Become an adoption partner
Join our network of shelters and rescues as a PetSmart Charities Adoption Partner. Together, we can help more pets find loving homes through adoption programs in PetSmart stores.
Increase adoptions while earning rewards & perks
Partner with PetSmart Charities to increase visibility for your adoptable pets, and earn exclusive rewards and other perks.
Adoption Partner Benefits
Earn rewards
Each adoption in-store earns your organization rewards that are paid out as you hit adoption tiers, starting at $1,000 for 50 adoptions and up to $250,000 for 7,500 adoptions.
Participate in events
Increase adoptions and visibility for your adoptable pets by participating in National Adoption Week and Adopt Joy events throughout the year.
Marketing support
Gain access to marketing tools and resources, participate in promoted events, and gain potential for added visibility for your organization.
Apply for exclusive grants
Adoption Partners meeting grant criteria are eligible to apply for additional Adoption Growth grants.
Before you apply
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Your organization meets the requirements
You are a nonprofit registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3), 509(a)(1) or (2), or 509 I/II (3), or you are a municipality or Indigenous organization.
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You can finalize adoptions in-store
The pet parent and the pet must be together in the store where the pet parent completes the adoption in our adoption tracking system, Adoptions Made Easy (ĀME). Adoptions completed outside the store or outside ĀME do not count toward our Adoption Rewards program.
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You can deliver a welcoming adopter experience
Adopters will associate your organization with PetSmart and PetSmart Charities, so partners are expected to respond to inquiries, run a smooth adoption process, and stay accessible to adopters after their adoption.
How to apply
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Connect with your store
PetSmart store teams choose their own adoption partners, so talk to the store leader before you apply and confirm they'll support your organization with in-store adoptions.
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Review the Adoption Partner manualRead the Adoption Partner Manual
When submitting an application, all new partners are required to confirm that they have read the Adoption Partner Manual before applying.
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Set up your organization profile in SmartSimple
SmartSimple is our grant and partner application portal. To set up your profile, you will need:
- Your organization’s 9-digit IRS tax ID
- A business bank account in your organization’s name that accepts ACH payments. Venmo, PayPal and personal accounts are not eligible.
- Two unique contacts, including one leader with signing authority for the organization, and one who will be responsible for day-to-day adoption operations. These two contacts are required and each will need to be added to SmartSimple.
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Submit your applicationApply in SmartSimple
Once your profile is set up, gather the required information as outlined in the application prep doc, then apply in SmartSimple under “Funding and Adoption Partner Opportunities.”
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Watch for your approval
Within 4–6 weeks you'll receive confirmation and a partner number and information on next steps and using our adoption tracking system, ĀME (Adoptions Made Easy). Add SmartSimple as a safe sender so the email doesn't land in spam. Note that conducting adoptions in PetSmart stores is not permitted until you have received confirmation of your approval.
What to expect after approval
Once your organization is approved, your Adoption Grants Manager will become your key point of contact at PetSmart Charities.
Welcome & informational emails
Once approved, you will receive a welcome message with setup and onboarding instructions that will need to be completed prior to beginning adoptions in-store. You will also receive an invitation to meet with your Adoption Grants Manager, and other communications from SmartSimple. Your organization will begin to receive PetSmart Charities communications with important information on participating in special adoption events, grant opportunities, and more.
Onboarding & training
Your organization will receive access to training on how to use our adoption tracking system (AME), including administrator and user set-up, how to process adoptions, and more. You will receive information about the training requirements, including a 90-day onboarding training program that is required by your day-to-day adoption operations contact. Additional training and tools will be provided on Adoption Rewards and events, and ongoing opportunities to collaborate.
Build your relationship
Every store has its own customers, foot traffic, floor plan, and processes. A monthly check-in with the store leader is strongly recommended to ensure a successful adoption program.
quick user guides
Becoming an Adoption Partner
The whole path on one page, in six steps: from your first conversation with your Store Leader, through the application and approval, to setting up ĀME and completing your first trainings after you’re approved.
Adoption Partner Requirements
A checklist of what we ask of every in-store partner, from organization eligibility to animal care and event standards. Use it to check the fit before you start an application.
Application Prep
The five things to have ready before you open the application in SmartSimple. Gathering them first means fewer follow-ups and a faster path to approval, which typically takes four to six weeks.
SmartSimple Quick User Guide
Your application goes through SmartSimple, our online partner portal. This guide covers registering your organization, submitting the Adoption Partner application, and what to expect after approval.
Have questions before you apply?
Find the Adoptions Grant Manager in your region and connect during their office hours.
