Every store is different. Petco has many policies and procedures in place for how animals are taken care of. (I have seen bills for feeder mice [retail less than $3] taken to the vet for an eye infection or a tumor that needed removed and the bill was near $100, Petco pays that bill because it's their responsibility). There are also many policies and procedures in place that ensure fish and corals are received and cared for properly. Employee knowledge plays a big role as well as their work ethic and managerial influence. The store I work at is an Aquatics and Reptile Magnet store. We have a frag tank, discus tank, huge availability and freedom when ordering fish, and we care a lot about the fish and animals we care for. My co-worker and I ("Aquatic Specialists") actually plan when one of us can't be there for work, so the other person can be so that everything is always looked after. We medicate when needed with Copper, Salt, Maracyn, Melafix, Pimafix, Clout, as well as other medications. I'm not sure why people think that PetCo can't medicate, all of these medicines are available as "Store Use" so I am not sure why other stores aren't staying stocked up on their medicines. Our Aquatics Department has a schedule of what sections are cleaned each day of the week. The person cleaning is required to initial and write down what they've complete which usually consists of a scrub, 25% water change/substrate vacuum, as well as changing pre filter pads and carbon pillows. This is done WEEKLY on every aquarium with the exception of our saltwater section which receives 25% water changes TWICE weekly and the discus display that gets a 10%-20% water change DAILY. If we ever have sick fish we plug off the aquarium and set it up with its own filter and heater separate from the rest of the system and medicate as necessary. If fish are too sick to be cured we have Finquil (aka fish anesthesia) on hand to humanly euthanize the fish (this is kept in the store safe and is done with supervision from management). Our fish are all acclimated slowly and inspected and observed closely, especially during arrival and during cleanings and before the store opens in the morning. My store has a less than 20% shrink rate meaning we sell over 80% of what we order in and less than 20% of the stock ends up as a fatality. Most of the time this shrink is because of something being sold as the wrong specimen or something being sold as one instead of two for example live plants or a "bad" shipment of fish is received which is the fault of the vendor. Only aquatics knowledgeable employees are allowed in the aquatics department in my store and usually only in rare cases someone who is not knowledgeable is bagging fish or helping customers (for example if it is extremely busy).
I understand that there are bad and good Petcos as well as bad and good private stores. Just because the store in your area is not properly maintained, don't discount all other stores because Aquatics Magnet Petcos actually have conference calls with suppliers such as ORA, Quality Marine, Seagrest Farms, A and M Aquatics, and Sustainable Aquatics on a regular basis to talk about the live stock, what we need to improve upon, as well as how we can serve customers better. Just because your local pet store or local Petco is not maintained well, don't assume they are all that way.
I don't think many people appreciate the amount of time, human capital, and money that is spent on animal care--especially in large corporate ran stores. Things aren't always perfect, but keep in mind there are employees who are very dedicated, care about the animals in their store, and try to provide the best customer experience they can given their resources and time.
People also seem to overlook the non-profit charities such as the Petco foundation that provides millions of dollars a year to rescues and shelters.
Just my two cents. I'm tired of hearing "typical chain store". I work my butt off every day to ensure all of my animals are getting everything they need and customers are assisted as quickly and questions are answered as best as possible. I am college educated and going into a Master's Program in marketing. I'm not a "stupid, low paid college kid just waiting to collect my paycheck". Next time you walk into a pet store or in fact ANY retail store, don't assume workers are being paid only minimum wage or are not educated Show a little respect and you'll get it in return, you might be surprised.
Just my more than two cents worth ;-)