Trying to get it right - Dog and Cat Specialist Mud Bay Employee Review

3.0
5 Feb 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You can bring your pets to work, if approved. You get a good discount on food/supplies (though the discount is less than what it used to be). It's a pretty chill atmosphere. You get to interact with all different kinds of dogs and the occasional cats. In my opinion, it's the best kind of retail to work. Excellent product and species training within the company. Potential for quarterly bonuses up to $150 and annual profit sharing. Working with customers who are dedicated to their pet's health and nutrition. If you have pets, love pets, are interested in natural, holistic pet products, want a pretty chill place to work then this is it.

Cons

There's an open return policy which means you can return anything after any amount of time for any reason. People definitely take advantage of this policy - returning jackets that their puppy outgrew and harnesses they insist their puppy didn't chew on but definitely did. We issue refunds as long as they have their receipt. I just tell myself - not my circus, not my monkeys. So if the company wants to do that then whatever. Doesn't affect my pay - unless their loose return policy is the reason they don't pay us more. For how much MudBay wants you to know (from naturopathic remedies to diabetes, kidney disease, skin issues to allergies) the pay doesn't really match up. People come to us as a cheaper alternative to their veterinarian - which we don't encourage but happens anyways. We're practically animal nutritionists without the certification. While the starting pay has increased significantly since I've been at the company - I still wish we got paid more. I'm sure most people feel this way about their job though. This company is trying really hard to be a better company but I think they're growing a little faster than they can accommodate and it's frustrating to see new stores open when the old stores are working with old and busted displays, shelving and freezers. Also - we are only closed 5 days out of the year so getting holidays off can be competitive.

Explore other reviews about Mud Bay

5.0
4 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great company. Very friendly and professional. Treat you like a family.

Cons

Your work night shift. So if that’s not your thing you won’t like it.

3.0
10 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The employee discount is great, best benefit of the job in my opinion. You get 40% off all products. My immediate team and manager were absolutely wonderful and the work atmosphere was great. You get to pet cute animals every day and help people solve their pet-related problems. When I started, there was great training and education, but that has recently gone downhill.

Cons

Even though my team was awesome, you can be sent to other locations when there are call-outs, and not every store has a good manager and co-workers. It felt a bit hostile when I went to work at other locations. Upper management is a total joke. They are controlling and make decisions that impact store employees without consulting those who actually work in retail.

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