It's no surprise people are passionate about the health and happiness of their pet and our Merchandising (buying) team is no different. When it comes to the products and solutions in our stores, our incredible teams of merchandising associates have everything covered – from head to tail! From keeping up with the top trends to developing new, innovative solutions, our buyers help ensure every pet parent can find exactly what their pet needs at PetSmart. Join our team and show your love for pets by creating products as special as pets themselves!

Collaborative & Flexible Work Environment: We believe in fostering growth, teamwork and creativity in a dynamic workplace. This role is based at PetSmart’s Phoenix Home Office, where associates currently enjoy the benefits of in-person collaboration while having the flexibility to work remotely one day per week (a “flex workday” with leader approval), and an expected four days in the office. At PetSmart, you’ll be part of an engaging and supportive environment designed to help you and our teams thrive.

The Pet Health Team Compliance Lead supports pet health initiatives at PetSmart’s Phoenix Home Office (PHO) by leading compliance efforts for avian, exotic companion mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and aquatic pets across vendors, distribution centers, and stores.

This role oversees and follows up on Vet Assured™ program activities, including compliance audits, corrective actions, claims, cases, and projects related to diagnostic testing, pet loss/welfare, husbandry, and continuing education. Additionally, the Compliance Lead applies epidemiological principles to analyze store and vendor data, identifying health trends, compliance risks, and opportunities for proactive intervention.

By leveraging data-driven insights and cross-functional collaboration, this position plays a critical role in enhancing specialty pet health and welfare standards while driving continuous improvement across the supply chain.

Essential Duties

• Review live vendor compliance summaries and determine compliance status, risk of non-compliance, and/or applicable resulting actions.
• Initiate and facilitate discussions to determine necessary corrective changes or applicable actions due to non-compliance.
• Compile, review, and oversee vendor corrective action requirements from various processes, including Vet Assured audits, diagnostic tests, health metrics, or regulatory non-compliance. Manage, communicate, and follow up on corrective changes made by the vendors until an acceptable resolution is reached.
• Evaluate health metrics of live vendor breeding and selection process through a data-driven viewpoint of animal condition upon arrival to stores and distribution centers. Be able to identify actionable information and data and perform epidemiological investigations and appropriate vendor communications to resolve issues.
• Manage communication between vendors, distribution centers, and pet health teams to ensure timely and acceptable resolution of compliance issues.
• Document processes, procedures, work instructions, forms, and maintain records.
• Consult/collaborate with cross-functional partners related to animal health and welfare standards.
• Generate regular reports on compliance metrics, health trends, and vendor performance.
• Assist in the development of continuing education programs for store associates and PetSmart Veterinary Services (PVS) Veterinarians.

Education/Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, accompanied by a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) credential, aquatic biologist experience, or other appropriate professional qualification/degree.
• 2+ years of successful leadership experience.
• 2+ years of exotic/aquatic animal husbandry or clinical experience.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and uphold compliance, regulatory, or accreditation standards and processes.
• Familiarity with relevant animal welfare regulations and standards (e.g., USDA Animal Welfare Act, state-specific regulations, IATA standards, CITES).
• A strong understanding of common diseases, parasites, and health issues specific to avian, exotic companion mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and aquatic pets, with a focus in epidemiology or prevention.
• Familiarity with veterinary diagnostic procedures (e.g., fecal exams, bloodwork, PCR testing) and interpretation of results.
• Ability to apply epidemiological principles to investigate outbreaks, identify risk factors, and implement preventative measures.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a strong customer-focus and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams but also self-motivated with the ability to effectively work independently.
• An understanding of quantitative analysis and basic descriptive statistics.
• Understands the team’s goals and takes initiative to resolve issues in a timely and effective manner.
• Experience with writing or interpretation of academic research, SOPs/policy, and/or audit findings. Experience with auditing facilities or maintaining facility compliance with local, state, and federal regulations preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and has the willingness and ability to learn or use other software applications.

At PetSmart, we work hard to create a culture where every associate feels like they truly belong and we celebrate the unique stories, backgrounds, and experiences our associates share.  These experiences not only bring new perspectives in shaping our Belonging culture but they’re core to PetSmart’s success.

Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We’d still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You just may be the ideal candidate for this role, and if not this one, perhaps another position.

Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:

• Pet friendly environment, bring your pets to work!
• On-site Dog Park
• “Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists and personal trainers
• “Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options
• On-site coffee bar
• “Lil’ Paws” learning center and onsite daycare facility (associate paid)
• Volunteer events with PetSmart Charities
• Learn more about #LifeAtPetSmart here: https://www.lifeatpetsmart.com/life-at-petsmart/
• Check out Associate stories and share in some celebrations at PetSmart: https://www.blog.lifeatpetsmart.com/
• Explore PetSmart Benefits here: https://benefits.petsmart.com/
• If you don't already live in the Phoenix area here's a guide to the area:  Welcome to Phoenix Guide

PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.