Sales Associate at Petco in Palatine, IL

Want to help pets live their best lives?

We’re proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. 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 should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

• Foster the Fun – Connect & Bond. Our Passion for 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 as One 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 are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco 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 founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through 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.

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.

The pay ranges outlined below are presented in accordance with state-specific regulations. These ranges may differ in other areas and could be subject to variation based on regulatory minimum wage requirements. Actual pay rates will depend on factors such as position, location, level of experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds the minimum indicated in the pay range below, the regulatory minimum wage will be the minimum rate applied.

$12.00 - $19.50

Starting Rate: $15.00

Hourly or Salary Range will be reflected above. For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO -see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits

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