Petco: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

Petco Animal Supplies was founded in 1965 in San Diego, California, where the company is still headquartered today. What began as a mail-order veterinary supply business grew into one of the largest pet specialty retail chains in North America.

Over the decades, Petco expanded its store footprint and service offerings significantly. The company went through several ownership structures - including periods of private equity ownership under TPG and Leonard Green & Partners beginning in 2006, followed by CVC Capital Partners and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board beginning in 2016 - before returning to public markets. Petco relisted on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol WOOF in January 2021, rebranding as Petco Health and Wellness Company to reflect its expanded focus on pet health services.

Today, Petco operates across three primary categories: retail products, services, and veterinary care. The company sells pet food, supplies, toys, and accessories across its store network and online channels. In-store services include grooming salons, dog training programs, and Vetco veterinary clinics, which provide affordable wellness services such as vaccinations and routine exams.

Petco employs workers across a range of roles, including:

The company offers employment across entry-level retail positions through specialized roles in animal care and veterinary services.

Yes. Petco conducts background checks on candidates as part of its standard hiring process. Background checks are typically initiated after a conditional job offer has been extended. The scope and depth of the check may vary depending on the role - positions involving animal care, access to customer information, or financial responsibilities may involve more thorough screening.

Background check turnaround times vary based on a number of factors, including the types of searches ordered, the geographic scope of the check, and how quickly courts and government agencies respond to record requests. Many background checks are completed within one to three business days. Checks that require manual court record retrieval, involve multiple jurisdictions, or encounter candidate verification issues can take longer.

For a detailed breakdown of what affects turnaround times, see how long does a background check take.

A standard employment background check can include several types of searches. Common components include:

The specific searches Petco runs may vary by role and location.

The lookback period for a background check depends on the type of record and applicable state law. Under the FCRA, consumer reporting agencies are generally prohibited from reporting certain negative information - such as non-conviction records and civil judgments - older than seven years. However, criminal convictions can typically be reported regardless of age at the federal level.

Many states impose stricter limits. Some states restrict reporting of criminal records older than seven years for positions below a certain salary threshold. The applicable rules depend on where the candidate lives and where the job is located.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that governs how consumer reporting agencies collect, use, and share background check information. Key FCRA protections for job candidates include:

For more detail, see Checkr's introduction to the FCRA and EEOC.

Petco does not maintain a blanket policy that automatically disqualifies candidates with felony records. Like many employers, Petco evaluates candidates with criminal histories on a case-by-case basis. Factors typically considered include the nature and severity of the offense, how much time has passed since the conviction, and whether the offense is directly relevant to the responsibilities of the role.

Several states and municipalities have enacted ban-the-box laws that restrict when and how employers can ask about criminal history during the hiring process. In jurisdictions with these laws, Petco may be required to delay criminal history inquiries until later in the hiring process. For more information on how these laws work, see Checkr's overview of ban-the-box laws.

Candidates with criminal records who are applying to Petco should be prepared to provide accurate information and, where appropriate, context about their history.

The Petco hiring process generally follows these steps:

Time from application to start date varies by role, location, and hiring volume.

Running a personal background check with Checkr allows you to preview what Petco may see during the hiring process and identify potential inaccuracies before they affect your 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.

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.