If you’re dreaming of a career surrounded by furry friends, Pet Smart might be on your radar. But before you start picturing yourself playing with puppies all day, there’s one crucial detail you need to know – how old do you need to be to work there?
Let me break down everything you need to know about Pet Smart’s age requirements, what jobs you can apply for, and what to expect from the application process.
Pet Smart’s Age Requirements: The Bottom Line
The magic number to work at Pet Smart is generally 18 years old. This applies to most positions across the United States and Canada.
Why 18? It comes down to safety and responsibility. When you’re handling animals, operating equipment, and managing store operations, Pet Smart wants to ensure you’re legally an adult and ready for those responsibilities.
But wait – are there any exceptions?
State-by-State Variations
While 18 is the standard age requirement, there are some exceptions depending on where you live:
- Montana and a few other states have different labor laws that might allow younger applicants to work at Pet Smart
- Some locations may occasionally hire 16-17 year olds with valid work permits for limited roles
- These exceptions are rare though, so don’t count on them
As one former Pet Smart employee explains, “I started when I was 17 with a work permit, but that was unusual. Most of my coworkers were at least 18.”
Position-Specific Age Requirements
Not all Pet Smart jobs are created equal when it comes to age requirements:
Animal Care Positions (18+)
These roles strictly require applicants to be 18 or older:
- Pet Groomers
- Pet Bathers
- Pet Care Associates
- Dog Trainers
The reason? These positions involve direct animal handling, potential safety risks, and specialized equipment. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, proper training and maturity are essential for safely handling animals in a retail environment.
Entry-Level Retail Positions (Typically 18+)
These positions generally require applicants to be 18, but may have occasional exceptions:
- Cashiers
- Sales Associates
- Stocker positions
Even though these roles don’t always involve direct animal care, Pet Smart typically maintains the 18+ requirement for consistency and operational reasons.
The Application Process
Beyond age requirements, Pet Smart has several other hiring standards you should know about:
Pre-Employment Screening
Before saying “welcome aboard,” Pet Smart requires:
- Background checks
- Drug screening
- Physical ability tests (especially for positions requiring lifting or animal handling)
These requirements help ensure both employee and pet safety. According to Pet Smart’s career portal, “We prioritize creating a safe environment for our associates, customers, and the pets in our care.”
Experience Requirements
Good news! Pet Smart often hires employees with no prior experience and provides comprehensive training. They offer:
- On-the-job training programs
- Career advancement opportunities
- Support for growth from entry-level to management
As the Society for Human Resource Management notes, companies that invest in employee development tend to have better retention and employee satisfaction.
Alternatives for Younger Applicants
If you’re under 18 and disappointed about Pet Smart’s age requirements, don’t worry! There are other options:
- Volunteer at animal shelters (many accept volunteers as young as 16)
- Apply at pet supply stores with lower age requirements
- Look into retail chains like Walmart and Target that hire at 16
- Consider pet sitting or dog walking independently
The Benefits of Working at Pet Smart
For those who meet the age requirements, Pet Smart offers several perks:
- Discounts on pet supplies and services
- Flexible scheduling options
- Opportunities to work with animals
- Career advancement possibilities
Pet Smart also welcomes diverse age groups, including older workers (50+) who bring valuable experience to the team.
So while you might need to be 18 for most Pet Smart positions, it’s worth the wait if you’re passionate about working with pets. In the meantime, there are plenty of ways to gain experience and prepare yourself for a future career in animal care!
