Over the past period, we had many inquiries from our readers about a comprehensive PetSmart vs. Petco review.
They want to know the best option of the two. There can be many others who have the same question. Let’s go ahead and learn the truth.
PetSmart vs. Petco – A Bit of Their History
Petco was founded in 1965. That was in California (San Diego). Initially, it started as a supplier of veterinary goods (mail-order). The first Petco shop started in Oregon (Tigard) in 1980.
Because of this, Petco has expanded rapidly to become a household name and a champion of animal welfare. Petco has donated over 300 million USD to more than four thousand animal welfare groups since 1999.
The first PetSmart store opened in Phoenix back in 1987. The 1980s saw the birth of the modern pet store. PetSmart soon established itself as a market leader. PetSmart, like Petco, is a frontrunner in the industry of pet supplies.
In order to aid pets as well as their owners, PetSmart has given 500 million USD to nonprofit charities.
Besides, if you wonder, does Petco take Apple Pay in-store or online stores? Let’s figure it out here; this article is written explaining such situations for your information.
Which is the Better Option?
If you compare PetSmart vs. Petco, which is the best option? This is the question most of our readers have. Well, there is no straightforward answer to this question.
When considering everything, the answer could still vary from person to person. It’s not like we need any help deciding between Petco and PetSmart, even though they are the main rivals. But before we dive in, let’s get a better grasp on what each has to offer.
More than 1,600 PetSmart locations can be found in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. There are 1,500 Petco stores across the United States, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.
They sell the same kinds of products and provide the same kinds of services. Grooming parlors and expert dog trainers are two examples of these services.
Also, if you wonder, does PetSmart take Apple Pay as a mode of payment? If yes, do they have special offers for Apple Pay users & how to use Apple Pay? Let’s find it out.
They Have Similar Options in Terms of Shipping
Auto-ship, curbside pickup, or pickup are just a few of the convenient services offered by PetSmart.
And all of these come with free same-day shipping to most locations. If you spend more than $49 at one of their eCommerce websites, shipping is on the house.
Petco provides free shipping on all orders over 49 USD. That’s in addition to free curbside or pickup and free same-day delivery to your home. Petco is unique because they deliver even live fish instead of frozen ones.
Both PetSmart and Petco are two places to get your pet’s prescriptions filled. Both companies sell fish and other creatures like birds, rodents, and more. Tropical fish are only sold at Petco, whereas freshwater fish are sold at PetSmart.
Something crucial they both totally agree on is that none of the pet stores sell cats or dogs. They have both chosen to work with shelters in the locale to find new homes for dogs and cats instead.
Rewards
Now, let’s compare PetSmart vs. Petco in terms of rewards. The free PetSmart reward system has been rebranded as PetSmart Treats.
All you need is a mobile number to join, and it’s free. Each dollar you spend in outlets or on their website is rewarded with points. These points are obviously good for savings on items and services in-store or online.
Members of PetSmart Treats receive exclusive benefits. For instance, they receive price reductions, early access to sales, and notice of events conducted in-store. There is a loyalty program at Petco as well. It’s referred to as “Pals Rewards,” by the way.
Members of Pals Rewards are eligible for perks, including earning one point for each dollar spent. Also, they will be given access to sales and discounts not available to the general public.
Individualized care reminders, such as those for grooming visits, are also provided to Pals rewards participants. When it comes to benefits, they function and provide the same features.
Brands Offered
Both establishments feature their own labels. WholeHearted is Petco’s house brand of dog food, and it’s one of the many options available at the store.
While they do not produce their own line of pet food, PetSmart works with a number of different brands. For instance, they offer Authority, Simply Nourish, Great Choice, and so on.
Adoption
Petco and PetSmart both strongly encourage their customers to adopt from shelters. Both establishments usually have a designated spot where cats from the neighborhood shelters can hang out.
For instance, in most of the PetSmart locations, you can visit the Everyday Adoption Center. The program called “Petco Love” functions in a manner analogous to this.
As with most adoption centers, the pet cats at such shops are often moved around. Let’s say a specific shelter brings in five cats to spend a week at Petco or PetSmart. Assume that only one of them is adopted during that time.
So, the other four will be returned to the same shelter or those foster homes. Then, a new group of homeless cats would be taken in. So, each and every one of the felines can have their moment in the spotlight!
● Both Brands Have Helped Millions of Pets
There have been 6.5M pets adopted through Petco’s initiatives over the past 20 years. In addition, PetSmart has assisted in adopting over 9.5 M dogs, cats, and other small pets.
That is during the course of its 28 years in business. So, when it comes to PetSmart vs. Petco comparison in terms of adoption, it’s a tie.
Affordability
Let’s look at the affordability factor in this PetSmart vs. Petco review. The price of the product is a vital factor in many cases. So, let’s go ahead and learn what the truth is.
In general, prices at PetSmart and Petco are almost the same. They should be the two most well-known companies in the United States that sell and provide services for pets.
Their pricing is generally in line with each other to sustain a price war between them. Take a look at this table, which compares the costs of similar items sold by both businesses.
| Price in Petco | Price in PetSmart | |
| Ultra-Squeaker Ball Dog Toy by Chuckit! | 8.99 USD | 9.99 USD |
| Kong Classic’s Medium | 11.99 USD | 13.99 USD |
| Adult Dog Food Blue Buffalo Wilderness | 68.99 USD | 63.99 USD |
| Milk-Bone’s Original | 14.99 USD | 14.99 USD |
| Calming Chew Dog Toy by PetStages Dogwood | 21.99 USD | 21.99 USD |
| Aspen Snake’s Bedding | 27.99 USD | 29.99 USD |
| Live Catnip (Petco Pet Greens) | 8.99 USD | 7.99 USD |
| Tennis Balls Blaster Dog Toy by Nerf Dog | 29.99 USD | 28.99 USD |
This small sample shows that the prices charged by both firms are comparable. Comparing apples to apples, you’ll be able to find that some items are priced the same.
