Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Are Cats Allowed in PetSmart? 2026 Pet Policies

Share

PetSmart

As a cat owner, you may have wondered whether it’s permissible to bring your feline friend along when you visit your local PetSmart store. Cats are indeed welcome guests at PetSmart!

Read on for details about the in-store pet policy at PetSmart. We specifically focus on cats being allowed inside and the company’s policy on other pet types. Understanding this policy is crucial to ensure a pleasant shopping experience for both you and your furry companion.

divider 3 paws

Cats: Welcomed Guests at PetSmart

According to PetSmart’s in-store pet policy, domestic cats are indeed allowed inside its stores. This means that you can confidently bring your feline friend along when shopping for pet supplies, provided they meet certain requirements.

Before heading to the store, make sure your cat is appropriately secured, either on a leash or in a pet carrier, and vaccinated as required for their age and health status.

cat in cat carrier
Photo Credit: SpeedKingz, Shutterstock

Additional Pets Allowed in PetSmart

Beyond cats, it’s essential to recognize that PetSmart also admits a range of other types of animals in its shops. These may include pet dogs, birds, small creatures, and reptiles sold by PetSmart, as well as non-venomous lizards, ferrets, rabbits, sugar gliders, and pot-bellied pigs.

As with cats, these pets should be securely leashed or always confined, and appropriate vaccinations must be administered prior to entry into the store.

Non-traditional Pets: Exceptions and Rules

PetSmart typically does not permit non-traditional pet breeds in their stores, but there are special circumstances allowed. Service animals with proper documentation as mandated by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act or state/local regulations may enter, along with those accompanying a pet to a Banfield Hospital visit.

Defining Non-traditional Pets

PetSmart regards any animal that falls outside the standard definition of a pet as non-traditional. To meet this criterion, it must be one of the following:

  • Sold by PetSmart
  • Eligible for adoption through an in-store partner
  • Have supplies available to purchase at the store specifically designed for its breed or type
  • Currently being treated at Banfield Hospital
vet talking to client on the phone
Photo Credit: Alberto Menendez Cervero, Shutterstock

As long as your pet meets the specified requirements and fits into one of these categories, it’s allowed inside PetSmart stores.

Remember that proper documentation may be requested at any time as proof of vaccinations or health status, so make sure you have this information on hand when visiting the store.

PetSmart’s Right to Modify Policy

It is always essential to be aware that PetSmart has the right to forbid any animal from entering its stores for whatever cause. It may also adjust its pet policy or part of it whenever and without warning.

Therefore, it’s important to confirm the up-to-date pet policy before arriving with your furry friend at the store.

student using laptop
Photo Credit: StartupStockPhotos, Pixabay

Banfield Hospital Customers

When bringing your unique pet for their appointment at a Banfield Hospital, be sure to secure them in an enclosed carrier, crate, or kennel to avoid any exposure risks.

Your pet must remain inside that safe area until they are securely escorted into the exam room or designated kennel space of the hospital.

divider 3 paws

Conclusion

Cats are indeed allowed in PetSmart stores, provided they are leashed or safely confined and have received appropriate vaccinations. By following the guidelines in PetSmart’s in-store pet policy, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable shopping experience for you and your feline friend.


Featured Image Credit: PetSmart (Image Credit: Anthony92931, Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0)

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Catster's Digital Magazine is Back!

Vet-approved health & behavior advice

Real cat stories & community features

Chatting About Big Cat Tourism, Lion Hunting, and Learning From Our Mistakes | Chatty Cattys, Episode 26

In this episode of Catster’s Chatty Cattys podcast, Nicole and Dr. Karyn dive into the dark side of big cat tourism and the...

Why Cats Sit by the Door (But Don’t Go Through It)

Door-sitting is one of those quirky little habits that almost every cat owner experiences at some point. You know how it goes: a...

Six Legs Are Better Than Three – How A Tripod Dog and Kitten Found Friendship Through Recovery

Sometimes the most meaningful friendships begin in the most unexpected places. At a Maryland veterinary hospital operated by Last Chance Animal Rescue, two...

The Original Space Invaders – Why Zero Respect for Personal Boundaries Is a Good Thing

Cats have a reputation for being independent, and in many ways they are. But anyone who has tried to work at a laptop...

More related

How to Protect Your Carpet From Cats: 10 Effective Vet-Approved Methods

When you’re a cat, scratching comes with the territory, but if it occurs on your carpet, it can cause significant damage. Protecting your...

KitNipBox Cat Subscription Box Review 2026: Pros, Cons & Verdict

What Is KitNipBox? KitNipBox is a subscription cat box service based in New York City, NY. It delivers toys and treats straight to...

Are ZZ Plants Toxic to Cats? Vet-Reviewed Houseplants Examined

Famously known as the ZZ plant, the Zamioculcas zamiifolia is a popular houseplant due to its ability to thrive even in unfavorable conditions....

5 Expert Ways to Handle Aggressive Cats: Vet Approved Tips & Tricks

Cats are usually sweet and gentle, especially as they outgrow their rambunctious kitten phase. But what happens when you have an aggressive cat?...

Keep reading

Do Cats Enjoy Sex & Mating? Vet-Reviewed Feline Facts

You may have noticed the familiar sounds and behavioral changes in your female cat and guessed that they’re in heat. Their restlessness, excessive vocalization, and desire to go outside to find a mate may have you wondering whether cats enjoy...

burmese cats lying on sofa

How to Sedate a Cat for Grooming: 3 Vet-Approved Methods

Some cats do not like being groomed, but if they’re long-haired or unable to groom themselves for any reason, grooming is a necessity. If their coat is not free of mats and tangles, it can tug uncomfortably on your cat’s...

groomer brushing a maine coon cat

Why Is My Old Cat Meowing So Much? 10 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

As cats age, they may start vocalizing more often. Some cats naturally meow more than others, but if your elderly cat starts meowing much more excessively, it can make you wonder if your cat is experiencing a problem. Determining the...

abyssinian-cat-meowing-at-the-sofa

How to Shave a Cat’s Bum: 6 Vet-Approved Steps

If you’re starting to notice an unpleasant odor following your cat, and if you’re starting to see unpleasant remnants in their nether regions, it might be time for a sanitary trim. It’s not a fun process for anyone, but when...

cat being groomed and shaved at a salon

6 Natural Home Remedies to Treat a Cat Wound (With Pictures)

Whether your cat is an indoor or outdoor cat, she is likely to pick up scratches and scrapes at some point in her life. The most common type of injury is that of a scratch or bite from another cat,...

cat with bandage

Why Does My Cat Hug My Arm? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

It isn’t every day that a cat will allow you to enter the sanctity of their world. Many cats parade around the house like they own it, which we know they do, and graciously ignore you until they are ready...

cat hugs hand

Pros & Cons of Using Cat Diapers: Is It Right for Your Cat? Vet-Reviewed Info

There are a few reasons that a cat can wind up needing to wear a diaper, from having incontinence to spraying or from other medical or behavioral issues. In such circumstances, a cat diaper might be necessary. The type of...

black-cat-wearing-diapers

Why Do Cats Like Treats So Much? Vet-Reviewed Reasons

It’s no secret that cats love treats, although the preference for taste and texture varies between individual cats. Is there a reason that cats love treats so much, though? Why do they love treats more than their food? In the...

himalayan cat eating treat

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.