Just reading through this thread, and I have to agree. Except, it does depend on the store (I guess). I have both a PetCo and a PetSmart nearby. The folks at PetCo are just as you described above. Peole working to make some money, not a lot of background, little or no training - except on how to use the register.

But the PetSmart here is excellent, the folks really do have a lot of good info. They all have, and have had, pets for a long time. And they aren't afraid to say they don't know. Still, as someone mentioned already, I generally have already done my research before I go in there, and I know what I want