PetSmart is one of the most well-known names in the pet retail world. For many pet parents, it is the first place that comes to mind for food, toys, grooming, training, and veterinary services. Over time, rumors have appeared online asking: “Is PetSmart going out of business?” These concerns usually arise whenever the economy shifts or when people hear about store closures in the retail market.
In reality, the pet industry continues to grow as more families adopt dogs, cats, birds, fish, and small animals. People now treat pets as family members, which increases spending on quality food, health care, and accessories. This trend matters because it helps explain why large pet retailers like PetSmart remain significant in the market.
This article explores PetSmart’s history, performance, challenges, customer reviews, current stability, and its future outlook. It will also discuss alternatives so readers can make informed choices about where to shop for their pets.
History of PetSmart
PetSmart began with a simple mission: to provide affordable pet food and supplies under one roof. It opened its first stores in the late 1980s and quickly expanded across the United States and Canada. Over time, it transformed from just a retail store into a full pet-care destination.
The company introduced grooming salons, pet training, boarding through PetSmart Hotels, and in-store veterinary services through partners. This allowed customers to buy products and receive services in the same visit, which became a major competitive advantage.
As pet ownership grew, PetSmart continued to add brands, adopt digital tools, and expand its physical store network. Today, it is recognized not only as a retailer but as a complete pet-care ecosystem.
Is PetSmart Going Out of Business?
The short answer is no — PetSmart is not going out of business. The company still operates hundreds of stores and continues to provide services daily. Rumors usually appear because some individual locations may close, remodel, or relocate. This is normal for large retail chains and does not indicate a full shutdown.
Many customers also confuse “store closures” with “bankruptcy.” Closing a few underperforming locations is often part of business optimization, not collapse. PetSmart continues to hire employees, advertise services, and expand veterinary care offerings, all of which signal ongoing operations.
So while the retail market is competitive, there is no confirmed evidence that PetSmart as a whole is shutting down permanently.
How PetSmart Is Performing as a Business
PetSmart operates in a strong industry. The pet care market benefits from recurring purchases such as food, treats, grooming, and health care. These are not luxury purchases for most pet parents—they are necessities.
The company generates revenue from several streams:
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in-store retail sales
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e-commerce and curbside pickup
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grooming and training services
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veterinary services
Diversification helps protect its business from economic swings. Even when online competition increases, services like grooming and vet care still require in-person visits, giving PetSmart steady foot traffic.
Overall, while competition exists, PetSmart continues to perform as a large and relevant brand in the pet sector.
Recent Changes at PetSmart (Restructuring, Ownership, Strategy)
Like many major companies, PetSmart has gone through ownership and strategic changes. Restructuring usually focuses on improving operations, reducing costs, and aligning with changing customer behavior such as online shopping.
PetSmart has invested heavily in:
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online ordering and delivery
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buy-online, pick-up-in-store options
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expanding veterinary clinics
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private-label product lines
These moves aim to compete with online retailers and strengthen long-term profitability. Restructuring does not automatically mean failure; often, it is a strategy to stay competitive in a changing market.
Reviews of Customers on PetSmart
Customer reviews for PetSmart are mixed but generally positive. Many customers appreciate the wide product selection, adoption events, and friendly grooming staff. They like that they can shop and receive multiple pet services in one place.
However, some reviews mention pricing concerns or inconsistent grooming experiences between locations. Since PetSmart operates hundreds of stores, service quality can vary depending on local management and staff training.
Overall, customer sentiment reflects trust in the brand but also the expectation for continuous improvement—especially in service-based departments.
PetSmart Stability and Market Challenges
PetSmart is relatively stable, but it does face challenges like any large retailer. Competition from online platforms, independent pet stores, and big-box retailers is strong. Economic pressures can also change consumer behavior.
Rising operational costs, labor expenses, and supply chain shifts require efficient management. The company must continue adapting to digital shopping habits while keeping in-store experiences valuable.
Despite these challenges, the continued demand for pet care and essential products supports PetSmart’s overall stability.
Alternatives of PetSmart
Customers today have many alternatives, both online and offline. Some popular options include:
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Petco
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Chewy
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Amazon
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Local independent pet shops
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Direct-to-consumer pet food brands
Each alternative offers its own benefits. Online stores often emphasize convenience and quick delivery, while local shops provide personalized service and community relationships. PetSmart’s advantage remains its combination of products and in-person services under one roof.
Future Outlook for PetSmart
The future of PetSmart appears cautiously positive. As pet ownership continues to rise, the company is well-positioned to benefit from the growing demand for premium food, grooming, and veterinary care.
Continued investment in e-commerce, mobile apps, and veterinary partnerships is likely to shape its future success. If PetSmart focuses on service quality, customer experience, and competitive pricing, it can remain one of the leading names in the industry for years to come.
Innovation and adaptation will be key themes going forward.
Conclusion
PetSmart is not going out of business. It remains an active, recognized brand in the pet industry with diverse services and a strong customer base. While it faces competition and market challenges, restructuring and strategic changes are aimed at growth rather than closure.
For pet owners, PetSmart will likely continue to be a major destination for supplies and services. The company’s future depends on staying innovative, customer-focused, and responsive to new shopping trends—but for now, it is very much here to stay.
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