PetSmart Charities – Adoption Growth Grant (2026)
Grants to Help Adoption Partners Expand In-Store Pet Adoption Programs
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PetSmart Charities’ Adoption Growth grant supports approved PetSmart Charities Adoption Partners working to increase pet adoption programs in PetSmart stores. The grant is designed to help animal welfare organizations expand in-store adoption efforts, strengthen adoption capacity, and help more pets find loving homes.
Organization: PetSmart Charities
Support Type: Adoption program grants
Funding Amount: Up to $75,000
Geographic Focus: United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico
Application Window: October 2–November 6, 2026
Deadline: November 6, 2026
About the Funder
PetSmart Charities is a leading funder of animal welfare work, supporting organizations that help pets and people through adoption, access to veterinary care, pet retention, disaster response, and other community-based animal welfare initiatives. Through its adoption grants, PetSmart Charities invests in partners that help connect adoptable pets with families through PetSmart store-based adoption programs.
What This Program Supports
The Adoption Growth grant supports PetSmart Charities Adoption Partners that want to grow or strengthen adoption programs in PetSmart stores.
Funding may support costs associated with building or enhancing an organization’s in-store adoption program, including:
Staff positions to support in-store adoption programs and events at PetSmart stores
Marketing and advertising to promote in-store adoption programs
Volunteer or foster support, incentives, and recruitment
Event supplies such as containment, enrichment, and related materials
Shelter software and technology needs
Vehicle repairs or transportation to adoption events
Innovative ideas and pilots for in-store adoption models
Other costs associated with facilitating PetSmart adoptions and in-store events
Grant Categories / Cohorts
Applicants must apply under one of two cohorts.
Cohort 1: Accelerating In-Store Adoptions
This cohort is for Adoption Partners with established in-store adoption activity.
To be eligible, organizations must have completed:
500 adoptions in a PetSmart store in the United States over the last 12 months; or
100 adoptions in Canada or Puerto Rico over the last 12 months
Preference will be given to organizations that can show a strong plan for expanding current in-store adoption programs or launching new in-store adoption models to increase adoptions.
Cohort 2: Capacity Building
This cohort is for Adoption Partners seeking to build a more consistent in-store adoption program.
To be eligible, organizations must have completed at least one adoption in a PetSmart store over the last 12 months. This applies to groups based in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
Preference will be given to organizations with a written plan for building and sustaining a consistent in-store adoption program over time.
Eligibility
All applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be an approved and active PetSmart Charities Adoption Partner
Be compliant with all PetSmart Charities policies, procedures, and reporting requirements
Ensure all in-store adoptions are processed through AME and conduct adoption reconciliation
Have completed the minimum required in-store adoptions for Cohort 1 or Cohort 2
Complete the Adoption Accessibility Questionnaire
Complete all required pre-application steps before submitting a grant application
After completing the Adoption Accessibility Questionnaire, applicants will receive an email confirmation indicating whether they meet eligibility criteria. Eligible partners will be invited to speak with their regional Adoptions Grant Manager to discuss the grant opportunity, expectations, and potential fit.
Ineligible Requests
PetSmart Charities Adoption Growth grants do not support:
Purchase of vehicles
Capital campaigns
Veterinary care
Funding Amounts
The maximum grant award is $75,000.
Timeline
📅 Application Opens: October 2, 2026
📅 Application Deadline: November 6, 2026
📅 Grant Cycle: Adoption Growth
Required Steps to Apply
Applicants must complete the required pre-application steps before submitting a grant application.
Step 1: Complete the Adoption Accessibility Questionnaire
Organizations must first complete the questionnaire to determine whether they meet eligibility criteria.
Step 2: Confirm Eligibility and Connect with a Regional Grants Manager
After completing the questionnaire, eligible organizations will receive confirmation and be invited to connect with their regional Adoptions Grant Manager to discuss the opportunity and potential fit.
Step 3: Engage Store Partners
Applicants should connect with their PetSmart store partners to discuss their intent to apply, align on goals, and identify possible opportunities for collaboration or support.
Step 4: Submit the Grant Application
After completing the required steps, eligible organizations may submit the Adoption Growth grant application.
Applications from partners that have not completed the required steps may be automatically declined.
Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://petsmartcharities.org/pro/grants/adoption-prep
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This opportunity is a strong fit for animal welfare organizations that:
Are active PetSmart Charities Adoption Partners
Already conduct or want to build in-store adoption programs
Need support for staffing, outreach, events, transportation, technology, or adoption program capacity
Can work closely with PetSmart store partners
Have a plan to increase adoptions or sustain a consistent in-store adoption program
The Adoption Growth grant is best suited for organizations that are ready to strengthen PetSmart store-based adoption efforts and help more animals find homes.
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Review Type: Competitive grant cycle with pre-application eligibility steps
Application Window: October 2–November 6, 2026
Deadline: November 6, 2026
Award Amount: Up to $75,000
Best Suited For: Approved PetSmart Charities Adoption Partners
Geographic Focus: United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico
Program Fit: Animal welfare, pet adoption, shelter capacity, foster/volunteer support, in-store adoption events, adoption program growth
