- PetSmart Charities is providing $3 million in grants to community animal welfare organizations nationwide.
- The funding will support adoptable pets with needs such as veterinary care, enrichment, and nutrition.
- National Adoption Week takes place March 23–29, 2026, at nearly every PetSmart store in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
- Dogs, cats, rabbits, and small animals will be available for adoption during in-store events.
- Shelters continue to face overcrowding, with large dogs especially in need of homes.
- Hill’s Pet Nutrition is sponsoring the event and will provide adopter kits, including starter bags of Hill’s Science Diet.
PetSmart Charities is putting new funding behind its upcoming National Adoption Week, awarding $3 million in grants to local shelters and rescue organizations as they prepare pets for adoption events running March 23–29, 2026. The effort is designed to support community-based animal welfare groups as they work to place more pets in homes and manage ongoing shelter capacity challenges.
Supporting shelters under pressure
The grants will help local organizations cover essential needs for adoptable pets, including veterinary care, enrichment, and nutrition. The support comes as shelters across the country continue to deal with overcrowding and longer stays for dogs, particularly large dogs.
PetSmart Charities President Aimee Gilbreath said the annual campaign highlights the impact adoption can have for both pets and families, while also helping shelter partners respond to demand and move animals into permanent homes.
National in-store adoption push
During National Adoption Week, thousands of local shelters are expected to bring adoptable pets to nearly every PetSmart store across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The events will feature animals of different ages and personalities, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and small pets, with shelter staff and volunteers on-site to guide prospective adopters.
The in-store format is intended to create more opportunities for families to meet pets in need of homes while easing pressure on local shelters.
Hill’s backs event with adopter kits
Hill’s Pet Nutrition is sponsoring the initiative and will provide adopter kits for new pet parents who adopt in-store, including a starter bag of Hill’s Science Diet.
Broader adoption and community impact
PetSmart Charities says its in-store adoption program has helped connect 11 million pets with families across its stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The organization also supports affordable veterinary care access, emergency assistance, and pet food programs for families in need.
Those not ready to adopt can still support the effort through donations or by exploring adoptable pets and future events through PetSmart Charities resources.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
