Can You Bring Your Dog Inside PetSmart?

Yes, you can bring your dog inside PetSmart, as long as it’s leashed and vaccinated. PetSmart’s In-Store Pet Policy welcomes domestic dogs and cats, plus many other pets that are safely secured.

The policy also lists which pets aren’t allowed and what happens if a pet causes problems. Here’s what to know before your next trip with your dog.

PetSmart’s In-Store Pet Policy

PetSmart allows pets in its stores when they’re appropriately secured, meaning leashed or safely confined. They also need to be vaccinated as appropriate for their type of pet.

The policy names domestic dogs first, so a well-behaved, leashed dog is always within the rules. PetSmart doesn’t list any breed restrictions for shopping visits.

PetSmart also says it can refuse any pet for any reason and may change the policy without notice. In practice, that means staff can ask you to leave if a pet is unsafe.

Which Pets Are Allowed

If you’re not sure about your pet, ask a store associate before you bring it inside. Calling ahead saves a wasted trip.

What Counts as a Non-Traditional Pet

PetSmart treats a pet as non-traditional unless it sells the same type of pet, offers it through an adoption partner, sells supplies for it, or treats it at the in-store vet. Non-traditional pets aren’t allowed in stores.

There are two exceptions. Service animals under the ADA or similar laws are allowed, and so are pets with an appointment at the in-store veterinary hospital.

Visiting the Vet Inside PetSmart

Any pet coming in for an in-store vet appointment must be in a crate, kennel or other fastened enclosure. That rule applies to traditional and non-traditional pets alike.

Your pet stays in the carrier until it’s inside an exam room or the hospital’s kennel area. Our Banfield at PetSmart guide explains the clinics and their plans.

Service Animals

Service animals are always welcome under the Americans with Disabilities Act. They don’t need to be leashed if a leash would interfere with their work.

Under ADA rules, staff may ask only whether the dog is a service animal and what task it’s trained to do. They can’t ask for paperwork or a demonstration.

Emotional support animals aren’t service animals under the ADA. A dog in that role is still welcome, though, because dogs are allowed anyway.

Rules for Your Dog

• Keep your dog on a leash or in a secure carrier the whole time
• Make sure vaccines are current, including rabies
• Keep your dog close and away from displays and other pets
• Clean up accidents right away and tell an associate
• Leave if your dog becomes aggressive or overly stressed

A fixed leash gives you more control in busy aisles than a retractable one. It also keeps your dog from reaching other pets in carts or carriers.

Vaccines Before You Visit

PetSmart’s policy requires pets to be vaccinated as appropriate. Staff don’t usually check records at the door for shopping, but grooming, training and day camp do ask for proof.

Puppies that haven’t finished their shots are at higher risk around other dogs. Carry a young puppy or keep it in a cart until its vaccines are complete.

If your dog is due, the low-cost PetSmart vaccination clinics can update shots in the same trip.

Why Bring Your Dog Along

Bringing your dog lets you check collar, harness and coat sizes on the spot. You’ll also see which toys and treats actually get your dog’s attention.

A busy store is great practice for manners around carts, people and other animals. Many trainers suggest short store trips as homework, as our dog training guide explains.

You can also pair your visit with a service. Our grooming prices guide covers salon services you can book while you shop.

Tips for a Smooth Visit

Start with short visits and build up to longer trips. Leave before your dog gets tired or overwhelmed, so every trip ends on a good note.

What to Pack for the Trip

• A fixed-length leash and a well-fitted collar or harness
• Waste bags and a few paper towels
• Small, soft treats for rewarding calm behavior
• Your dog’s vaccine records on your phone
• Water on hot days, especially for flat-faced breeds

Never leave your dog waiting in the car, even for a quick stop. Cars heat up fast, and dogs are welcome inside anyway.

Bringing a Puppy

Short, calm visits help puppies get used to new sounds, floors and people. Keep the first trips to 10 or 15 minutes.

Until vaccines are complete, carry your puppy or use a cart with a blanket. Avoid letting it sniff where many dogs have been.

Let friendly shoppers offer a treat only if your puppy seems relaxed. Positive meetings now shape how your dog feels about strangers later.

Dropping Off for Grooming, Day Camp or Training

Services have stricter rules than shopping trips. Grooming, Doggie Day Camp and training all ask for vaccine proof at check-in.

Check the requirements for each service before you go, since day camp also has a temperament check. Bring records on paper or in a digital app.

If Your Dog Gets Nervous

Signs of stress include panting, tucked tails, yawning and pulling toward the exit. Move to a quiet aisle and give your dog a moment to settle.

Reward calm behavior with small treats. If your dog stays anxious, head out and try again another day at a quieter time.

Dogs that react to other dogs may do better with curbside pickup until their training improves. Our delivery and pickup guide covers those options.

When PetSmart Might Ask You to Leave

Staff can ask you to take your pet out if it shows aggression, seems sick or isn’t properly secured. This protects other pets, shoppers and the animals PetSmart cares for.

A non-traditional pet without a vet appointment will also be turned away. Ask an associate if you’re unsure before you walk in.

Cats and Other Pets in Store

Cats are allowed too, but most are happier in a secure carrier than on a harness. A busy store can frighten a cat that isn’t used to travel.

Small pets, birds and reptiles should stay in a carrier with good airflow. Keep them away from dogs and the store’s own animal areas.

Good Manners in the Store

Not every shopper likes dogs, and some are nervous or allergic. Keep your dog by your side and ask before letting it greet people or other pets.

Avoid letting your dog sniff or mark displays, and keep it away from open food and treat bins. Small courtesies help keep PetSmart’s pet-friendly policy in place.

Bringing Your Dog Questions

Can I bring my dog into any PetSmart?

Yes, PetSmart’s In-Store Pet Policy allows leashed, vaccinated domestic dogs in its stores.

Does PetSmart have breed restrictions for shoppers?

The policy doesn’t list breed restrictions. Any well-behaved, leashed dog is welcome.

Can my dog ride in a shopping cart?

Small dogs and puppies often do, ideally on a blanket or in a carrier. Keep them secure so they can’t jump out.

Can I bring my snake or lizard to PetSmart?

Non-venomous reptiles are allowed if safely confined. Venomous reptiles aren’t.

Can I bring my cat into PetSmart?

Yes. Cats are allowed, ideally in a secure carrier.

Do I need to show vaccine records to shop?

Not usually at the door, but pets must be vaccinated under the policy. Services check records at check-in.

What if my dog has an accident in the store?

Let an associate know right away so it can be cleaned properly. Most stores keep cleanup supplies near the front, and staff are used to it.

Are emotional support animals allowed?

If it’s a dog or another allowed pet, yes. ESAs don’t have special access beyond the normal pet policy.