Pet Writer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

PetSmart does Anything for Pets - JOIN OUR TEAM! 

Pet Trainer

About Life at PetSmart 

Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart. Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection, and teamwork. Our goal is to create a culture where associates learn and grow together, thrive as effective teams, and challenge each other to be the best they can be.

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.