PetSmart: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

PetSmart was founded in 1986 and opened its first stores in 1987 under the name "PetFood Warehouse" in the Phoenix, Arizona, area, before rebranding to PetSmart in 1989. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, the company operates more than 1,650 stores across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, making it one of the largest specialty pet retailers in North America by store count. In 2015, a consortium led by BC Partners completed its acquisition of PetSmart in what was at the time one of the largest retail leveraged buyouts in history. PetSmart also acquired Chewy, the online pet product retailer, in 2017, though the two companies separated in 2020 and now operate independently.

The company's retail stores carry a broad selection of pet food, supplies, accessories, and live animals including fish, birds, reptiles, and small animals. Beyond product sales, PetSmart stores offer a range of in-store services, including professional grooming, boarding at its PetsHotel facilities, doggie day camp, dog training classes offered by PetSmart-certified trainers, and veterinary services provided by Banfield Pet Hospital, which operates clinics inside many PetSmart stores.

PetSmart employs an estimated 50,000 to 55,000 associates across its retail and corporate operations. Store-level roles include pet care associates, cashiers, sales associates, grooming stylists, and salon managers. The company also employs corporate and distribution center staff at its Phoenix headquarters and regional facilities.

Company culture and employee programs:

PetSmart positions itself around a pet-centric culture, with a stated focus on pet welfare and associate engagement with animals. The company offers benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible associates, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, and an employee discount on merchandise and services. PetSmart has also highlighted programs related to pet adoption partnerships with local animal shelters and rescue organizations through its in-store adoption events.

Yes. PetSmart conducts background checks as part of its standard hiring process. Background screening is typically initiated after a conditional offer of employment has been extended, and candidates must provide written authorization before a report is ordered. The specific components of the background check may vary depending on the role and applicable state and local laws.

Most employment background checks can be completed in three to five business days, though timing can vary depending on the types of screenings ordered and how quickly records can be accessed. Automated database searches may return results within minutes, while searches requiring manual courthouse retrieval or additional verification may extend beyond a week. See Checkr's guide to background check turnaround times for more detail.

A background check report may include:

Look-back periods vary by state law, the position being filled, and the data sources used by the CRA. Many employers focus on the past seven years for most convictions, though certain states impose stricter limits. Candidates should review applicable state fair-chance or "ban-the-box" laws to understand local restrictions on how far back a background check can reach.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) establishes federal requirements that employers must follow when using a third-party CRA to run a background check. Under the FCRA, employers must obtain written consent before ordering a report, provide a copy of the report along with a "pre-adverse action" notice if they are considering not hiring based on the findings, and allow candidates a reasonable period to review and dispute any inaccuracies before a final decision is made. EEOC guidance further recommends an individualized assessment that considers the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, and the relevance of the record to the specific job.

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what PetSmart may see and helps you identify potential inaccuracies before you apply. 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.