As a seasoned shopper and pet owner, you may be wondering: does PetSmart sell cats and kittens? This major retailer offers all kinds of pet supplies and services, but live animals can be a more complex matter.
Why PetSmart Doesn‘t Sell Cats/Kittens
PetSmart does not sell live cats or kittens in their stores. As early as 2007, the retailer decided against selling live animals (except small pets like hamsters) across their nationwide chains.
There were a few key reasons behind this decision:
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Animal Welfare Concerns. PetSmart wanted to ensure the humane treatment of cats/kittens by not supporting unethical breeding or re-homing practices. This was part of their mission to improve pet wellbeing.
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Pet Overpopulation. Many cats end up abandoned or in shelters through no fault of their own. PetSmart wanted to address this problem rather than contribute to it.
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Sporadic Purchasing. Impulse purchases of pets as gifts or entertainment often end badly. PetSmart hoped to curb this irresponsible consumer behavior with their policies.
As a picky, ethical shopper myself, I applaud PetSmart for putting animal welfare first even if it impacts their profits from live cat/kitten sales. This builds consumer trust.
How to Adopt Cats/Kittens from PetSmart
Instead of selling cats and kittens, PetSmart uses their stores and massive reach to facilitate pet adoptions across North America.
You have two options to adopt cats/kittens from PetSmart:
1. Online Adoption
PetSmart allows you to browse adoptable cats/kittens online via partnerships with local animal shelters and rescue groups. You can filter by location, breed, age, and other attributes to find your perfect match.
Once you identify an adoptable cat/kitten of interest, you submit an application to signal your serious interest and get approved by the adoption group/shelter. They will interview you, check references, and often perform a home visit before finalizing an adoption.
The process may take a few weeks but allows you to find your new furry friend from the comfort of home!
2. In-Store Adoption
Many PetSmart locations now feature dedicated cat adoption centers right inside the stores. These allow you to meet potential adoptees in person in a pleasant, home-like environment.
Before visiting a store with adoption services, I recommend calling ahead to ask:
- Which cats/kittens are currently available
- When they are accepting applications
- Any special adoption event dates
That way, you don‘t waste a trip if no cats match your needs or the timing is off.
When you visit, a knowledgeable adoption counselor will guide you through meeting various cats. Once you connect with the right one, they‘ll collect your adoption application and facilitate the final contracts and pet release timing.
Pro Tip: Attend National Adoption Weekends when shelters bring many of their eligible cats/kittens to PetSmart for a live matching event with potential owners.
So while PetSmart won‘t sell you a cat or kitten, they make it easier than ever to adopt your new fur-baby through reputable programs.
PetSmart‘s Live Animal Sales Policy Explained
While PetSmart opted out of cat/kitten sales long ago, what does the retailer still sell when it comes to live animals?
Here is a breakdown:
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No Dogs Or Cats. You cannot purchase puppies, kittens, or larger pets from PetSmart stores. Live animal sales are limited to small domestic pets only.
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Small Pets Only. As of 2023, PetSmart continues selling select small animal pets such as hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, mice, gerbils, and chinchillas. All small mammals sold are bred through reputable USDA-licensed facilities that must adhere to humane breeding and handling policies.
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Reptiles/Amphibians. PetSmart also sells various live reptiles and amphibians, often bred in specialty captive breeding programs. Species available include specific types of snakes, lizards, turtles/tortoises, frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders. Availability varies by location according to state/local laws.
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No Wild-Caught Animals. PetSmart has strict rules against selling any animals caught from wild populations rather than bred in regulated captivity. This reduces risks to native ecosystems.
So in summary: selected small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians may be purchased from PetSmart. But cats, dogs, farm animals, exotic mammals, birds, or fish are prohibited.
I hope this guide has helped explain exactly which types of live animals you can and can‘t buy from your local PetSmart store. Responsible pet ownership starts with buying from ethical sellers, so I commend companies like this who make animal welfare a priority even when it impacts sales. Please let me know if you have any other PetSmart-related questions!
