Pet Supplies Plus: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

Pet Supplies Plus was founded in 1988 in Redford, Michigan, by Harry Shallop and Jack Berry, and the company is headquartered today in Livonia, Michigan. The chain built its identity around a neighborhood pet store format: stores that are smaller and easier to navigate than warehouse-style competitors, staffed by team members who are encouraged to know local customers and their pets by name. The company grew through a combination of corporate-owned stores and franchising, and by 2023 it reported more than 720 stores across dozens of states.

Ownership has shifted several times in recent years. Franchise Group, a holding company for franchised retail brands, acquired Pet Supplies Plus in 2021. Franchise Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November 2024 and emerged in June 2025 under a reorganization plan. In December 2025, Pet Supplies Plus and its sister brand Wag N' Wash formally separated from Franchise Group and now operate as an independent entity.

Stores sell pet food, treats, toys, and supplies for dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, and small animals, and many locations offer grooming salons, self-serve pet wash stations, and live pet habitats. Because much of the chain is franchised, individual stores may be owned and operated by independent franchisees, which can influence hiring practices from one location to the next. Typical store roles include sales team members, cashiers, pet care specialists, groomers and grooming assistants, stockers, assistant managers, and store managers, with distribution and corporate roles supporting the network.

Company culture and employee programs: Pet Supplies Plus emphasizes a friendly, neighborly store experience, and many roles are a natural fit for animal lovers. Team members are typically trained on pet care basics, product knowledge, and safe animal handling, and groomers may complete more formal training or certification pathways. Benefits, pay, and perks such as employee discounts vary by location, role, and whether a store is corporate-owned or franchised, so candidates should confirm details with the hiring store.

Yes. Employers in the pet retail industry, including Pet Supplies Plus, are legally permitted to conduct pre-employment background checks on job candidates as long as they comply with federal, state, and local laws. In the United States, screening conducted through a consumer reporting agency is governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which requires clear disclosure, written consent, and a defined adverse action process before a report can be used against a candidate.

Pet Supplies Plus is generally reported to conduct background checks for at least some positions, consistent with common practice in retail. Because many stores are owned by independent franchisees, screening practices for a Pet Supplies Plus background check may vary by location and owner. Roles that involve handling cash, managing a store, driving for deliveries, or providing grooming services in close contact with customers' pets may be screened more thoroughly than entry-level positions. Candidates should review the disclosure forms they receive during hiring to see what applies to their role.

Hiring steps vary by store, but the process typically starts with an online application through the company's careers page or a job board, or in some cases an in-store application. Candidates who move forward usually complete one or more interviews with a store leader. For grooming roles, candidates may be asked about experience, certifications, or a grooming demonstration. Candidates who receive a conditional offer may then be asked to consent to a background check before a start date is confirmed, followed by onboarding and training.

Most background checks are completed within a few business days, though the exact timeline depends on the searches included and the responsiveness of courts in the counties being searched. Reports that span multiple jurisdictions or rely on courts with manual record systems can take longer. Candidates can learn more about what affects timing in this overview of background check turnaround times.

Each employer selects the screenings that fit the role. For a position at a pet retailer like Pet Supplies Plus, a background check may include some or all of the following:

The disclosure and consent paperwork provided during hiring will identify which searches will be run for a specific position.

Lookback windows depend on the type of search and applicable law. The FCRA generally prevents consumer reporting agencies from reporting most negative information older than seven years, although criminal convictions can often be reported further back under federal law, and exceptions exist for certain higher-salary roles. Some states cap conviction reporting at seven years, so candidates in different states may see different results on otherwise similar reports.

Pet Supplies Plus does not publish a detailed public policy on hiring candidates with felony records, and decisions are typically made case by case, often by the individual store owner or manager. Employers commonly weigh the nature and age of the offense against the duties of the role. Many states and localities have enacted "ban-the-box" laws that limit when criminal history questions can be asked and require individualized assessment. Candidates with records are generally encouraged to apply and to be honest throughout the process.

Before a background check begins, candidates will typically receive a standalone disclosure and be asked to sign a written authorization. Candidates should be ready to provide accurate personal information, including full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address history. Roles involving driving may also require a valid driver's license and consent to a motor vehicle record check. Accurate information helps the right jurisdictions get searched and keeps the process moving.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a federal law that regulates how consumer reporting agencies gather and share background information. Under the FCRA, an employer must obtain written consent before ordering a background check, must provide a pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report and a summary of rights if the results may lead to a negative decision, and must give the candidate a chance to dispute inaccurate information. Read more in this introduction to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and related EEOC guidance.

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what Pet Supplies Plus may see and helps you identify potential inaccuracies before they affect your job application. In one secure report you can review:

Create your report in minutes at Checkr Personal Background Checks. To showcase verified credentials proactively, build a free Checkr Profile you can share with recruiters, hiring managers, or potential employers.

Check your report status in the Candidate Portal. Or, visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, dispute steps, and to contact support.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.