Adopting a Pet at PetSmart or Petco: How It Works

Updated October 13, 2026 · 2 min read · 3 sources

Short answer

Adoptions at PetSmart and Petco are handled by local shelters and rescue groups that partner with the stores. The partner sets the adoption fee and its own approval process, which may include an application, interview, background check or home visit. PetSmart Charities says more than 11 million pets have found homes through PetSmart in-store adoptions since 1994, and many adopters take their pet home the same day.

When you see cats and dogs in a pet store adoption area, they belong to a local shelter or rescue, not to the store. That shapes how adoption, fees and approvals work.

How PetSmart adoptions work

According to PetSmart Charities:

  1. Find a pet at a PetSmart Charities Adoption Center inside a store, at an adoption event, or online.
  2. Meet the adoption partner. Each pet is cared for by a local partner group that runs the adoption.
  3. Interview and application. A partner representative talks with you to make sure the pet fits your home.
  4. Approval. The partner may require a background check and/or home visit.
  5. Pay the adoption fee, which the partner sets.
  6. Go home. Plan about 30 minutes to 2 hours at the store; many adopters take their pet home the same day, but some partners require a waiting period, so ask first if you need a same-day adoption.

PetSmart Charities pays the partner group a small fee for each adoption to help it rescue another pet. PetSmart says more than 11 million pets have been adopted through its in-store program since 1994.

Adopting at Petco

Petco stores also host adoptions with local animal welfare partners, and the nonprofit Petco Love supports shelters, including by funding free vaccine clinics run through local shelters. Ask the adoption group at your store how its fees and approval steps work.

How much does it cost?

There's no single price. The partner shelter or rescue sets the fee, which typically covers vaccines, spay/neuter and often a microchip. Petfinder estimates that care is worth about $425 to $880 if bought separately. Fees can be lower during adoption events.

What to bring

  • Photo ID
  • Proof that pets are allowed if you rent (landlord contact or lease)
  • Information about your other pets and their vet
  • A carrier for a cat, or a leash and collar for a dog

Tips

  • Visit when the adoption partner's volunteers are present, often on weekends and during events.
  • Ask about the pet's history, health records and behavior in foster care.
  • Ask whether the group offers a return policy or post-adoption support.

See how adopting a dog or cat works and find animal shelters and pet stores near you.

Sources

  1. PetSmart Charities: How adoption works
  2. WOKV: Petco Love marks 4 million free pet vaccines (2026)
  3. Petfinder: What is included in an adoption fee?

Find animal shelters & rescues near you

Thinking about adopting a dog or cat, or need to surrender or report a lost pet? Compare local animal shelters and rescue groups by Google rating, reviews and opening hours below.

Animal Shelters & Rescues by state

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This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.

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