Rita Barker

Background

About Rita Barker

We love pets, and we believe pets make us better people. That is what makes me come to work every day-finding like minded people who understand the bond between people and pets. PetSmart is the largest pet specialty retailer in North America, with over 1500 stores, 8.2 Billion dollars in annual sales, associates and growing faster than we ever have in our history. PetSmart is more than just a store for pet food and supplies. We are a sophisticated, complicated big box retailer that averages between 15K and 20K Sq Ft locations. While we are indeed the largest retailer of pet food, consumables, and hardgoods, our stores also have a bustling full service grooming salon and pet training businesses. I joined the PetSmart organization almost four years ago. I was looking for a retailer that aligned closely with my personal beliefs and core values-a retailer with purpose. I found that in PetSmart, with their strong community presence working with local charities and adoption partners, pet training to keep dogs out of shelters (the number one reason dogs are surrendered are due to behavioral issues), and the positive energy that pet lovers brings to our stores and associates. All PetSmart employees share a common love of pets, it is the language we all speak.