Larkin has been a Pet Stylist at PetSmart for four years where he’s learned to bring his passion for pets and people to his career. Along with bringing his passion to work, he also brings his authentic self-every day. Larkin began his gender transition prior to working at PetSmart but found a place he belonged at his local store.
Larkin’s mom, Rebekah is a Store Leader at PetSmart in East Brunswick, N.J. When Larkin came out to his mother she wanted to help make everyone feel comfortable being who they truly are. “I promised to create a safe space in the world and my store for associates and pet parents to be their authentic self.” Rebekah has been working at PetSmart for seven years and from the moment she started working here she knew PetSmart was a special place. Four years ago, she started to have local stores in the region participate in the NYC Pride parade and festival to celebrate their own associates and customers.
In college, Larkin started to notice what he was studying didn’t match his career goals and started looking for a career that would bring him joy. His mom recommended that he look into working at PetSmart. He applied and got a job as a Bather at PetSmart in Farmingdale, N.Y. Before Larkin started, his District Leader, Kevin reached out to Rebekah to learn his pronouns and to take the time to educate himself to be an ally. “From my first day I felt welcomed and have never looked back,” Larkin said.
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