Taking time away from work is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. As a PetSmart associate, you have several options for time off that you may be eligible for. In this article, we will provide an overview of the different types of time off available to you. Please note that for detailed information and specific policies, you can refer to the Paid Time Off Policy in the Policy and Procedure library on our internal Fetch site.
Holidays
PetSmart observes six paid holidays each year. Full-time associates may be eligible for the following holidays in 2024:
- New Year’s Day – Monday, January 1, 2024
- Memorial Day – Monday, May 27, 2024
- Independence Day – Thursday, July 4, 2024
- Labor Day – Monday, September 2, 2024
- Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 28, 2024
- Christmas Day – Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Please note that if you work at the Phoenix Home Office and the holiday falls on a Sunday, the office is typically closed on the Monday following the actual holiday. Similarly, if the holiday falls on a Saturday, the office is usually closed on the Friday prior to the holiday. However, this may vary based on department and work schedule.
Holiday Hours and Pay Policy
According to company policy, full-time hourly associates who work their scheduled shift before and after a holiday are eligible to receive eight hours of holiday pay. Additionally, all hourly associates who work on the holiday itself will receive pay for that day at one and a half times their hourly rate.
Vacation
PetSmart provides most eligible regular full-time associates with paid vacation time based on their length of continuous service and employment status. Vacation time applies to all regular full-time and part-time associates (excluding Director level and above positions) in U.S. stores, U.S. Distribution Centers, and the Phoenix Home Office.
In general, it is important to note that all full-time and part-time associates must use their vacation hours by December 31st of each year, unless otherwise required by state law. Failure to use the accrued vacation hours will result in the forfeiture of any unused hours.
Vacation Time Restrictions
Vacation time for store and/or DC associates cannot be taken during the following periods:
- PetSmart holiday season blackout dates (specific dates communicated annually to store and DC associates).
- Two weeks prior to and one week after store physical inventory (store associates).
Furthermore, there are certain restrictions regarding vacation time for all associates:
- Vacation time must be approved in advance by your leader.
- Vacation hours can be used after the completion of the 90-day introductory period.
- Vacation hours accrued between September and December can be carried over into the following year but must be used by March 31st of the following year. This only applies to an associate’s first year of hire.
- Vacation hours must be taken in full hour increments.
Vacation Time for Part-Time Associates
Part-time associates accrue .019231 vacation hours for each regular hour worked, up to a maximum of 40 hours per calendar year. Accrued vacation calculations are made at the end of each work week. Part-time associates can only use vacation hours that have been accrued. Additionally, part-time associates may request to be paid their accrued vacation time while they are actively working. Please note that unused vacation hours are not paid out at termination unless required by applicable law.
Accrued vacation allowed, time taken, and balances can be accessed through the Paid Time Off page on HR Connect.
Accrual Schedules for Full-Time Associates
The accrual schedule for full-time associates, excluding Director level and above positions, is as follows:
- Years 1-4: 1.54 hours per pay period (40 hours per year)
- Years 5-9: 2.31 hours per pay period (60 hours per year)
- Years 10+: 3.08 hours per pay period (80 hours per year)
FAQs
Q: Can part-time associates carry over their accrued vacation hours?
A: No, part-time associates cannot carry over their accrued vacation hours. These hours must be used within the same calendar year.
Q: Is vacation time available for Director level and above positions?
A: No, vacation time is not available for Director level and above positions. Vacation benefits are applicable to regular full-time and part-time associates only.
Q: How far in advance should vacation time be requested?
A: Vacation time should be requested in advance and approved by your leader to ensure proper planning and coverage for your absence.
Conclusion
At PetSmart, we believe in the importance of time away from work to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Whether it’s enjoying paid holidays or taking a well-deserved vacation, we strive to provide our associates with the time off they need. Remember to review the Paid Time Off Policy on our internal Fetch site for more detailed information.
