Adoption Prep
Purpose of category:
Adoption Prep grants are designed to support PetSmart Charities 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 adoption partner
Compliant with all PetSmart Charities 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 (500+ adoptions) or Cohort 2 (1+ adoptions), respectively.
Watch the Adoption Prep Information Session below
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 500 adoptions in a PetSmart store in the U.S. (or 100 in Canada and Puerto Rico) 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 (applies to groups based in U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada).
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 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.org.
