Why Did PetSmart Stop Selling Cats?
PetSmart doesn’t actually sell cats; instead, they partner with local animal welfare organizations to host adoptions, focusing on promoting adoption and reducing pet overpopulation rather than direct sales of cats. The core reason is a commitment to animal welfare and supporting community shelters.
Introduction: Understanding PetSmart’s Adoption-Focused Approach
PetSmart has become a household name for pet owners across the United States and beyond. While they offer a wide array of pet supplies, grooming services, and veterinary care, a noticeable absence is the sale of cats (and dogs). This isn’t a recent change; rather, it’s a long-standing policy rooted in a commitment to ethical and responsible pet ownership. So, why did PetSmart stop selling cats? The answer lies in their dedication to adoption advocacy and supporting local animal welfare organizations. This approach aligns with a broader movement towards promoting adoption and combating pet overpopulation.
The Pet Overpopulation Crisis and Ethical Considerations
One of the primary drivers behind PetSmart’s decision is the pervasive issue of pet overpopulation. Shelters and rescues are frequently overwhelmed with abandoned, neglected, and surrendered animals. Euthanasia due to lack of space remains a tragic reality in many communities. Selling animals, particularly from breeders, can exacerbate this problem.
- Overcrowding: Shelters are often at capacity, limiting their ability to care for existing animals.
- Limited Resources: Funding for shelters and rescues is often scarce, hindering their ability to provide necessary medical care and support.
- Euthanasia Rates: High intake rates lead to increased euthanasia rates for healthy, adoptable animals.
PetSmart recognizes that promoting adoption directly addresses these issues by providing homes for animals already in need.
PetSmart’s Adoption Program: A Partnership for Change
Instead of selling cats, PetSmart collaborates with local animal welfare organizations to host in-store adoption events. These events provide a visible platform for adoptable cats and kittens, increasing their chances of finding loving homes. The partnership is beneficial to all parties involved:
- Animal Welfare Organizations: Gain access to PetSmart’s foot traffic and marketing reach.
- Potential Adopters: Can meet a variety of cats in a convenient and accessible location.
- PetSmart: Reinforces its commitment to animal welfare and community involvement.
This system allows potential pet owners to interact with the animals, learn about their personalities, and ultimately make an informed decision about adoption.
The Benefits of Adoption Over Purchasing
There are many compelling reasons to adopt a cat rather than purchasing one from a breeder or pet store. Adoption offers a lifeline to an animal in need, helps reduce overpopulation, and can often be a more cost-effective option.
Here’s a comparison:
| Feature | Adoption | Purchasing from Breeders/Pet Stores |
|---|---|---|
| —————— | ——————————————– | ———————————————————- |
| Cost | Lower adoption fees, often covering initial vaccinations and spay/neuter | Higher purchase price, plus initial vet care costs |
| Animal History | Shelter/rescue may know the animal’s history | Limited or no information about the animal’s background |
| Contribution | Supports local animal welfare organizations | May contribute to unethical breeding practices |
| Impact | Reduces pet overpopulation | Can exacerbate pet overpopulation |
Addressing Concerns about Reputable Breeders
It is important to acknowledge that reputable breeders exist who prioritize the health and well-being of their animals. However, distinguishing between responsible breeders and those who prioritize profit over welfare can be challenging for the average consumer. PetSmart’s adoption-only policy eliminates this ambiguity, ensuring that the focus remains on rescuing animals in need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did PetSmart stop selling cats?
PetSmart doesn’t sell cats; they partner with local shelters and rescues to facilitate adoptions. This stems from a commitment to reducing pet overpopulation and promoting responsible pet ownership through adoption rather than commercial sales.
Does PetSmart ever sell dogs?
Similar to cats, PetSmart does not sell dogs. They also focus on adoption partnerships with rescue organizations and shelters to help dogs find loving homes.
Where do the cats available for adoption at PetSmart come from?
The cats come from local animal shelters, rescue groups, and humane societies with which PetSmart has established partnerships. These organizations are responsible for the care and well-being of the animals before they are placed for adoption at PetSmart.
How does the PetSmart adoption process work?
The adoption process varies slightly depending on the partner organization, but generally involves completing an application, meeting the cat, and undergoing a screening process to ensure a good match. Adoption fees are typically set by the rescue organization.
What happens to the adoption fees?
Adoption fees are collected by the participating shelter or rescue organization and used to fund their operations, including providing food, shelter, medical care, and other resources for the animals in their care. PetSmart does not profit from these adoption fees.
Are the cats at PetSmart adoption events healthy?
Participating rescue organizations are responsible for ensuring the health of the cats before they are placed for adoption. Most cats receive a veterinary check-up, vaccinations, and are spayed/neutered before being available for adoption.
What if I have a problem with my adopted cat after bringing it home?
PetSmart encourages adopters to contact the rescue organization they adopted from for guidance and support. Most reputable rescue organizations offer post-adoption resources and are available to answer questions or address any concerns.
Can I return a cat to PetSmart if it doesn’t work out?
Cats should be returned to the rescue organization from which they were adopted, as PetSmart is not the legal owner of the animals. Each organization will have its own policy regarding returns.
Why doesn’t PetSmart partner with breeders?
PetSmart’s decision not to partner with breeders aligns with their core values of promoting adoption and addressing pet overpopulation. This ensures they’re contributing to solutions rather than potentially exacerbating the issue of homeless animals.
Is PetSmart’s adoption program successful?
Yes, PetSmart’s adoption program has been remarkably successful, helping millions of pets find loving homes since its inception. The program provides a valuable platform for rescue organizations and increases the visibility of adoptable animals.
How can I get involved with PetSmart’s adoption program?
You can support PetSmart’s adoption program by adopting a cat, volunteering at adoption events, donating to participating rescue organizations, or simply spreading the word about the importance of pet adoption.
Where can I find a PetSmart adoption event near me?
You can find information about upcoming adoption events at your local PetSmart store by visiting the store’s website or contacting them directly. You can also check with local animal shelters and rescue organizations for information about their adoption events at PetSmart locations.
Conclusion: A Commitment to a Better Future for Pets
Why did PetSmart stop selling cats? The answer, to reiterate, is that they never did sell cats. Their business model is built on partnerships that encourage adoption. PetSmart’s commitment to adoption-only policies represents a positive step towards addressing pet overpopulation and promoting responsible pet ownership. By prioritizing adoption, they are helping to create a better future for pets and strengthening communities. This approach not only benefits animals in need but also reinforces PetSmart’s position as a leader in the pet industry, committed to ethical and sustainable practices.