Experience/Store Culture depends on the head manager's leadership.
Pros
-Get to be around pets -Feel like you are making a difference for people and their pets -There are dirtier, more soul-crushing retail places to work -Flexible hours (depends if you want less but spread out hours, also this means Part-Time, if that is what you want) That work with you if you are a student. -If you have a good manager you might be inspired and feel you are part of a team
Cons
-High turnover of staff and management demolish employee morale whenever it seems to rebuild itself -Turnover is fueled by corporate management interfering in the store management, store supervisors bullying subordinates, and lack of hours or consistent hours -Lack of communication a huge problem. When management are fired the staff are not informed of the reasons as a matter of policy, leading to gossip and rumors. -Favoritism. The management team has the ability to get you many hours or no hours. While the mgmt claim that they are a 'premium' pet store, the tactics employed are very Wal-mart-esque in regards to breaking down employee morale and self worth to ensure compliance with unofficial, ever changing protocols. -The animals simply are not done any justice in this environment. The staff are stressed and the animals are often kept in habitats that are too small and not cleaned properly. Example; chinchillas are social animals but Petsmart places them in tiny cages and often solo. -Inconsistent scheduling is a major problem. You may have 10 hours every two weeks or 40, depends on the manager and if they are in a good mood or not, or are being pressured by an invisible corporate entity. -Generally your work ethic and resolve is soul crushed over time as you realize there is no room for advancement, the company hires its best positions from outside, rarely from within.