Hiring ages › Retail stores

How old do you have to be to work at PetSmart?

You have to be at least 18 to work at PetSmart. State law can raise the age — pick your state below.

Company-confirmed · checked October 2026

PetSmart's hiring age policy

PetSmart's careers portal says you must be at least 18 years old to work at PetSmart. Stores are company-run, so this applies to store jobs nationwide, including retail, pet care and grooming roles.

Minimum age by job

14
15
16
17
18+
18+Retail sales associate · Pet groomer / groomer trainee
JobAgeNote
Retail sales associate18+
Pet groomer / groomer trainee18+

How to apply at PetSmart

Apply online at careers.petsmart.com; applicants must be at least 18.

See PetSmart jobs →

PetSmart hiring age by state

The youngest age PetSmart could hire you at in each state: the company's minimum or the state's, whichever is higher. “✓ seen” means we found a real PetSmart posting there accepting that age.

From 18
Show the table for all states
StateYoungest ageWork permitHours at 14–15 (school week)
Alabama18+——
Alaska18+——
Arizona18+——
Arkansas18+——
California18+——
Colorado18+——
Connecticut18+——
Delaware18+——
District of Columbia18+——
Florida18+——
Georgia18+——
Hawaii18+——
Idaho18+——
Illinois18+——
Indiana18+——
Iowa18+——
Kansas18+——
Kentucky18+——
Louisiana18+——
Maine18+——
Maryland18+——
Massachusetts18+——
Michigan18+——
Minnesota18+——
Mississippi18+——
Missouri18+——
Montana18+——
Nebraska18+——
Nevada18+——
New Hampshire18+——
New Jersey18+——
New Mexico18+——
New York18+——
North Carolina18+——
North Dakota18+——
Ohio18+——
Oklahoma18+——
Oregon18+——
Pennsylvania18+——
Rhode Island18+——
South Carolina18+——
South Dakota18+——
Tennessee18+——
Texas18+——
Utah18+——
Vermont18+——
Virginia18+——
Washington18+——
West Virginia18+——
Wisconsin18+——
Wyoming18+——

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Questions

How old do you have to be to work at PetSmart?

You have to be at least 18 to work at PetSmart. State law can raise the age.

Does PetSmart hire 16-year-olds?

Generally no. PetSmart's own careers site says you must be at least 18 to work at PetSmart. If you're 16 or 17, look at other pet or retail jobs for now and apply after you turn 18.

Can a 14- or 15-year-old work at PetSmart?

No. PetSmart's minimum age is 18.

What jobs can I get at PetSmart once I'm 18?

Entry jobs include retail sales associate, pet care and grooming roles (including groomer trainee). Openings depend on the store.

How do I apply to PetSmart?

Apply online at careers.petsmart.com. Search by city or zip code for open jobs at stores near you.

Other places that hire at 18

Sources

  1. PetSmart careers portal – Pet Groomer Trainee — 'You must be at least 18 years old to work at PetSmart.'

Last checked October 10, 2026. See a different age at your PetSmart? Tell us.