The best retail job for an introvert - EARLY MORNING STOCKER PetSmart Employee Review

4.0
11 Sept 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Early Morning Stocker Specific: If you don't like people, there's only an hour or so period of time where you'd be interacting with customers. Getting to see and interact with animals is always nice and relaxing, and the job doesn't require much mental effort if any. You pick stuff up n' put it down, that's all there is to it; so assuming you can read and maybe occasionally count you're good to go. PetSmart in general: I've heard the usual cliche retail horror stories about bad managers and nasty customers and all that. Thankfully, I haven't seen it (yet) though obviously mileage varies from store to store. I can't speak to the experience at every PetSmart, but generally I believe the time spent will be more enjoyable than in a normal retail setting. I've found your average "pet parent" tends to be nicer than your standard Walmart-esque customer. This also applies to co-workers as you're working with somewhat like-minded people who (hopefully) also love animals. Conclusion (what is this an essay now?): Overall it's been a pretty friendly environment and I've honestly enjoyed it. If you like animals and need a high school/beginner level part-time job that requires minimal mental aptitude I imagine you'd be hard-pressed to find a more enjoyable experience elsewhere as long as you're somewhat competent. Also, if you're a bit of an introvert like me, this is a nice way to ease yourself into being more social by interacting with people and their pets without immediately imploding. You aren't forced onto a cash register or anything like that. It's also really good exercise, so there's that if that's your thing.

Cons

- Low pay - Retail (Make of that what you will) - Back pain - People who don't clean up after their pets and think employees are poop-cleaning slaves. (Seriously, what do you think those cleanup stations are for?) - (Early morning job-specific) I wake up between 1am and 2am every day now (though the early-morning drive is always nice and relaxing)

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PetSmart Response
6y
Thank you so much for such a thoughtful review! We really appreciate your feedback and your commitment to helping pets enjoy happy and healthy lives. We are thrilled that you find your work at PetSmart fulfilling thus far. It's associates like you that make PetSmart such a special place. Thanks again for sharing your experience!

Explore other reviews about PetSmart

5.0
22 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great leadership and clean work environment

Cons

Pay could be better but had opportunities for growth

1.0
2 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The company pushes for more and more from the bottom level employees without better pay. I worked there before the restructuring and; not much can make me cry, but working here sure did, even back then. I can’t imagine how anxiety inducing it must be to work there now. Animal welfare is a complete non-concern. The only thing that’s pushed is sell, sell, sell. It’s borderline dystopian. Bad management seems to be a common issue, not only from my experience, but many others’ as well. I worked until I was an exhausted sweaty mess to make sure everything in pet care or, when I groomed, the salon, was cleaned to perfection as expected of me (and I reiterate: “me,” because these standards were not expected of my co-workers, just me) and overall felt very unseen. The only times I did feel “seen,” was when mistakes were made. Work was treated like boot camp. A co-worker that was subtley targeting/bullying me, and even started rumors accusing me of racist remarks(!!!), was promoted and anything I reported was downplayed because they were friends with the assistant manager. Working here was an overall traumatizing experience.

Cons

Employees are expected to be work-robots

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PetSmart Response
2w
We’re disappointed to hear that your experience didn’t reflect what we aim to create for our associates, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. We invite you to contact the CareSmart line at 1-800-738-4693 so we can learn more and see how we can support you. Thank you.
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