Becoming an Adoption Partner

We're glad you want to learn about becoming a PetSmart Charities® Adoption Partner. Review this information carefully, then determine if your organization may be a great match for this life-saving program.

PetSmart, Inc. donates valuable retail space to PetSmart Charities so that approved adoption partners can showcase homeless pets that are in need of homes. To date, our PetSmart Charities Adoption Centers have supported the adoption of nearly 5 million pets — read below to learn more about becoming a PetSmart Charities Adoption Partner.

Benefits of the In-Store Adoption Program

  • All PetSmart® store locations have the opportunity to provide space that may be used to accommodate local animal welfare organizations with the goal of saving pets' lives
  • Approved Adoption Partners in good standing receive funding from PetSmart Charities for each pet adopted through the Adoption Program
  • Approved Adoption Partners that additionally participate in scheduled events may receive increased per-adoption funding as well as the potential for event grants
  • Many of the supplies necessary to conduct on-site adoptions at store location are provided
  • Approved Adoption Partners whose pets are housed within In-Store Adoption Centers may also receive additional maintenance and pet adoption support
  • Additional vendor and/or business promotional programs may also available to Adoption Partners

General Expectations of the Adoption Program

  • The ultimate goal of this program is to provide adoptable pets a chance to get great homes, so Adoption Partners must focus on pet adoption
  • Must provide pre-adoption surgeries before adoptable pets are released to adopters.
  • Must vaccinate all age-appropriate cats and dogs against rabies and other communicable diseases.
  • Adoption Partners must only provide healthy, vaccinated, sterilized and behaviorally appropriate pets
  • Adoption Partners must adhere to all Adoption Program guidelines, policies and procedures
  • Adoption Partners must adhere to an agreed-upon, set schedule
  • Adoption Partners must provide fantastic customer service
  • Adoption Partners are expected to interact regularly and professionally with all staff and the public
  • Adoption Partners must recognize that pet homelessness is a national and global issue and all allocation of space is at the discretion of PetSmart and PetSmart Charities

Steps to Becoming an In-Store Adoption Partner

  1. Start by identifying a desirable PetSmart store location where you feel your organization's offsite adoptions would be a good fit. While a location may not be available, it does narrow down options and expedite the research portion of this process. We strongly recommend you select more than one store location, if available in your area.
  2. Have your organization's executive director or board president contact the desired PetSmart store location (via telephone or in-person) to schedule time convenient for PetSmart store management to conduct an interview. If the PetSmart store manager does not have any available space to support additional partners at their store, please contact another PetSmart store location in your area (if available).
  3. PRINT THIS PAGE! If the PetSmart store has space available, your executive director or board president will be required to interview with store management. Present this page at the time of the interview to ensure the page and its information has been viewed.
  4. Site visit scheduled. If the interview results in a potentially great match, a site visit of your organization's primary facility will be scheduled.
  5. Complete an Adoption Program Application. If the site visit status is approved, your executive director or board president will be emailed an Adoption Program Application to complete.
  6. Once the completed site visit and application are received, tax status and other criteria will be reviewed for approval.
  7. Any inquiries will be directed to your organization's executive director or board president.
  8. Wait for your Adoption Partner approval notification. If approved, email notification will be sent to the respective store location and new Adoption Partner so that the new partnership can begin with a formal orientation process conducted at the designated PetSmart store location.
  9. Attend orientation. The PetSmart store manager who conducted your interview will schedule your organization's required orientation before in-store adoptions can begin.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a PetSmart Charities Adoption Partner!

PetSmart® offers articles, information, and advice to pet parents through this site for educational purposes only. Any information offered through this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure your pet, and is not a substitute for veterinary care provided by a licensed veterinarian. For any medical or health related advice concerning the care and treatment of your pet, call or visit Banfield, The Pet Hospital® (available in most PetSmart stores) or your veterinarian.