetSmart store to check on which roles they are actively hiring for.
This job summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work associates/leaders assigned to this job perform. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. You will be provided with a copy of a job description for the actual position you are hired into. Exact rate of pay will be based on relevant experience level, training, skills or knowledge and store location. In no instance will PetSmart pay less than the local minimum wage. This position is also eligible for train pay which is based on a percent of training sales (which is 0% for Pet Training Instructor Trainees, 20% of training sales for Pet Training Instructor 2, 25% of training sales for Pet Training Instructor 3, and 30% of training sales for Area Pet Training Instructor), as well as benefits, as described at https://benefits.petsmart.com/us/.
Applicants must be over the age of 18 (except in Montana or where otherwise required by local or state law)
For applicants in our Waterloo, San Francisco, or Los Angeles locations: Pursuant to the Waterloo and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, as well as the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring, we will consider for employment, qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with the law.
Pay Details
$13.07 - 21.08
Pay Rate Type
Hourly
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About PetSmart

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we empower our teams with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and succeed. With 50,000+ associates nationwide, we foster a culture grounded in integrity, teamwork, and inclusion - where your voice is heard, your efforts are valued and your career can thrive. Together, we make a difference for pets, their people and each other.

Industry

Retail and legal services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US

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