Becoming an Adoption Partner

NEW Application: All existing In-Store Adoption Partners must complete our new online application. Apply now to ensure your organization can conduct adoptions in PetSmart® stores for all of 2013.  It only takes a few minutes.  

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
• Adoption Partners must have 501(c)(3) IRS final determination letter or have a Government/Tribal status
• Adoption Partners must require that all animals be spayed or neutered. If the pet is not spayed or neutered prior to adoption, the Adoption Partner must have a program in place to ensure adopter compliance.
• 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. Complete an Adoption Program application online.
   
   
2. Wait for your Adoption Partner approval notification. If approved, email notification will be sent to the respective Adoption Partner with a link to the latest Adoption Partner Agreement. This email will also include instructions on how to sign the agreement electronically.
   
   
3. Existing partners will then be able to continue adopting in their current stores.
   
   
4. New partners will be notified when a store has an opening. When that occurs you will be asked to:
   
   
   • 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 interview results in a potentially great match, a site visit of your organization’s primary facility will be scheduled.
   • 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!