PHOENIX, Oct. 19, 2026 – PetSmart Charities®, the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, is giving pets more opportunities to meet potential adopters during National Adoption Week, happening Oct. 19-25. Adoptable pets from local animal welfare organizations will be at nearly every PetSmart store across the country, and this year, shelters are encouraging more visitors to give big dogs, especially, a second look.
"National Adoption Week is one of the best times of year to meet adoptable pets in person and find the one that matches your lifestyle," said Patrick Bell, director of pet placement initiatives at PetSmart Charities. "Every adoption opens up space to care for another animal in need. We especially encourage families to give big dogs a second look. So many of them are calm, loyal companions who have simply been waiting longer for their turn."
According to the 2026 Hill's Pet Nutrition State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report, large dogs spent 70% more time in shelters than small dogs in 2025. The report found most Americans see large dogs as great family pets, but many aren't confident they could handle one, a gap shelter staff can help close by sharing each dog's unique personality and needs.
For more than 30 years, PetSmart Charities has partnered with local shelters and rescues to host in-store adoptions, helping more than 11 million pets find families. In fact, every 37 seconds when PetSmart stores are open, a pet is adopted through PetSmart Charities in-store adoption programs.
In addition to events happening throughout National Adoption Week, PetSmart Charities also supports Everyday Adoption Centers in 16 PetSmart stores, offering dedicated spaces inside select PetSmart stores where homeless cats, dogs, and small pets can live and be adopted seven days a week. This week, PetSmart Charities is celebrating the grand opening of the latest Everyday Adoption Center at PetSmart’s store at 6870 Ridge Rd in Parma, Ohio near Cleveland, in partnership with Brandywine Valley SPCA.
PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week Details
During PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week, thousands of local shelters and rescues will bring adoptable pets, including cats, kittens, dogs, puppies and often even small pets and reptiles, into nearly every PetSmart store across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Potential adopters will have the opportunity to spend time with pets, ask staff and volunteers questions to feel confident in finding the right match for their home.
Dates: Oct. 19-25, 2026
Locations: Nearly every PetSmart store across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Visit PetSmart.com to find a store near you.
Those who aren't ready to adopt can still help pets in need by donating at PetSmartCharities.org. When the time is right, they can find adoptable pets, adoption centers and events at PetSmartCharities.org/adopt-a-pet.
About PetSmart Charities
PetSmart Charities is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps some 400,000 pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. PetSmart Charities grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care and support families in times of crises with access to food, shelter and disaster response. Each year, millions of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities directly at PetSmartCharities.org, or while shopping at PetSmart, in-store or online. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $500 million since its inception in 1994. PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the past 18 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of rated charities. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org.
About PetSmart
PetSmart is the leading omni-channel pet retailer in North America with a mission to help everyone experience more joy with pets. The company offers a compelling assortment of pet care essentials, exclusive brands and must-have items for each season, along with expert pet services. With nearly 1,700 stores across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico – plus a seamless shopping experience at PetSmart.com and through the PetSmart app – PetSmart's convenient shopping options are complete with autoship, same-day delivery and in-store pickup. Expert services include a professional grooming salon in every store, veterinary care in more than 700 locations, pet training, and Doggie Day Camp and PetsHotel overnight boarding in many locations. The PetSmart Treats Rewards loyalty program provides value to pet parents through personalized offers and points on every purchase that can be used for future savings.
