Senior Paralegal - Operations

The Legal & Corporate Affairs team is responsible for safeguarding the company’s reputation, ensuring we are operating with integrity and in line with our strategic initiatives. The Legal team provides high-quality legal services, ensures legal compliance and mitigates risks. The Corporate Communications team works to execute strategic and effective communication efforts that drive brand awareness, preference and reputation with internal and external stakeholders. In addition, the Corporate Social Responsibility & Belonging teams support the company’s environmental and social commitments with a strong focus on pets, people and the planet. The collective team supports the overall success and positive reputation of the company.

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.

PetSmart is seeking a highly skilled and proactive Senior Paralegal to join our Legal Department. This role plays a key part in supporting legal functions related to our store operations across the U.S. and Canada.

This role focuses on regulatory responses, internal investigations, litigation support, incident support, and cross-functional projects. This position collaborates closely across departments to manage legal risk and support operational excellence.

We are looking for someone independent, resourceful, and solutions-oriented—someone who can take initiative, own projects, and escalate to counsel as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory & Incident Management

• Lead intake, triage, and resolution of government notices, citations, summonses, and allegations of criminal activity on PetSmart premises
• Draft and manage responses to regulatory agencies and coordinate with stores and outside counsel
• Liaise with municipalities, enforcement agencies, and internal stakeholders to support resolution of issues
• Track and analyze regulatory, incident, and risk data in Riskonnect
• Support regulatory audits and corrective actions across store operations and distribution centers
• Manage the Legal department inbox and assist with legal filings, fine payments, and court logistics

In-store Incidents and Litigation Support

• Coordinate legal response to escalated in-store incidents in partnership with Store Operations, HR, Risk, Services, and Corporate Communications
• Draft internal summaries and support customer communications in coordination with other stakeholders
• Track court appearances and assist with the development of employee testimony

Operational & Policy Support

• Assist in drafting and revising internal policies related to store & DC operations
• Research local, state, and federal regulations to support new service or process rollouts
• Provide legal support on a range of store-related operational issues (e.g., animal welfare regulations, prohibited products, restricted animal species, weights & measures, shopping cart retrieval ordinances, kennel sizes, vaccination record keeping, criminal trespass, fraud investigations)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree + Paralegal Certificate (ABA-accredited)
• 5+ years of relevant experience, preferably in a Fortune 500 or equivalent in-house legal department or at a prominent law firm
• Experience in animal related industries, retail, or multi-unit corporate environments is preferred
• Comfortable with a fast pace and ambiguity; no 2 days are alike in this role
• Strong writing, organization, and multitasking skills
• Must have excellent commercial judgment and the communication skills to convey complex legal issues to non-legal professionals throughout the company
• Comfortable working with associates and leaders from several departments, including officers of the company
• Proficiency with AI tools for workflow optimization
• Proficiency with Riskonnect, ServiceNow, and similar platforms

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 #Life A tPetSmart here:
• Check out Associate stories and share in some celebrations at PetSmart:
• Explore PetSmart Benefits here:
• 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.