PetSmart Hiring Overview For 2023

Is PetSmart on the Ban the Box list?

As people are noticing how difficult it’s for someone with a criminal history to find a job, there are different support groups being created. One of them is known as the Ban the Box campaign. This group persuades employers to remove all questions regarding criminal histories from their job applications.

Another group is the Fair Chance Business Pledge. This is an actual agreement made by companies that are committed to practicing fair hiring policies for all, including former felons.

Unfortunately, PetSmart doesn’t support either of these groups.

Does PetSmart have special programs for hiring felons?

Like most companies, PetSmart doesn’t offer these programs.

What are the odds someone with a felony will get hired?

Does PetSmart hire felons? That is a question that is still up in the air. The odds of you being hired here are uncertain. Why do we say this? Our online sources didn’t provide a clear answer and without having a direct response from PetSmart, we can’t accurately answer this question.

But keep reading for our suggestions on how to get a job at PetSmart with a felony.

What are some entry-level jobs?

PetSmart is a retail pet store and most of their jobs will require cross-training for other positions. Here are a few entry-level jobs they offer:

• Retail Sales Associate — You’ve seen these people if you’ve ever been to a PetSmart. They’re the ones who greet you and your pet when you come in and assist you with your shopping trip. Whether it’s ringing you through or grabbing lizard food, a Retail Sales Associate is expected to know what their store offers.
• Early Morning Stocker — If you’re a morning person, this is the perfect job for you. As you can imagine, you’d be stocking shelves, breaking down cartons, setting up displays and cleaning.

Entry-level jobs at retail stores are often shift-work, which includes working weekends.

Tips to get hired here with a felony

The application will require you to set up a profile. So if you don’t have access to a computer, it may be a good idea to go to your local library.

PetSmart gives you the option to upload a resume with their application. Don’t shortchange yourself and skip it just because the thought of one scares you. We designed a guide to help former offenders specifically with this! Our guide will show you how to put all your skills on your resume . . . even the ones you learned while you were incarcerated. For example: If you worked in the canteen, then you have experience in stocking and customer service. These skills should be added to your resume!

First impressions are always very important with any job, but especially when applying for a job with a record. So when you are interviewing, keep these things in mind:

• Make sure you carefully select your outfit the night before. This way you are prepared and can arrive 10-15 minutes early.
• Take care in your appearance and personal hygiene since you will be a reflection of the company.
• PetSmart deals directly with the public, so make sure you’re speaking clearly (not mumbling) and using your manners. These are things that all companies look for.
• Tell them about your record. If you see an opportunity to address it yourself, do so! It shows a lot of character if you bring it up first and show them how you’ve improved since your mistake.

According to our online sources and information on the PetSmart website, it’s pretty clear that they’ll perform a background check.

Here are some things to keep in mind regarding background checks:

Some states will now only look at an offense if it’s less than seven years old. Here are those states:

• California
• Colorado
• Kansas
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New York
• Texas
• Washington

There are also some states that will see only guilty convictions. They are as follows:

• Alaska
• California
• Hawaii
• Indiana (limited check)
• Kentucky
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• New York

Unfortunately, most states will still look at everything. Here are those states:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• DC
• Delaware
• Florida
• Idaho
• Indiana (extensive check)
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• New Jersey
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Company ratings

Looking at their reviews on glassdoor.com, we found that they were rated 3.2 out of 5 stars. Most employees enjoy working here because of the interaction with pets. Like any job, though, there will be the bad with the good. It appears that their complaints come from having the occasional rude customer or having to clean up after pets visiting in the store.

What felonies PetSmart will not hire

PetSmart didn’t give us any details about the charges they think make you a bad hire. We did a bunch of research, though, and put our best answers below.

What felony convictions might have a hard time getting hired here?

Here are a few convictions we feel may have a difficult time being hired:

• Any offense dealing with animal cruelty — The jobs here will require interaction and care with pets for sale and also those visiting with customers.
• Theft or embezzlement crimes — You’ll likely be handling cash, credit cards and merchandise.
• Violent or sexual offense — Most positions will require interacting with the public every day.

Does PetSmart hire sex offenders?

We’re not sure if PetSmart hires sex offenders because the company didn’t tell us directly and there aren’t any strong responses online.

Does PetSmart drug test?

Yes. They make you aware that you will be submitting a drug screen when you apply.

Have you applied for a job or worked here? Share your experiences!

What do you know about working at PetSmart with a felony? Did you find our article helpful? Please let us know. We value your feedback!