Guide to PetSmart Adoption Week

It’s a crisp Saturday morning, and the air smells faintly of leaves and coffee. Jon Pepper, a bus driver from Philadelphia, pulls into the parking lot of his local PetSmart. He’s not there for kibble or a new leash. His heart has been heavy since losing Penny, his Chihuahua of 12 years.

Jon isn’t sure he’s ready, but something call it fate or a hunch draws him toward the adoption event inside. Volunteers bustle around crates, dogs wag tails, and then he sees her: Sammy, a scrappy little mutt with eyes that seem to say,

“I’ve been waiting for you.” By the end of the day, Sammy is sprawled across Jon’s passenger seat, and he’s grinning like a kid on Christmas.

That’s the magic of PetSmart Adoption Week a moment where lives, human and furry, connect and change forever.

This isn’t just about one man and his dog. It’s about millions of moments like Jon’s, made possible by an event that has transformed pet adoption for 30 years. PetSmart Adoption Week isn’t a sales gimmick.

it’s a lifeline for homeless animals and a chance for people to find a bond they didn’t know they needed. This guide will walk you through everything about this event: what it is, when it happens, how to get involved, and why it might be the best decision you ever make. Let’s dive in.

What Is PetSmart Adoption Week?

Imagine walking into a PetSmart store and finding it transformed not just a place for pet supplies but a hub of hope. That’s PetSmart Adoption Week.

PetSmart Adoption Week is a nationwide event, organized by PetSmart Charities, where local shelters and rescues bring adoptable pets dogs, cats, kittens, puppies, even rabbits and guinea pigs into the stores. The goal? To find loving homes for these animals as quickly as possible.

PetSmart doesn’t sell pets. Instead, they’ve partnered with nearly 4,000 animal welfare organizations to use their retail space for adoption. The idea dates back to 1994 when PetSmart’s founders decided they wouldn’t sell cats or dogs.

Instead, they focused on supporting adoptions. Today, PetSmart Charities has helped over 11 million pets find homes more than any other brick-and-mortar adoption group. National Adoption Week, held a few times a year, is the highlight of that mission.

Take Sammy, Jon’s new companion. She was the 11-millionth adoption, a milestone reached in October 2024. “She was the star of the event,” Jon said. “I knew right away she was meant to be mine.” This is the kind of connection that happens thousands of times during Adoption Week people finding their perfect pet when they least expect it.

When Is PetSmart Adoption Week Held?

PetSmart Adoption Week isn’t a one-time event it happens three times a year, carefully scheduled for maximum impact. Typically, it takes place in February or March, July, and October or November. These dates align with shelter needs.

Spring and summer bring “kitten season,” when shelters overflow with kittens. Fall sees an increase in stray intakes as the weather changes.

As of today, March 23, 2025, the first Adoption Week of the year is about to start. Posts on social media from groups like the Anti-Cruelty Society confirm it begins on March 24 and runs through March 30. Some locations even waive adoption fees on March 29.

However, exact dates vary slightly each year, and some stores hold only weekend events. To be sure, check petsmartcharities.org or call your local store.

How to Adopt a Pet During PetSmart Adoption Week

If you’re thinking about adopting, here’s how it works.

Step 1: Visit a PetSmart Store

During Adoption Week, nearly every PetSmart store in the U.S. and Puerto Rico hosts an adoption event. You don’t need an appointment, though some rescues allow pre-registration online to speed up the process. You can also browse adoptable pets beforehand on adoptapet.com, a partner site.

Step 2: Meet the Pets

Spend time with the animals. Pet them, play with them, and see who connects with you.

Volunteers and trained Adoption Ambassadors help guide you through the process, ensuring a good match.

Step 3: Complete the Adoption Process

If you find the right pet, you’ll fill out an adoption application with the rescue group, not PetSmart itself. The process may include providing references or proof of pet-friendly housing. Some rescues allow same-day adoptions, while others require home visits or trial periods. Adoption fees range from $50 to $300, depending on the animal and rescue organization.

After adoption, you’ll receive a starter kit from PetSmart, which includes coupons, a Welcome Home Guide, and sometimes free food from partners like Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

PetSmart Adoption Events & Locations

Adoption Week is a nationwide event, but every store’s experience is unique. With over 1,600 PetSmart stores in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada, there’s likely one near you. Each store partners with local shelters, meaning the pets available in one location won’t be the same as those in another.

Most events take place Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with shorter Sunday hours. Some stores even have Everyday Adoption Centers, featuring dog playrooms and cat adoption areas open year-round.

To find an event near you, visit petsmart.com and enter your zip code. You can also follow PetSmart Charities on social media for real-time updates and pet spotlights.

Benefits of Adopting a Pet from PetSmart

Why adopt during PetSmart Adoption Week instead of going to a breeder or private seller? The benefits are clear.

• Each year, 6.5 million pets enter U.S. shelters. PetSmart’s adoption program places nearly 600,000 pets into homes annually.
• All adopted pets are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.
• PetSmart provides discounts up to $450 in savings plus perks like free training sessions and a 30-day pet insurance trial.
• Pets bring joy, lower stress, and create companionship. “Sammy’s my copilot now,” Jon says. “I didn’t realize how much I missed that.”

Tips for First-Time Pet Adopters

Adopting a pet is exciting but also a big responsibility. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth transition:

• Do you have a small apartment or a big yard? Work long hours or stay home? Choose a pet that fits your daily routine.
• Get essentials like food, a bed, and a crate (if needed). Adoption Week discounts help with this.
• Pets take time to adjust. Give them space, love, and positive reinforcement.
• PetSmart’s adoption partners offer guidance, training, and health tips.

PetSmart Adoption Week isn’t just about bringing home a pet it’s about changing lives, both human and animal. Whether you’re looking for a companion or just curious, this event offers a chance to be part of something meaningful. Maybe you’ll walk in like Jon, unsure if you’re ready, and leave with a new best friend. That’s the magic of adoption. Ready to find your match?