About Us

We created the In-store PetSmart Adoption Program because each year 10-15 million pets are abandoned in the U.S. Of those, 6-8 million enter shelters, and an estimated 3-4 million are euthanized -- simply because they do not have loving homes.

Since its inception in 1987, PetSmart has encouraged and supported pet adoption as the means of finding lifelong, loving families for homeless pets. Through our Adoption Program, the number of unwanted pets that are euthanized has been significantly reduced.

PetSmart's Goals for the Adoption Program

PetSmart’s goals for the Adoption Program are to:

  • Be a partner in reducing the number of homeless pets
  • Become the nation’s destination and resource for successful, superior pet adoptions
  • Educate customers about the responsibility of becoming a Pet Parent and initiate the development of lifelong, loyal PetSmart customers.

To fulfill this commitment, PetSmart:

  • Does not sell cats or dogs
  • Donates valuable retail space inside each of our stores where our Adoption Partners can showcase pets that are in need of homes
  • Provides supplies for our Multiple Day Cat & Dog Adoption Programs
  • Partners with many dedicated animal welfare organizations, not only providing them with a venue to display their pets, but also providing valuable rewards and grant funding through PetSmart Charities
  • Provides support for and hosts Spring & Fall National Adoption Weekend Events
  • Hosts Annual Fundraisers:
    • Wish Tree Campaign - Pet Parents can conveniently and easily donate to homeless pets during the holidays by selecting a wish tree gift tag. All proceeds are then shared among the active in-store Adoption Partners.
    • Santa Claws Photo Promotion - For 3 weekends in December, Pet Parents and their pets can receive a holiday photo with Santa. Participating Adoption Partners receive 50% of all photo sales proceeds.

PetSmart and PetSmart Charities partner with more than 3,400 animal welfare agencies. As a result of these efforts and the work of our Adoption Partners we have assisted in saving the lives of more than 3 million pets.