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Adoption Prep

10/7/25 – 11/7/25

Purpose of category:

Adoption Prep grants are designed to support PetSmart Charities of Canada Adoption Partners with increasing and sustaining in-store adoption programs that help animals find loving homes. 

All applications must meet the following criteria:

  • Approved and active PetSmart Charities of Canada adoption partner 

  • Compliant with all PetSmart Charities of Canada policies, procedures, and reporting requirements 

  • Ensures all in-store adoptions are processed through AME and conducts adoption reconciliation 

  • Have completed the minimum required in-store adoptions for Cohort 1 (100+ adoptions) or Cohort 2 (1+ adoptions), respectively.  

  • Watch the Adoption Prep Information Session below 

  • Complete the Adoption Accessibility Matrix

Required steps to apply:

  • Step 1: Watch the Adoption Prep Grant Information Session. This video will take you through the specifics of this grant, including goals, priority areas, funding requirements, and tips for your organization's application. It is required for you to review this video prior to submitting your application.

  • Step 2: Complete the Adoption Accessibility Matrix. You can learn more about this tool and how we are using it within the Adoption Prep Grant Information session video above.  

  • Step 3: Talk to your store partners about your application to coordinate ideas and asks 

  • Step 4: Apply by clicking here 

Applicants that meet the above criteria should apply in ONE of the following cohorts: 

Cohort 1: Accelerating in-store adoptions

  • To be eligible to apply, Adoption Partners must have completed 100 adoptions in a PetSmart store in Canada over the last 12 months. 

  • Preference will be given to groups who illustrate their plan for expanding their current in-store programs or who have a plan for new in-store adoption models to increase adoptions.   

Cohort 2: Capacity Building

  • To be eligible to apply, Adoption Partners must have completed one (1) adoption in a PetSmart store over the last 12 months.  

  • Preference will be given to groups looking to build a consistent in-store adoption program. This should include a written plan, including examples, on how you plan to sustain the program over time. The maximum grant given will be $75,000.   

Funding may support:

Costs associated with preparing animals for off-site adoptions or costs associated with hosting offsite adoption events. This may include but is not limited to:  

    • Funding for staff positions to support the offsite program 

    • Medical costs to prepare pets for adoption (vaccines, spay/neuter, microchips, etc.) 

    • Marketing/Advertising 

    • Volunteer or foster support, incentives, and recruitment  

    • Event supplies (containment, enrichment, etc.) 

    • Enrichment, behavior, and training support  

    • Shelter software and technology needs  

    • Vehicle repairs or transportation to events  

    • Innovative ideas and pilots for partners to try in-store 

    • Other costs associated with facilitating offsite events 

    Please Note: PetSmart Charities of Canada Adoption Prep grants do not support the purchase of vehicles or capital campaigns. 

This grant application is open.

This application window is open between October 7 and November 7, 2025. If you have questions, please contact us directly at grants@petsmartcharities.ca. 

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See the Data
See the Data

New data reveals half of Canadian pet parents have skipped or declined care. Financial considerations and distance are key barriers to accessing care.

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Press Release
Press Release

Veterinary care is out of reach for millions of pets in Canada. Financial considerations are the biggest obstacles as pet parents face difficult choices.

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Join Us: Solutions
Join Us: Solutions

PetSmart Charities of Canada has committed $18 million to support innovative and sustainable solutions. This complex issue requires action; join us!

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Have questions?

Get in touch with a PetSmart Charities of Canada Grant Administrator.
Rachel Appel

Canada

Rachel Appel

rappel@petsmartcharities.org
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