What PetSmart is and what you can buy there

PetSmart is a retail chain that sells pet supplies, live animals, and services in physical stores and online. You can walk into a PetSmart location to buy food, toys, bedding, cages, tanks, and other items for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, fish, and small animals. Most locations also sell live animals — puppies, kittens, fish, birds, and small mammals — though the specific animals available vary by store and change based on what breeders or shelters have provided to that location.

Beyond retail goods, PetSmart operates grooming salons, training classes, and veterinary clinics (called Banfield Pet Hospital, which PetSmart owns) inside many of its stores. You can schedule a grooming appointment, enroll your dog in obedience training, or take your pet to a vet without leaving the building. PetSmart also runs an online store where you can order items for delivery or in-store pickup.

The company operates thousands of stores across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Store hours, services offered, and inventory vary by location, so checking the specific store's website or calling ahead is useful if you need something particular.

Key Takeaways

  • PetSmart sells pet supplies, live animals, and services like grooming and training in physical stores and online.
  • Grooming, training classes, and veterinary care through Banfield are available at many locations but not all, so confirm your store offers what you need.
  • Live animal purchases come with a health may provide that typically covers 14 days, though terms vary by animal type and location.
  • PetSmart's Rewards program lets you earn points on purchases, but you must sign up separately and provide your phone number or email.
  • Return and exchange policies differ between live animals, supplies, and services, so keep your receipt and know the timeframe for your purchase type.

Understanding PetSmart's live animal sales and guarantees

If you buy a live animal at PetSmart, the store provides a health may provide that covers a set period after purchase. For most small animals, fish, and birds, this may provide lasts 14 days from the date of purchase. The may provide typically covers death or obvious illness that appears within that window, though the exact terms depend on the animal type and your location.

To use the may provide, you must return the animal to the store with your receipt. PetSmart will usually replace the animal or refund your money, but policies on whether they will treat the animal versus replace it vary. Some stores may ask you to return the animal alive; others may accept a deceased animal with proof of purchase. Call your local store before returning an animal to understand what documentation or condition they require.

The may provide does not cover illness or injury caused by improper care after you take the animal home, so keeping records of how you housed and fed the animal can help if a dispute arises. It also does not cover genetic or hereditary conditions that may not show symptoms when ready, though some locations may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

How PetSmart's grooming and training services work

PetSmart grooming salons are located inside most stores and offer services ranging from basic baths and nail trims to full grooming packages. You can walk in to ask about availability, but scheduling an appointment in advance is recommended, especially during busy seasons. Grooming prices vary by dog size, coat type, and the specific services you choose — a basic bath costs less than a full groom with styling.

Training classes cover obedience, puppy socialization, and behavior modification. Classes are typically held at the store and run for multiple weeks. You enroll your dog and attend sessions with a trainer. Pricing and class schedules vary by location, so contact your store directly for current offerings and costs.

Banfield Pet Hospital, PetSmart's veterinary clinic, offers routine care like vaccinations, dental cleanings, and wellness exams. Banfield is a separate business from the retail store, though it operates inside the building. You can schedule a vet appointment independently of shopping for supplies. Banfield accepts some pet insurance plans and offers its own wellness plans, which are subscription-based packages that cover routine care at a set monthly cost.

PetSmart's return policy for supplies and what it covers

PetSmart allows returns and exchanges of supplies within a set timeframe if you have your receipt. The standard return window is 30 days for most items, though some products have different terms. Items must be unused and in original packaging to be returned for a full refund; opened or used items may be exchanged but not refunded.

If you do not have a receipt, PetSmart can sometimes look up your purchase using your phone number if you provided it at checkout or enrolled in the Rewards program. Without a receipt or account record, returns become more difficult, though some stores may offer store credit or an exchange at their discretion.

Live animals are not returnable for refund after the 14-day health may provide period ends. If an animal dies or becomes ill after that window, you cannot return it. This is why the health may provide period is important — it is your only recourse if something goes wrong shortly after purchase.

How PetSmart's Rewards program works

PetSmart Rewards is a points-based loyalty program that you join for free. When you enroll, you provide your phone number or email address, and PetSmart links your purchases to your account. Every dollar you spend in-store or online earns points, which accumulate toward discounts and free items.

The program offers tiered benefits — the more you spend, the higher your tier and the better your rewards. Members also receive birthday discounts, early access to sales, and special promotions sent via email or text. You do not have to use the Rewards program to shop at PetSmart, but enrolling is free and can save you money if you shop there regularly.

To use your rewards at checkout, you provide your phone number or scan a digital card in the PetSmart app. Online purchases can be linked to your account if you log in before checking out. If you forget to link a purchase, you can sometimes add it to your account later by contacting customer service with your receipt.

Differences between PetSmart in-store and online shopping

PetSmart's online store lets you browse and purchase items from home, with options for delivery or in-store pickup. Delivery times vary by location and item availability — some items ship within one or two days, while others take longer. In-store pickup is usually faster, often available within a few hours of ordering.

Not all items available in physical stores are available online, and vice versa. Live animals are not sold online; you must visit a store to purchase a fish, bird, or small animal. Grooming and training services must also be scheduled in person or by phone, not through the website.

Online prices sometimes differ from in-store prices, and sales or promotions may not explore equally across both channels. Checking both the website and your local store can help you find the best price. Rewards points typically earn on online purchases if you are logged into your account, though some promotions may be in-store only.

What to know about PetSmart's animal sourcing and breeders

PetSmart sources live animals from breeders and, in some cases, shelters or rescue organizations. The company has faced criticism over the years regarding breeding practices and animal welfare at supplier facilities. If you are concerned about where an animal comes from, ask the store staff which breeder or source provided that animal and research that source independently.

Some PetSmart locations participate in adoption events with local shelters and rescue groups, offering an alternative to purchasing from breeders. These events are usually advertised in-store or on the location's social media. Adopting from a shelter or rescue typically costs less than buying from a breeder and supports animal welfare organizations in your area.

PetSmart's adoption partnerships vary by location, so not every store hosts these events. Contact your local store to ask whether they work with rescues or shelters in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a live animal after the 14-day may provide expires?

No. Once the 14-day health may provide period ends, you cannot return the animal for a refund or replacement. The may provide is your only recourse if the animal becomes ill or dies shortly after purchase. After 14 days, the animal is yours to keep or rehome as you choose.

Does PetSmart price match with other pet stores?

PetSmart does not have a formal price-matching policy. However, prices vary by location and change frequently, so comparing prices between stores and online can help you find the best deal. Signing up for the Rewards program and watching for promotions may offer better savings than price matching.

What happens if my dog gets injured during grooming?

PetSmart's grooming services come with liability coverage, but the specifics depend on the cause and severity of injury. If your dog is injured during a grooming appointment, report it to the groomer and store manager when ready. Document the injury with photos and get a written incident report. Contact PetSmart customer service to discuss compensation or next steps.

Can I use my Rewards points to pay for Banfield veterinary services?

Rewards points earned at PetSmart retail cannot be used at Banfield Pet Hospital, as Banfield is a separate business. However, Banfield offers its own wellness plans and may accept certain pet insurance. Ask your Banfield location about payment options and plans available to you.

Are PetSmart animals vaccinated or microchipped before purchase?

Vaccination and microchipping vary by animal type and location. Some puppies and kittens may have initial vaccinations, but you should confirm with the store before purchase. Most small animals, fish, and birds are not vaccinated or microchipped. Ask the store what health care the animal has received and what you need to do after bringing it home.