On the other hand, others vary by as much as $5. You may also have noticed that one firm puts an item for sale now and then.
So, the rival follows suit by lowering the price of their goods. The easiest way to decide where to buy from is to check advertisements and compare prices online.
So, you can see if you can get the items you want at the lowest price. Both businesses will match competitors’ prices, so shop around to find the best option for you.
Grooming Services
The grooming salons that these stores have been among their most sought-after amenities. Grooming hopefuls can learn the trade at either PetSmart or Petco’s in-house grooming academies.
Cat grooming is a specialty taught at PetSmart. Several of the groomers working at both locations have placed highly in national contests.
Both provide full canine grooming services, from the most basic wash to a whole luxury package.
Also, extra features and services can be purchased à la carte at both establishments. PetSmart’s standard bath package includes more amenities than Petco’s.
Petco bath offers the following:
- Shampoo
- Blow-dry
- Ear cleaning
- Nail trim
- Brush out for 15 minutes
- Gland expression
PetSmart offers the following in addition to the above:
- Dog’s feet scissoring
- Shaving their paw pads
- Shaving or trimming around the pet’s potty area
Essentials Plus at Petco has:
- Premium Shampoo
- Teeth brushing
- Conditioning
- Nail buffing
Here’s a table that might explain these details clearly.
| Product/Service | At Petco | At PetSmart |
| Bath & Brush Bichon Frise | $43.99 | $33.00 |
| Nail Grind for all breeds | $12.00 | $15.00 |
| Bath & Haircut for Bichon Frise | $62.99 | $56.00 |
| Bath & Haircut for Golden Retriever | $84.99 | $73.00 |
| Bath and Brush Golden Retriever | $54.99 | $43.00 |
| Upgraded Shampoo for all breeds | $8.00 | $10.00 |
| De-shedding Bath | $84.99 | $73.00 |
Dog Draining
There are a number of pet supply stores, like Petco and PetSmart, that provide training services.
Each solely employs reward-based methods of instruction. To train a dog, positive reinforcement uses a method centered on rewarding good behavior.
Both venues also provide individual tuition in addition to their group courses. Both have several plans available depending on the dog’s current training status and future goals.
Below is a chart for your perusal. You’ll see that the costs of training courses are identical, with PetSmart offering cheaper options for the same courses.
| PetSmart/Petco Training Class | At Petco | At PetSmart |
| Puppy Level 01Puppy Training(Both 06 weeks) | 149 USD | 139 USD |
| Adult Level OneBeginner(Both 06 weeks) | 149 USD | 139 USD |
| Adult Level TwoIntermediate(Both 06 weeks) | 149 USD | 139 USD |
| Stress Less TrainingAnxiety Class(03 weeks) | N/A | 139 USD |
| Therapy Dog Training(for 06 weeks) | N/A | 139 USD |
| Adult Dog’s Essentials PackageFundamental Package(Both pick 2-to-6-week classes) | 249 USD | 219 USD |
Boarding and Daycare Services
The PetsHotel can be found in select PetSmart locations. PetSmart PetsHotel is a boarding facility where owners may leave their animals with confidence.
There’s assurance that they would care for 24 hours a day in a clean, secure, and pleasant environment.
If you do have more than one dog, they can stay in a suite together. Cottages just for cats, called “kitty cottages,” are located away from the canine quarters. Then, they can provide individual or shared quarters for several feline guests.
It’s true that Petco doesn’t really offer boarding or daycare for pets. However, they did just make big news that will have pet owners very happy. The pet care market Rover and the retail giant Petco announced their alliance in Feb 2022.
Petco’s Rover service connects pet owners with vetted dog walkers and pet sitters. They can care for their animals in a variety of settings, including overnight stays and regular daily visits.
FAQs
Q: Are PetSmart and Petco pet-friendly stores?
A: Absolutely! Both PetSmart and Petco are pet-friendly stores. You can bring your well-behaved pets along when you go shopping for their supplies. Just make sure to keep them on a leash or in a carrier for everyone’s safety.
Q: Can I find pet adoption services at PetSmart and Petco?
A: Yes, both PetSmart and Petco partner with local animal shelters and rescue organizations to facilitate pet adoptions. They often host adoption events at their stores, making it convenient for potential pet parents to find their perfect furry companion.
Q: Do PetSmart and Petco offer veterinary services?
A: Yes, both PetSmart and Petco have in-store veterinary clinics in some locations. These clinics provide routine check-ups, vaccinations, and other basic medical services for your pets. However, it’s important to note that not all PetSmart and Petco stores have veterinary clinics, so it’s best to check with your local store for availability.
Q: Can I order pet supplies online from PetSmart and Petco?
A: Absolutely! Both PetSmart and Petco have online platforms where you can conveniently shop for pet supplies from the comfort of your own home. They offer a wide selection of products and often provide exclusive online deals and discounts.
Q: Are there loyalty programs available at PetSmart and Petco?
A: Yes, both PetSmart and Petco have loyalty programs that offer various benefits to members. These programs often include perks like exclusive discounts, birthday treats for your pets, and personalized recommendations based on your purchase history.
Q: Which store has a better return policy?
A: Both PetSmart and Petco have customer-friendly return policies. They typically accept returns and exchanges within a specified time frame, as long as the products are in their original condition and accompanied by a receipt. It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the specific return policies of the store you choose to shop from.
Conclusion
When you compare PetSmart vs. Petco, it is very hard to choose one over the other. Well, in conclusion, we should say that you may choose what works best for you.
So, you may go ahead and select the best solution that has the most appropriate offerings.
