PetSmart Groomers Saddled With Job Training Debt, Suit Says (1)

A former PetSmart employee sued the company alleging that its training program for pet groomers trapped her in a low-wage job until she was able to repay the costs of the training.

The Phoenix-based retailer required prospective employees with no prior experience to complete a Grooming Academy before caring for pets at retail locations, according to the suit filed Thursday in the Superior Court for the State of California in San Mateo County.

Employees are required to sign on to a $5,000 training repayment agreement provision (TRAP) that has to be paid if a groomer leaves within two years of ...