Pet Shop Workers

According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), employment of animal care and service workers is expected to grow much faster than the average for all careers through 2028. The DOL reports that "Employment of animal care and service workers in kennels, grooming shops, and pet stores is projected to increase in order to keep up with the growing demand for animal care." Job opportunities for retail salespersons, which includes pet store workers and those in other types of stores, are expected to decline slightly through 2028 due to competition from online sales.

The larger pet stores, which can afford to offer special pricing, inexpensive grooming facilities, and free training programs, are taking much of the business away from the smaller, traditional, "mom and pop" pet shops. This trend is likely to continue, but small stores will survive as they promote a more personalized and knowledgeable assistance not available from the larger stores. The pet retail industry, in some form, will grow along with the retail industry in general.

The puppies and kittens frolicking in the windows of corner pet shops are becoming a thing of the past as animal activists have made the public increasingly aware of "puppy mills" and other unregulated animal breeders. Groups such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals fight for better regulation of animal sales practices and animal care in pet shops.

Holistic pet care is also changing the industry—nonchemical remedies, natural foods, and vitamin supplements for animals are gaining more acceptance from store owners, animal breeders, and veterinarians. And, as with every industry, computers have influenced the way stores keep records of business, sales, and animal health. Pet shop managers will be expected to have some computer skills, and a basic understanding of bookkeeping software.