PetSmart Settlement for Workers

CO Attorney General Press Releases

Filed February 17th, 2026

Detected February 18th, 2026

Summary

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is distributing $225,000 to over 60 former PetSmart workers following a settlement over deceptive training program advertising. PetSmart must also comply with Colorado law for future training repayment agreements and stop collection activities against affected workers.

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What changed

The Colorado Attorney General's office is distributing $225,000 to over 60 former PetSmart workers as part of a settlement resolving allegations that PetSmart trapped dog groomers through a deceptive "free" training program that required repayment if workers left early. The settlement requires PetSmart to comply with Colorado law regarding future training repayment agreements (TRAPs) and advertisements, cease collection activities against affected workers, and remove negative credit information. The company denies liability.

Affected former PetSmart workers in Colorado should expect to receive settlement checks ranging from $2,100 to $5,500, depending on their circumstances. Workers are advised to deposit or cash checks promptly as they may become void after 90 days. The Attorney General's office will not request personal information for payment, and any such requests should be considered fraudulent. This action highlights the importance of accurate advertising of employment terms and adherence to worker protection laws.

Source document (simplified)

Attorney General Weiser to send settlement funds to Colorado PetSmart workers

Feb. 17, 2026 (DENVER) – More than 60 former PetSmart workers will soon receive checks in the mail from a November 2025 settlement reached with PetSmart. Attorney General Phil Weiser sued the company in July 2025, alleging it trapped dog groomers through a deceptive training program.

An investigation by the Worker Protection Unit in the Colorado Department of Law found evidence that PetSmart deceptively advertised its Grooming Academy as “free” while requiring workers to repay training costs if they left their jobs early. Under the settlement, PetSmart is required to comply with Colorado law for any future training repayment agreement provisions (TRAPs) and related advertisements. PetSmart also agreed to notify Colorado workers that they are released from obligations under the TRAP and to stop all collection activities against Colorado workers, including directing third-party credit agencies to remove negative credit information.

PetSmart also paid $225,000 to the state to resolve alleged violations of consumer and worker protection laws. The company denies any liability or wrongdoing. The Colorado Attorney General’s Office is now distributing those funds to workers harmed by these practices.

“Workers should not be trapped in their jobs or punished for leaving,” said Attorney General Weiser. “Protecting workers is a priority for my office, and we are returning money to Colorado workers harmed by deceptive training practices.”

Worker payments

Settlement payments will be issued to eligible workers in three categories: workers who were sent to debt collection, workers who reported staying in their jobs longer than they otherwise would have because of the training repayment agreement, and workers who left their jobs before completing two years and three months of employment. Payments will be $5,500, $5,000, or $2,100, depending on the category.

Eligible workers should watch for a letter from the Colorado Office of the Attorney General containing their settlement check. Checks must be deposited or cashed promptly and may become void after 90 days.

Fraud warning

No one from the Colorado Attorney General’s Office will ask recipients for bank account information, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, or any other personal information in exchange for settlement funds. Requests for this information are indicators of fraud or a scam.

For more information, workers may contact (720) 508-6890 or consumer.protection@coag.gov.

Media Contact:
Mallory Boyce
Communications Specialist
720-219-1898
Mallory.Boyce@coag.gov

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