Can You Bring Cats In Petsmart – Things You Should Know!

It’s true; cat parents don’t get to enjoy outdoor trips as much as canine parents. After all, felines are big on talking walks or playing fetch. But, there’s no denying the idea of going shopping for kitty supplies with your fur baby holds a certain allure. So naturally, pet stores might seem like an ideal place to do this. However, can you bring cats in Petsmart?

Yes, you can bring cats into Petsmart. The store allows cats and dogs (including various other animals) inside their stores as long as they’re safely confined or leashed and vaccinated according to their age and species. 

However, cat owners looking forward to taking their felines to Petsmart need to be aware of how they can ensure their pets’ safety while following the store’s rules. Luckily for you, we’ve included all that and more in our article, and all you need to do is scroll down and discover more!

Are Cats Allowed In Petsmart

Yes, cats are allowed in Petsmart. In fact, Petsmart allows the following pets in their stores:

• Domestic cats
• Domestic dogs
• Ferrets
• Rabbits
• Non-venomous reptiles
• Small animals such as guinea pigs, gerbils, mice, chinchillas, hamsters, certain types of geckos, bearded dragons, frogs, and birds. 
• Sugar gliders
• Pot-bellied pigs

Customers should note that the pets mentioned above will only be allowed inside Petsmart outlets if they’re appropriately confined or leashed and have been fully vaccinated according to their age. 

Any species not mentioned on Petsmart’s In-store policy page qualify as non-traditional and aren’t allowed inside their stores. 

Of course, Petsmart’s non-traditional pet policy is still subject to the service animal guidelines mentioned in the Americans with Disabilities Act. That means, even if your pet is non-traditional according to the store’s policy, they’ll be allowed inside, provided you can prove their service animal status. 

Additionally, Petsmart also allows the admittance of non-traditional animals for veterinary appointments at in-store Banfield Hospital spots. However, non-traditional pets entering the store for such appointments must be secured within a kennel or crate to prevent exposure. 

Also, note that Petsmart also reserves the right to prohibit any pet from entering their outlets for any reason and can change or modify their pet policy without any notice. 

What Are Non-traditional Animals According to Petsmart Policy

If you’re wondering whether your American Bobtail or Burmese Cat might fall foul of Petsmart’s non-traditional animal policy – don’t worry. No matter how rare a feline’s breed is, entry into the pet superstore shouldn’t be a problem as long as it’s domesticated. 

Here’s what Petsmart means when it mentions non-traditional pets:

1. Any pet breed or type that Petsmart doesn’t sell. 

This means animal species like the Asian Forest Scorpion, American Curly-haired Tarantula, Isopods, Green Anole, etc., are all traditional pets and allowed admittance inside Petsmart. 

2. Any pet breed or type that Petsmart doesn’t offer for adoption through an in-store adoption partner.

This means all breeds and types of domestic cats and dogs, small animals, and certain reptiles are considered traditional under the store’s policy and allowed admittance. 

3. Any pet breed or type that Petsmart doesn’t sell supplies for.

This category is meant to highlight exotic pet breeds that aren’t commonly kept as pets, such as foxes, capuchin monkeys, raptors, etc. 

4. Pets being treated at the instore-Banfield Hospital 

Pets being treated at the stores’ Banfield Hospital locations may be non-traditional. Still, they’re allowed admittance as long as they’re appropriately contained within a crate, kennel, or enclosure. 

Precautions To Consider Before Taking Your Cat To Petsmart

Seasoned pet parents will agree that Petsmart’s flexible pet policy and the confinement and vaccination conditions are for the safety of customers and animals combined. 

Not too long ago, there was a tragic incident at one of Petsmart’s outlets where aggression between two canines led to the death of one of them. The truth is, there’s no way you can predict your pet’s behavior 100%, and taking precautions to safeguard your pet’s health is always the best option. 

That’s why we’ve put together a list of precautions you can take (besides what Petsmart’s in-store policy requires) to ensure you and your kitty cat enjoy a trouble-free shopping trip at your favorite pet store. 

• Comfortable Carrier

Since putting your feline on a leash isn’t an option, it’s best to invest in a comfy pet carrier for your cat’s trip to Petsmart stores. For instance, if you’re looking for a cat carrier that offers both stability and ease, you can rely on airline-approved soft cat carriers.

Some of the carriers in this category offer features like a cozy sherpa lining, mesh windows for maximum viewing room and ventilation, and of course, a wireframe to ensure your feline can move about the carriers without it collapsing. 

• Anti-anxiety Medicines

Besides ensuring that your cat’s fully vaccinated according to age, it’s also a good idea to give your feline its anti-anxiety medication at least 15 to 20 minutes before you leave your house. 

Some cats don’t take to car rides too well, and you don’t want to force your stressed-out feline to go through navigating a crowded space with other animals running about. 

If your cat requires calming medication before traveling, make sure you give the medicines enough time to kick in before you arrive at the pet store. Also, if you feel your cat isn’t taking to the shopping trip too well, it’s best to abort the expedition and take your pet home to calm down. 

• Treats On Hand

Even the most sweet-tempered feline can feel a little overwhelmed during its first trip to a pet store. However, you can keep your cat’s disposition from turning sour by having its favorite treats on hand to help brighten its mood. In fact, you can kill two birds with one stone and pick a carrier with some storage space to ensure there’s plenty of room for you to pack all your feline’s essential items. 

• Other Essential

Cats don’t have the luxury of using cat litter when they’re out of the house. Plus, accidents can happen to anyone, primarily if your pet is confined in a carrier for the duration of the shopping trip. 

That’s where carrying wet wipes, training pads, and disposable bags can come in handy. Even if your feline has a teensy weensy accident, you can clean it up as best you can with the wipes, throw on a clean training pad on top of the stain, and keep your pet warm and dry until you get home. 

Can You Adopt Cats From Petsmart

Nearly all Petsmart outlet locations feature in-store cat adoption centers (partnered with local animal welfare groups). These Petsmart adoption centers run seven days a week, meaning you can walk in at any time during work hours and adopt the kitten or cat of your choice. 

Interested parties can also adopt pets during the National Adoption Weekend (Petsmart’s signature adoption event) that occurs four times a year. 

Conclusion

There you have it, folks. We’re at the end of our feline-specific guide and hope you’re all caught up on what’s required before bringing your kitty to any one of Petsmart’s outlets. 

Make sure your pet’s safely secured in a top-quality carrier with plenty of room and ventilation and is up-to-date on all its vaccinations. Doing so will help keep your fur baby safe from all possible problems and help make your feline feel secure in new surroundings. 

It’s also a good idea to offer your cat its favorite treat every so often to keep it feeling interested and not tire of the shopping expedition too soon. Finally, don’t forget to carry your pet’s vaccine records, just in case. 

Besides that, we’re sure you and your cat will do just great!