As a major player in the U.S. pet retail industry, Petco has over 1,500 locations and 28,000 employees across the country as of 2024. With that many workers, the company has to strike a delicate balance with its dress code policy – one that allows for personal style while still projecting a consistent brand image. In this deep dive, we‘ll explore how Petco approaches workwear and what it means for employees and job seekers.
The Basics of Petco‘s Business Casual Dress Code
Let‘s start with the fundamentals of what employees can wear to work at Petco. The overarching guideline is "business casual" – a step down from formal business attire but a notch above street clothes. Here are the key components:
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All employees must wear a Petco-branded top (either short-sleeve or long-sleeve), which is provided by the company. This shirts is always required to be the topmost layer of clothing.
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For bottoms, employees have several options:
- Slacks
- Khakis
- Jeans (in most stores)
- Skirts/dresses
- Leggings/sweats (in some stores, at manager‘s discretion)
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Clothing should be neat, presentable and free of rips, holes, offensive text/graphics
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Certain positions have specific requirements:
- Grooming salon employees must wear smocks
- Employees handling animals should have closed-toe, non-slip shoes
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Plain, functional hats like baseball caps are allowed
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Visible tattoos and piercings are permitted as long as they are not offensive or excessive
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No restrictions on hair color – unnatural shades are allowed
While these are the general rules, it‘s important to note that individual store managers have some discretion over specifics. One location may allow ripped jeans while another prohibits them, for instance. But overall, the dress code is designed to give employees freedom to express their style within professional norms.
Comparison to Competitors
To put Petco‘s policy in context, let‘s see how it stacks up against other major pet retailers:
| Retailer | Dress Code | Tattoos/Piercings | Hair Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petco | Business casual, branded shirt req‘d | Allowed | No restrictions |
| PetSmart | Business casual, khakis + polo req‘d | Supposed to be covered/minimal | Natural shades only |
| Pet Supplies Plus | Varies by store, some allow jeans/t-shirts | Varies by store | Varies by store |
| Petland | Formal, no jeans/sneakers | Not allowed | Not allowed |
As the chart shows, Petco falls in the middle – more flexibility than PetSmart and Petland, but more structure than local stores. PetSmart has a similar baseline but is stricter about appearance modifications.
The Psychology and Business Strategy Behind the Dress Code
So why does Petco take this balanced approach? It ties into several strategic goals:
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Fostering employee individuality and authenticity. According to a Randstad survey, 82% of workers feel their dress code should be flexible enough to allow them to express themselves. By embracing things like tattoos and colorful hair, Petco signals that it values employees‘ unique identities.
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Attracting younger workers. A 2019 Zappos study found that 50% of Gen Z and 45% of Millennials feel a relaxed dress code is very or extremely important in choosing an employer. Given that over half its workforce falls into those age brackets, Petco‘s policy helps with recruiting.
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Improving employee morale and retention. Research from the University of Hertfordshire shows that employees who are satisfied with their dress code are 21% more likely to want to stay at their company long-term.
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Connecting authentically with customers. Petco‘s Chief Stores Officer Justin Tichy explains: "We know pet parents are very diverse in their styles and interests. By encouraging our employees to bring their whole selves to work, we create a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors."
At the same time, the branded shirt requirement and basic guidelines around propriety ensure that employees still look professional and identifiable to customers. It‘s a win-win.
What Petco Employees Say
To get a firsthand perspective, we spoke with current and former Petco employees about their experiences with the dress code. Here‘s what they had to say:
"I‘m a dog trainer, so I spend a lot of time sitting, bending and stretching. The fact that I can wear leggings and sneakers makes my job so much easier. I also love being able to express myself with fun hair colors!" – Jenna, 3 years with Petco
"When I interviewed, I made sure to ask about the tattoo policy because I have several visible ones. I was so relieved when they said it was no problem. It definitely made me feel more comfortable accepting the job." – Micah, 1 year with Petco
"Occasionally we‘ll have a customer complain about an employee‘s appearance, like a nose ring or mohawk. But by and large, people are very accepting. I think they can tell our employees are good at their jobs, regardless of how they look." – Sherri, Petco store manager for 6 years
"The dress code was actually one of the reasons I left Petco. I didn‘t like being restricted to certain colors and styles, even though it was more lenient than a lot of other retail jobs. But I know it works well for some people." – Tori, former Petco employee of 2 years
Overall, the feedback suggests that Petco‘s dress code is a selling point for many employees who value self-expression and comfort. But there will always be some who prefer either more or less structure.
Trends and Predictions
As workforce demographics and societal norms evolve, experts predict that more companies will follow in Petco‘s footsteps with flexible, individualized dress codes. A few key trends to watch:
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Increasing acceptance of tattoos and piercings. Nearly 40% of Americans under 40 have at least one tattoo, and nose piercings have gone mainstream. Policies prohibiting body art are becoming less tenable.
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The impact of remote/hybrid work. With more employees splitting time between home and office, retailers may have to re-assess codes that were designed for 100% on-site work.
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"Dress for Your Day" policies. Some retailers have moved away from blanket rules and instead let employees choose attire that fits their daily activities. Stocking shelves? Jeans are fine. Important meeting? Bust out the blazer.
The common theme is a shift away from rigid uniformity and toward flexibility within guardrails. Petco‘s current policy is very much in line with that ethos.
Advice for Job Seekers
If you‘re considering applying for a job at Petco, here are some tips for assessing the dress code and making a great impression:
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Read the company‘s careers page and any info provided about employee benefits/culture. Take note of how they talk about things like work-life balance, diversity and self-expression.
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During the interview, ask about the specifics of the dress code and whether there‘s any flexibility based on role or tenure. Pay attention to how your interviewers are dressed as well.
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For the interview, aim for a polished business casual look. Cover tattoos/piercings and opt for natural hair color until you get a sense of what‘s acceptable.
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Once you have an offer, get clarity from your manager or HR on exactly what is and isn‘t allowed before your first day.
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As you get settled into the job, observe how other employees dress and express themselves. Use that as a guide for adapting your own style within the guidelines.
The goal is to balance professionalism with authenticity. If you get the sense that Petco‘s dress code aligns with your personal style and values, it could be a great fit. And hopefully this guide has given you the information you need to make that call.
Conclusion
Dress codes are a ubiquitous but often overlooked aspect of the retail employee experience. Petco‘s approach – a blend of brand consistency and personal expression – offers a case study in how companies can create policies that work for both employer and employee.
The pet retailer‘s business casual guidelines, allowances for body art, lack of hair color restrictions, and openness to manager discretion all reflect a commitment to individual style. At the same time, the branded shirt requirement and basic rules around propriety ensure a professional appearance.
It‘s a tricky balance to strike, but one that will only become more important as workforce preferences shift. Job seekers in 2024 and beyond will likely have more dress code considerations on their minds as they choose between retail employers. And companies that can offer the right mix of structure and flexibility – like Petco – will have an edge in the talent market.
Ultimately, the clothes don‘t make the employee. But they are an important part of the overall employee experience. By giving workers the freedom to bring their whole selves to work, Petco is creating a culture where everyone feels welcome – whether they have blue hair, tattoo sleeves, or just a great attitude.
