Adoption growth grants

Adoption Growth grants drive lifesaving outcomes by supporting successful, sustainable in-store adoption programs, events, and results in partnership with PetSmart stores. Grant application opens September 2027. 

Eligibility

Eligibility criteria

After completing the Adoption Accessibility Questionnaire, you will receive an email confirming whether you meet the eligibility criteria. Eligible partners will be invited to a call with their regional Adoptions Grant Manager to learn more about the opportunity, expectations, and potential fit.

  • Be an approved and active PetSmart Charities of Canada adoption partner.

  • Be compliant with all PetSmart Charities of Canada policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.

  • Process all in-store adoptions through AME and complete adoption reconciliation.

  • Meet the minimum in-store adoption requirement for the cohort for which they are applying:

    • Cohort 1: 100+ in-store adoptions in the last 12 months.
    • Cohort 2: 1+ in-store adoption in the last 12 months.

  • Complete the Adoption Accessibility Questionnaire

    Fill in questionnaire

  • Confirm support from their PetSmart store team to work together toward program success.

Apply

Steps to apply

Important: Applicants must complete all four required steps before submitting a grant application. Applications from partners that have not completed these steps may be declined.

  1. Step 1: Watch the kick-off video and complete the Adoption Accessibility Questionnaire

  2. Step 2: Confirm eligibility and connect with your Adoptions Grant Manager

    After completing the questionnaire, you will receive an email confirming your eligibility. Eligible partners will be invited to a call with their Adoptions Grant Manager to discuss the grant opportunity, expectations, and potential fit.

  3. Step 3: Engage your PetSmart store partners

    Discuss your intent to apply, align on goals, and gain their commitment to support the success of your in-store adoption program.

  4. Step 4: Submit your application

    Apply here

Choose one cohort:
Cohort 1

Accelerating in-store adoptions

Applicants must have completed 100 or more adoptions in a PetSmart store in Canada within the last 12 months.
Preference will be given to organizations that demonstrate a clear plan to expand an existing in-store adoption program or introduce new in-store adoption models that will increase adoptions.

Cohort 2

Capacity Building

Applicants must have completed at least one adoption in a PetSmart store within the last 12 months.
Preference will be given to organizations seeking to build a consistent, sustainable in-store adoption program. Applications should include a clear plan, with examples, for sustaining the program over time.

Funding may support:

Funding may be used for costs associated with building or enhancing your organization’s adoption program in partnership with PetSmart stores, including:

  • Staff positions supporting in-store adoption programs and events.
  • Marketing and advertising for in-store adoption programs.
  • Volunteer or foster support, incentives, and recruitment related to in-store adoption events.
  • Event supplies, including containment and enrichment materials.
  • Shelter software and technology needs.
  • Vehicle repairs or transportation to adoption events.
  • Innovative in-store adoption ideas and pilot programs.
  • Other costs directly associated with facilitating PetSmart adoptions and in-store events.


Adoption Growth grants do not support vehicle purchases, capital campaigns, or veterinary care.