PetSmart Gift Card Balance Check, Uses & Restrictions
PetSmart gift cards never expire, carry no fees and pay for services like grooming and boarding as well as products. You can check the balance online at petsmart.com/checkbalance, by phone or at any register.
Gift card basics
- Up to $500 on one card
- Use up to 5 cards on one online order
- Physical cards can be reloaded in store, eGift cards can’t
- Treat it like cash, since lost cards are hard to recover
Checking Your Balance
Have the 16-digit card number ready, plus the PIN under the scratch-off strip on the back. Any of these methods works.
A card without a PIN can’t be used online. A store can move its balance onto a new card that works on petsmart.com.
Merchandise return cards are different. Their balance can only be checked at a store register.
What Gift Cards Can and Can’t Pay For
PetSmart’s gift card terms list exactly where cards work. The services side is the part most people miss.
| Use | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Products in stores and online | Yes |
| Grooming, PetsHotel, Doggie Day Camp and training | Yes |
| Another gift card | No |
| Autoship orders | No |
| Charitable donations | No |
| Cash back | No, unless required by law |
A gift card can cover a full grooming appointment, a PetsHotel stay or a training class. That makes it a far more flexible gift than a simple food voucher.
Where to Buy PetSmart Gift Cards
You can buy cards at PetSmart stores in the US and Canada, or online at petsmart.com. Online, choose a digital eGift card sent by email or a physical card shipped to the recipient.
PetSmart also takes bulk orders of eGift or physical cards, which suits businesses and groups. Cards are only valid when bought from PetSmart or another authorized seller.
No sales tax is charged when you buy a gift card. The products you later buy with it are taxed as normal.
eGift Cards vs Physical Cards
| eGift card | Physical card |
|---|---|
| Arrives by email in minutes | Shipped or bought in store |
| Can’t be reloaded | Can be reloaded at any PetSmart store |
| Can’t be returned once received | Not refundable either |
| Great for last-minute gifts | Great for wrapping or cards |
Pick an eGift card if the gift is late. Choose a physical card if the recipient likes to top it up and keep using it.
Paying for Services With a Gift Card
Gift cards work at the salon, PetsHotel, Doggie Day Camp and training desk just like at the register. Hand the card over when you pay at pickup.
If you book services online, you can usually pay in store when you arrive. Ask the associate to apply the gift card first, then cover any difference another way.
Bulk and Business Orders
PetSmart takes bulk orders of eGift and physical cards for groups. They work well as thank-you gifts for pet sitters, vet staff or volunteers.
Each card still follows the same rules, including the $500 maximum per card.
Using Gift Cards Online
Enter the card number and PIN in the payment section at checkout. You can use up to five gift cards on one petsmart.com order.
If the cards don’t cover the total, pay the rest with another method. Any leftover balance stays on the card for next time.
Limits to Know
- Each card holds a maximum of $500
- One person can buy up to $10,000 in gift cards per day
- Cards bought from auction or reseller sites aren’t valid
- Cards resold or transferred for value are void
Gift cards are issued by PetsCard, LLC, a PetSmart affiliate. The terms are governed by Arizona law.
Lost, Stolen or Damaged Cards
PetSmart says to treat a gift card like cash, and the value of a lost card is non-refundable. Its help page says lost or stolen cards can’t be replaced.
The gift card terms add one exception. The issuer may give you a new card for the unused balance if you have adequate proof of purchase and the card number.
That makes two habits worth forming. Photograph every card and keep the receipt until the balance is used.
If an online gift card order is lost or stolen in shipping, email [email protected]. Cards bought through other retailers should be raised with that seller.
A Card Shows a Zero Balance
Re-enter the number without spaces and check the PIN carefully. New cards can take a short time to activate after purchase.
If the problem continues, call Customer Care at 1-888-839-9638. Have your receipt and card number ready.
Saving Money With Gift Cards
Some credit card and travel rewards programs let you redeem points for retailer gift cards, sometimes at a bonus rate. That’s one of the safest ways to get PetSmart credit for less.
Be careful with discounted cards from resale sites. PetSmart’s terms say cards resold for value are void, so you could lose the balance.
Pair a gift card with a sale for an extra layer of savings. Our PetSmart coupons guide lists current deals.
Watch Out for Gift Card Scams
Scammers often ask victims to pay with store gift cards, because the money is hard to trace once the numbers are shared. A real business or government agency won’t demand payment this way.
- Never read a card number or PIN to someone over the phone
- Ignore messages saying you won a PetSmart card and must pay a fee
- Buy cards only from PetSmart or trusted retailers
- Check that the packaging and scratch-off strip haven’t been tampered with
If you think you’ve been scammed, contact PetSmart Customer Care right away. You can also report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Gift Cards and Treats Points
Buying a gift card doesn’t earn Treats Rewards points. Spending it on eligible products does, as long as you scan your Treats account.
Points aren’t earned on taxes. Our Treats Rewards guide explains what earns points and what doesn’t.
Returns on Items Bought With a Gift Card
If you return something paid for with a gift card, the refund comes back as a merchandise return card. It works in stores but can’t be used online or cashed out.
See our PetSmart return policy guide for the full refund rules.
Keeping Track of Your Cards
Small leftover balances are easy to forget. Keep all your PetSmart cards together and use the oldest ones first.
Before a big shop, check each card’s balance so you know how much to bring. Spending a few small balances on one order clears them out neatly.
Gift Ideas With a PetSmart Card
- A first grooming session for a new puppy
- A night or two at PetsHotel for a holiday trip
- A training class for a newly adopted dog
- A stock-up of food and litter for a busy friend
Pairing a card with a short note about a specific service makes it feel more personal. New pet owners often appreciate help with the first big shopping trip most.
Gift Card Questions
Do PetSmart gift cards expire?
No, they never expire and have no service fees on unused balances.
Can I use a PetSmart gift card in Canada?
Yes, cards work at PetSmart stores in the US and Canada and on both websites.
Can I return a gift card?
No, gift cards can’t be refunded or exchanged for cash unless the law requires it. An eGift card can’t be canceled once it’s received.
Can I use a gift card with a coupon?
Yes, a gift card is just a payment method. Apply coupons and promotions first, then pay the remaining total with the card.
Can I pay for a vet visit with a gift card?
The terms list merchandise, grooming, PetsHotel, Doggie Day Camp and training. Vet clinics inside PetSmart are separate businesses, so ask them directly.
