Does PetSmart Hire Felons?

PetSmart is a retail chain that sells pet supplies. They also offer a variety of pet-related services.

Felony convictions can make it hard to find a job. But, your criminal record does not mean that you are not capable of work. Working is actually very important for those with criminal pasts. It can keep you from repeating it.

Below you will find information about PetSmart and their application process.

About PetSmart

PetSmart sells a variety of pet food and supplies, such as litter, bedding, and more. They also sells some pets, like fish, reptiles, birds, and other small pets. They offer grooming, boarding, training, and adoption services as well.

Jim and Janice Dougherty, the original founders, opened a pet store in 1980. Jim was a feed manufacturer. At the time, people bought food and supplies from supermarkets. In 1986, they founded the PetSmart company.

Now, PetSmart has over 1,650 stores and 56,000 employees. They also have over 200 boarding facilities. They continue to help nonprofits and charities with adoptions; over 9 million to date.

PetSmart offers health insurance and other health benefits to employees. They give employees discounts. They also provide tuition reimbursement.

One of the best parts of the job is getting to spend time with the pets and pet parents. PetSmart also helps with a lot of adoptions and charities. So, employees get to help out with that as well.

Does PetSmart Hire Felons?

According to their website, PetSmart is willing to hire people with felony records. But, this depends on a few factors. First, the type of crime is important. For example, they most likely will not hire someone with animal cruelty charges.

Second, the length of time since your conviction is important. If it was recent, they may be more concerned about you. But, if it was a while ago, then it may show that you have changed.

Does PetSmart Run Background Checks?

PetSmart does run background checks on all applicants before they hire them. Employees have confirmed this. These checks include criminal history and a drug screening.

Criminal history checks reveal if you have any convictions. These show both felony and misdemeanor charges. It also shows details of the offenses.

Drug screenings show if you have any drugs in your system. Note, these will pick up on both prescription and illegal drugs. Prescription drugs will not disqualify you as long as you have a valid prescription.

Careers at PetSmart

PetSmart has many entry level jobs available for you. These include;

• Retail
• Grooming
• Call Center
• Custodial
• Stocking

Retail jobs could include working as a cashier or helping customers find items. You should have basic math and reading skills for these positions. Experience with customer service is also helpful.

Groomers are responsible for bathing and grooming the pets. Past experience is a plus, but not needed. They will provide training should you get hired.

Call center employees do a variety of customer service tasks. They may handle questions or concerns from customers. They may also take reservations for boarding.

Custodial jobs are responsible for keeping the store clean. Some of this job may take place outside. You will do a variety of cleaning tasks around the store.

Stocking entails unloading trucks and stocking shelves. Because of this, you should be able to do at least some light lifting. You need to pay attention to the shelves and might take inventory. Again, basic math and reading skills are important.

Application Process at PetSmart

PetSmart has online applications available. Once you are at the job listing page, click on a job that interests you. After that, click “apply now”. Then, the website provides instructions for creating an account and submitting the application.

The number one thing to remember about your record is to be honest. Even if you do not put it on your application, they will find out. Telling them first gives you a chance to take responsibility and show growth.

If this comes up in the interview, take responsibility for your actions. But, also let them know about steps you have taken to turn your life around.

Unless you are in one of the call centers, you will most likely come into contact with animals. You should be able to interact with all types. Be aware if you have any allergies or phobias.

On your application, let them know about any past work or volunteering experience. You can also list any education received during incarceration.