Quick Answer

Yes, PetSmart hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. As North America’s largest pet specialty retailer with 1,650+ stores, PetSmart offers accessible employment for individuals rebuilding their lives.

Common entry-level positions include Pet Care Associate ($13–$16/ hour), Bather ($12–$15/ hour), and Pet Groomer ($14–$22/ hour plus tips).

Advancement opportunities include Salon Manager ($35,000–$50,000/ year) and Store Manager ($45,000–$70,000/ year). Hiring is based on individual circumstances, not automatic rejection.

About PetSmart

PetSmart is North America’s largest pet specialty retailer, founded in 1986 and operating over 1,650 stores across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.

The company employs more than 55,000 people and provides pet supplies, grooming, boarding (PetsHotel), training, and veterinary services (Banfield Pet Hospital locations inside stores).

For people with records, PetSmart offers several advantages:

• Nationwide availability: Thousands of locations with consistent hiring needs.

• Diverse entry-level roles: Retail, grooming, animal care, and hotel operations.

• Training provided: Paid on-the-job and grooming academy programs.

• Promotions from within: Clear career paths from associate to management.

• Case-by-case evaluation: No blanket ban for most convictions.

Does PetSmart Hire People with Felonies?

Yes. PetSmart evaluates applicants with criminal records individually, without an automatic disqualification policy. Store managers and district managers have discretion under corporate guidelines. Hiring decisions depend on the nature of the conviction, time passed, and the job role.

PetSmart Considers:

• Nature and severity of the conviction.

• Time elapsed since conviction (5–7+ years preferred).

• Relevance to the job applied for.

• Employment history and rehabilitation efforts.

• References and personal presentation.

Convictions Often Accepted:

• Non-violent felonies over 3–5 years old.

• Drug, DUI, or property-related offenses (case-by-case).

Convictions With Stricter Review:

• Animal cruelty or abuse (disqualifying).

• Recent violent or sexual offenses.

• Theft from employers or active warrants.

Available Jobs at PetSmart for People with Records

Pet Care Associate

($13–$16/ hour)

Assists customers, stocks merchandise, maintains animal habitats, and learns pet care basics. The most accessible role for individuals starting in retail.

Bather (Grooming Salon)

($12–$15/ hour plus tips)

Bathes and dries dogs, trims nails, and prepares pets for grooming. Entry-level grooming position with paid training and promotion to Pet Groomer.

Pet Groomer (Certified)

($14–$22/ hour plus tips and commission; total $18–$30/ hour possible)

Performs full-service grooming, including bathing, haircuts, and styling. PetSmart provides paid grooming academy training leading to certification.

PetsHotel Associate

($13–$17/ hour)

Cares for boarding pets, feeds animals, cleans kennels, and assists customers during check-in and pick-up. Great for animal lovers seeking hands-on work.

Cashier

($12–$15/ hour)

Handles transactions, customer service, and returns. Entry-level retail role with upward mobility to sales or care positions.

Stocker / Merchandiser

($13–$16/ hour)

Unloads deliveries, organizes shelves, and maintains inventory. Less customer-facing, ideal for applicants seeking behind-the-scenes work.

Retail Shift Leader

($15–$19/ hour)

Supervises team members, opens and closes stores, handles cash, and ensures smooth operations. Typically promoted from Pet Care Associate.

Grooming Salon Manager

($35,000–$50,000/ year → $17–$24/ hour equivalent)

Manages groomers and bathers, oversees scheduling, and ensures quality service. Usually promoted from Groomer with experience.

Store Manager

($45,000–$70,000/ year → $22–$34/ hour equivalent)

Leads entire store operations including staffing, sales, and customer satisfaction. Achieved through internal advancement over several years.

PetSmart Background Check Policy

PetSmart uses a third-party background screening process after a conditional offer. Background checks typically look back seven years, depending on state law, and may include:

• County and state criminal record search.

• Sex offender registry.

• Employment verification.

• Social Security validation.

Disqualifying Factors:

• Animal cruelty or neglect.

• Recent violent crimes.

• Active warrants or pending charges.

Drug Testing: Most stores require pre-employment drug tests, usually urine screenings. A zero-tolerance policy applies for positive results.

Application Tips

1. Apply to 5–10 PetSmart stores since each manager has hiring discretion.

   
   

2. Target Pet Care Associate or Bather positions for best entry opportunities.

   
   

3. Express your passion for animals and customer service.

   
   

4. Apply online, then follow up in person within a few days.

   
   

5. Be upfront about your record if asked—honesty earns trust.

   
   

6. Highlight any retail or service experience you have.

   
   

7. Show flexibility with scheduling (weekends and holidays).

   
   

8. Dress neatly and make a positive first impression.

   
   

9. Bring character references to strengthen your application.

   
   

10. Show interest in long-term growth, such as grooming or management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does PetSmart hire convicted felons?

Yes. PetSmart hires individuals with felony convictions after case-by-case review. Store managers evaluate time elapsed, conviction type, and job fit.

Will PetSmart hire me with a felony?

Possibly. Non-violent or older convictions are often acceptable. Animal cruelty is disqualifying due to the nature of the business.

What is the most accessible job at PetSmart?

Pet Care Associate is the most common starting position with constant hiring needs and paid training.

Can I work at PetSmart with a theft conviction?

Older theft convictions (5–7+ years) may be acceptable, especially for stock or backroom roles.

How far back does the background check go?

Typically seven years, though this varies by state.

Does PetSmart automatically reject felons?

No. All applicants are evaluated individually; there’s no blanket rejection policy.

Can I work while on probation or parole?

Yes, if you meet scheduling requirements. Many employees balance work with probation obligations.

Does PetSmart drug test?

Yes, most stores perform pre-employment drug screenings.

Can felons move into management at PetSmart?

Yes. Many store and grooming managers started as entry-level employees with records.

What benefits does PetSmart offer?

Health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with match; paid time off; employee discounts; tuition assistance; and paid grooming academy training.

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• Petco – 1,500+ stores; similar hiring flexibility and pet care positions.

• Tractor Supply Co. – Retailer with pet and farm products; accessible entry-level roles.

• Rural King – Farm and pet supply chain; case-by-case hiring.

• Banfield Pet Hospital – Veterinary roles inside PetSmart; animal care assistant positions.

• VCA Animal Hospitals – 800+ clinics; hires case-by-case for assistants and receptionists.

• Local animal shelters and boarding facilities – Smaller operations often open to second-chance hiring.

Final Thoughts

PetSmart offers fair and flexible employment opportunities for people with felony convictions in 2025.

With 1,650+ stores, the company provides entry-level roles, training, and advancement paths across retail, grooming, and animal care. Positions like Pet Care Associate ($13–$16/ hour) and Bather ($12–$15/ hour plus tips) are excellent starting points, leading to Pet Groomer ($14–$22/ hour) and Salon Manager ($35,000–$50,000/ year) over time.

Key Takeaways:

• Case-by-case evaluation; no automatic rejection.

• Apply to multiple locations to increase chances.

• Animal cruelty convictions are disqualifying.

• Advancement and promotions based on performance.

• Background checks go back seven years; drug testing required.

• PetSmart values honesty, dependability, and love for animals.

Start here: Visit careers.petsmart.com or stop by your local PetSmart to apply in person.