FAQs

Q.

Why doesn’t PetSmart® donate broken/damaged food or product?

A.

Products that might receive minor damage are marked down and sold at discount.

On the surface, one could easily conclude that it’s simply a matter of picking up a damaged item and giving it away. But in truth, it’s a much more complicated and challenging problem given the volume of products PetSmart® deals with in its stores.

Damaged goods can be exposed to contamination. Damaged goods also create storage and distribution challenges for PetSmart® stores. For example, stores have extremely limited storage space and it becomes a problem to store damaged goods.

PetSmart Charities® and PetSmart® admires the passion you show for pets. We share that passion. That’s why PetSmart® promotes animal welfare by donating valuable retail space in every one of its stores to facilitate pet adoptions. Our partnership also feeds and houses thousands of homeless pets daily as they await adoption. And we’re proud that more than 1,000 well-fed and -cared for pets find new homes each day because of the in-store PetSmart Charities Adoption Centers and the dedicated efforts of our thousands of Adoption Partners.

Q.

Does my organization need to be 501(c)(3) to be part of the in-store program?

A.

No. Currently, in order to participate in PetSmart Charities in-store adoption program your organization must be either a nonprofit 501(c)(3).

Q.

Does your adoption program include partnerships with bird, equine or reptile organizations?

A.

No. We are not currently accepting bird, reptile or equine organizations as a part of the program.

Q.

Who is responsible for the care of the cats in the 7-Day Cat program?

A.

This is determined by a joint agreement between each Adoption Partner and PetSmart® store manager. PetSmart® associates may either assist Adoption Partners in caring for cats or will provide the primary care for the cats in the PetSmart Charities Adoption Center (as agreed upon with store manager and Adoption Partner). The Adoption Partner should provide staff when available to assist with the cats’ care.

Q.

Who do I speak with to have my organization considered for the 7-Day Cat program at a new store?

A.

The interview process for a new store normally begins 6-8 weeks prior to opening the store. The store manager will ultimately make the decision on who the store will partner with after completing the interview process. For more information, view our Becoming an Adoption Partner page.

Q.

Does my organization have to provide the food and supplies for our cats that are in the 7-Day Cat program?

A.

No. Through donation from vendor partners and generous support from PetSmart®, food and supplies for this program are provided at no cost to Adoption Parners. If an adoptable pet in your care requires a unique food or supply that is unavailable through PetSmart®, you may supply this need at your cost. Speak with your PetSmart® store manager for details.

Q.

When can I expect to receive my Rewards check for each on-site adoption my organization facilitates?

A.

Reward funds are sent out on a quarterly basis. Our quarters end the last day of April, July, October and January. You should receive your Reward check within 2-4 weeks after each quarter ends.

Q.

Do I need to reapply for partnership if I want to participate in another PetSmart® store?

A.

Once your organization has been approved, you’re eligible to participate at any PetSmart® store within your state. However, you will need to first contact the PetSmart® store manager at any additional locations to determine if they have space and scheduling availability to add another Adoption Partner. When adding a location we ask that the PetSmart® store manager perform a site visit and orientation so you can both become familiar with one another and discuss benefits and expectations.

Q.

Does PetSmart Charities® only partner with limited-admission (“no-kill”) shelters?

A.

We support both full-service facilities that perform euthanasia as well as limited-admission facilities. The limited-admission facilities ensure that every pet they take in will not be euthanized. However, because of this policy, they fill up quickly and must then decline pets. Consequently, the majority of homeless pets end up at full-service facilities. Both full-service and limited-admission facilities care about homeless pets and truly want to end euthanasia.