Local shelters and rescues will showcase adoptable dogs, cats, puppies and kittens at almost all PetSmart locations during the nationwide events

/PRNewswire/ - PetSmart Charities, the leading supporter of animal welfare across North America, is creating more chances for pets to meet potential owners during National Adoption Week, set for Oct. 19-25. Adoptable animals from nearby welfare groups will appear at nearly every PetSmart store nationwide, and this year shelters are urging more visitors to consider big dogs in particular.

"National Adoption Week ranks among the top times of year to meet adoptable pets face to face and select one that fits your lifestyle," said Patrick Bell, director of pet placement initiatives at PetSmart Charities. "Each adoption frees up room to help another animal in need. We especially urge families to take another look at big dogs. Many of them are calm, loyal companions who have simply waited longer for their chance."

Based on the 2026 Hill's Pet Nutrition State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report, large dogs stayed in shelters 70 percent longer than small dogs during 2025. The report showed that most Americans view large dogs as excellent family pets, yet many lack confidence in managing one, a gap that shelter staff can address by highlighting each dog's individual personality and requirements.

For over 30 years, PetSmart Charities has teamed with local shelters and rescues to run in-store adoptions, aiding more than 11 million pets in finding homes. In fact, a pet finds a new family through PetSmart Charities in-store programs every 37 seconds while stores are open.

Besides the events during National Adoption Week, PetSmart Charities also backs Everyday Adoption Centers in 16 PetSmart stores, providing special areas inside chosen locations where homeless cats, dogs and small pets can reside and be adopted seven days a week. This week, PetSmart Charities marks the grand opening of the newest Everyday Adoption Center at the PetSmart store on 6870 Ridge Rd in Parma, Ohio near Cleveland, working with Brandywine Valley SPCA.

PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week Details
Throughout PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week, thousands of local shelters and rescues will bring adoptable pets, including cats, kittens, dogs, puppies and often small pets and reptiles, into nearly every PetSmart store across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Potential adopters can spend time with the pets, ask staff and volunteers questions, and feel confident selecting the right match for their home.

Dates: Oct. 19-25, 2026

Locations: Nearly every PetSmart store across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Check the PetSmart website to locate a store near you.

Those not yet ready to adopt can still assist pets in need by donating at the PetSmart Charities website. When the time is right, they can locate adoptable pets, adoption centers and events at the PetSmart Charities adopt-a-pet page.

About PetSmart Charities
PetSmart Charities works to improve life for pets and everyone who cares for them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps roughly 400,000 pets join loving families each year. PetSmart Charities also supplies grant funding to back groups that promote and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. Its grants and efforts link pets with homes through adoption, expand access to affordable veterinary care and aid families during crises with food, shelter and disaster response. Each year, millions of generous donors support pets in need by giving to PetSmart Charities directly at the PetSmart Charities website or while shopping at PetSmart in-store or online. In return, PetSmart Charities directs more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to its mission as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $500 million since its start in 1994. PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has earned 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 the PetSmart Charities website.

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 strong selection of pet care essentials, exclusive brands and seasonal must-haves, along with expert pet services. With nearly 1,700 stores across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, plus a smooth shopping experience at the PetSmart website and through the PetSmart app, PetSmart's convenient options include autoship, same-day delivery and in-store pickup. Expert services feature 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 delivers value to pet parents through personalized offers and points on every purchase that can be used for future savings.

SOURCE PetSmart Charities, Inc.