PetSmart Charities
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 | |
| Formation | 1994 |
|---|---|
| 93-1140967[1] | |
| Legal status | Foundation |
| Purpose | Animal welfare |
| Location | |
Region served | North America |
President | Aimee Gilbreath[2] |
| Revenue | $68.7 million[3] (2025) |
| Website | petsmartcharities |
PetSmart Charities and PetSmart Charities of Canada are non-profit organizations dedicated to pet adoption and welfare,[4][5] with focuses on pet hunger,[6] disaster relief,[7] and access to care.[8] In the United States, PetSmart Charities is the largest financial supporter of animal welfare[5] and among the 400 largest philanthropic organizations working on any issue.[9] Their primary goal is to save the lives of homeless pets through programs such as their In-Store Adoption Centers in many PetSmart locations, grant program for animal welfare agencies[10] across North America, and community adoption events.[11] Support for increasing access to affordable veterinary care is a key priority for the organization.[12][13]
Major grants
PetSmart Charities was formed in 1994[14] by PetSmart founders Jim and Janice Dougherty, who made a decision to avoid selling dogs and cats within their stores in favor of showcasing pet adoption programs.[15]
In 2004, PetSmart charities launched The Rescue Waggin’ program, which helped relocate pets from facilities in overpopulated communities to adoption centers in areas where there is more demand and higher chance of adoption.[16][17] The program was sunset in 2016.[18]
The charity has made major donations to further animal welfare. In 2007, it gave a $420,750 to the University of California-Davis. According to the organization, the fund will be used to finance an urgent need for an academic position dedicated to extending medical knowledge to shelter professionals.[19] In 2006, PetSmart Charities awarded $2.3 million in grants to help disaster relief agencies and animal welfare organizations address the needs of pets abandoned, hurt or lost during hurricanes and other natural disasters.[20] In 2006, it offered a request for proposals for $20,000 matching grants toward the establishment of state animal response teams in the U.S. The SART model is a public-private partnership for preparation and response to animal emergencies.[21]
PetSmart Charities gave the largest gift in its history in May 2023, a $6 million grant to name an endowed chair at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. The grant is part of a $100 million commitment to improve access to veterinary care.[22]