PetSmart Adoption Guide – Things to know before head
This PetSmart adoption guide explains the full process for bringing home a rescue animal from their stores.
It covers partnerships with local shelters, available pets, adopter qualifications, fees, and potential challenges. PetSmart works through its charities arm to help adoptions, connecting people with animals in need.
With over 1,600 locations across North America, these events and centers make it straightforward to find a match.
Key Takeaways
- The PetSmart adoption guide details a partner-driven process where you interview, apply, and pay fees of $50–$250 for vetted cats, dogs, or small pets.
- Screenings ensure matches, with same-day or delayed take-home based on checks.
- This system supports rescues and offers health perks for affordable, ethical adoptions.
How PetSmart Adoptions Operate
One thing that surprises a lot of first-time visitors is that PetSmart doesn’t actually sell dogs or cats. If you walk in expecting to buy a puppy or kitten, you won’t find one and that’s intentional.
➤ PetSmart partners with local shelters, humane societies, and rescue organizations to host adoption events and in-store adoption centers.
The animals you see available for adoption at PetSmart are all rescues, not pets bred for sale.
Partners include local animal shelters, rescue groups, and nonprofits like the ASPCA or Humane Society affiliates. When you adopt, PetSmart Charities provides space and support, and a portion of fees goes back to the partners to help more animals.
The setup varies by store.
Some have everyday adoption centers with cats in enclosures, while others hold weekend events for dogs and small pets.
Check the PetSmart Charities website for nearby options.
Pets Available Through PetSmart Adoptions
When most people think about adopting from PetSmart, they picture cats and dogs, and those are certainly the most common animals you’ll find. But the variety goes further than that.
The animals available at any given time depend on which rescue organizations are partnering with your local store, and some bring in small animals, birds, and other pets that are just as deserving of a good home.
From high-energy puppies to calm senior cats to small low-maintenance companions, there’s a good chance you’ll find something that fits your lifestyle if you check in regularly.
Kittens and puppies often appear during peak seasons, but adult animals make up a large portion. Small mammals like rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and occasionally birds or reptiles, also show up through specific partners.
Availability depends on local rescues.
➤ Use the online pet finder on the PetSmart Charities site to search by zip code, pet type, age, and gender. This tool lists animals ready for adoption at nearby stores.
A typical PetSmart adoption center displays cats in clean habitats, with info cards on each animal’s background.
The animals available at any given time depend entirely on the local rescue partner, so variety changes regularly. Visiting PetSmart Charities is a great way to browse available animals near you before heading to the store.
Qualifications for Adopters
Adoption partners screen potential owners to help find a good fit.
You must be at least 18 years old and show valid ID.
If you rent, bring landlord approval or lease details allowing pets. Some groups ask about your home setup, like yard access for dogs or allergies in the family.
➤ Partners may require a stable living situation and no history of animal surrender.
In rare cases, they conduct background checks for criminal records related to animal welfare. These steps protect the pets long-term.
Step-by-Step Adoption Process
Adopting a pet at PetSmart is a carefully organized process to ensure the best match between you and your new companion.
Process
- Start by browsing pets online via PetSmart Charities or visiting a store.
- Once you spot an animal, request a meet-and-greet with the pet.
- A representative from the partner group interviews you about your lifestyle, experience with pets, and why this animal suits you.
- Complete the application form with your personal details.
- Pay the adoption fee at the store register.
- The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to two hours. Many adoptions finalize the same day, while some may require a home visit or a waiting period for background approval.
- Take your new pet home along with records on vaccinations, spay/neuter status, and microchip information.
- Partners often provide follow-up support if any issues arise after adoption.
Following these steps helps ensure a smooth, safe, and successful adoption experience for both you and your new pet.
Adoption Fees and Associated Costs
Adoption fees at PetSmart vary because they’re set by the individual rescue organizations, not by PetSmart itself. That means the amount you pay depends on which rescue partner is running the adoption event at your local store.
Generally fees range from $50 to $250, and several factors influence where a specific animal falls within that range.
Adoption Fees
Cat adoptions might cost $100, while dogs could reach $150 or more. These cover spay/neuter surgery, initial vaccines, deworming, and sometimes a starter kit of food or supplies.
Budget for ongoing expenses like vet visits, food, toys, and grooming. PetSmart stores offer discounts on supplies for new adopters, which helps offset initial costs.
Advantages of Adopting from PetSmart
Adopting saves lives by freeing space in shelters for more animals.
Adoption fees at PetSmart are set by the individual rescue organizations, not PetSmart itself, and generally range from $50 to $250 depending on the type of animal, its age, and your location.
Puppies and kittens tend to sit at the higher end, while adult and senior animals are often more affordable.
➤ Pets come vetted, with health checks and basic training in some cases.
The process supports PetSmart Charities, which has facilitated millions of adoptions since 1994.
➤ You gain access to knowledgeable staff and resources.
Many partners provide behavior advice or return policies if the match does not work out, reducing risk for first-time owners.
Drawbacks and Key Considerations
Not every store has animals available daily, so timing matters.
The screening can feel invasive, and waits for approval might delay bringing the pet home. High-demand pets like purebreds or puppies go quickly.
Local partners set rules, leading to inconsistencies across locations. If a specific breed is your goal, broaden your search to multiple stores or online listings.
