Petco vs Petsmart Review

Petco vs Petsmart

Anyone with a furry companion will claim that their pet’s health and happiness are key to their own. There are a lot of elements in play when caring for a pet, but sometimes rather than spacing it all out in a number of locations, it’s easiest to hit up one place and get it all done.

Finding that perfect store can be a challenge for any pet owner, but the beauty of places like Petco and PetSmart tends to come from their one-stop-shop mentality. From treats and toys to grooming and adoption, these stores do it all. But is there a difference between them?

This Petco vs Petsmart review will dig into the details of both to determine just how they stack up against one another. However, before we go too far into the minute details, let’s take a look at each brand’s story first.

About Petco

Petco launched in the market in 1965 with a goal of animal wellness and health. Beginning as a mail-order veterinary service, this brand became a powerhouse within two decades, moving from that simple service store to the major retailer known today. 

Now working in over 1,500 locations in North America, this brand has made themselves known to the masses for their range of products and services that all cater to our favorite furry friends.

About PetSmart 

PetSmart hit the ground running in 1987 with the founders Jim and Janice Dougherty convinced that the best-selling business would be a pet superstore offering all owners could need. 

Within two years of their start date, the business had 7 locations and began working alongside animal welfare groups, beginning what would become a long-running event of fundraising and adoption.

Currently the largest pet retailer on the market, PetSmart operates over 1,650 locations across North America. Sticking to their values, they’ve continued their work with animal welfare, now serving over 4,000 groups to partner up for pet adoption and find animals a safe and happy home.

Petco vs Petsmart: What to Consider

Before finding that ideal location to serve your pet and home with all its needs, it’s important to figure out what exactly to look for. While both brands offer similar products and services, their slight differences can be the straw that breaks the camel’s back when deciding who to shop with.

Before going directly into products, this Petco vs PetSmart review wanted to lay out a few criteria to consider before picking a business to buy from:

Product range

• Petco really does cover it all. From treats to vitamins to food and grooming, this business sections all products out by the pet covering more typical dogs and cats to reptiles, birds, and fish
• While PetSmart offers a lot of the same products, the organization of Petco really makes it appear as though the brand has much more in stock. PetSmart keeps things concise and categorized to access wider supplies while Petco really narrows it down for every product type

Target audience

• Both of these brands target a similar market of pet owners (present or future). From supplies needed to adoption itself, these retailers are known for doing it all for the world of pets, so it’s easy to see why they’re top of their game

Pet services offered

• Pet products are one thing, but services include a whole different level. Both businesses offer a standard set of grooming, vet care, adoption, and training services. After that, the differences begin to appear
• Petco rounds off their services with Pet Insurance and self-serve washing stations while PetSmart offers pets a home away from home. Through pet day camps and hotels, they provide a comfortable space for pets to spend the day without owners around while receiving the care needed to be safe and happy
• While there’s a lot to cover here, this Petco vs PetSmart review will look more into their veterinary and adoption services later on, so we’ll leave it here for now

Charity involvements

• Rather than work alongside other organizations, Petco launched Petco Love in 1999 – a business dedicated to working with animal welfare groups to find safe homes for animals everywhere 
• Similarly, PetSmart Charities works to pair pets with new homes through partnerships with local shelters. Both brands heavily involve themselves in the adoption line of their work (another element we’re looking into later)

Accessibility

• Both brands are widely known across North America. Petco works mainly in the US, Puerto Rico, and Mexico while PetSmart locations sit across the US and Canada
• Both businesses pride themselves on being accessible regarding services and pricing

Petco vs Petsmart Products Review

In order to truly check out all the options, we need to look beyond the categories and considerations and move this Petco vs PetSmart review into the products and services. 

Due to the similarities in what they offer, it really come down to the details. We’re pairing up some stock and services to identify how the brands differentiate themselves.

Petco True Chews Premium Grillers Made with Real Chicken Natural Dog Treats vs Petsmart Simply Nourish® Soft Chews Sticks Dog Treat Review 

Starting out with a treat for our favorite pups, we’re looking first at the Petco True Chews Premium Grillers Made with Real Chicken Natural Dog Treats.

These treats are all about taking our pets to flavortown, working with an inspiring chicken and rice combo. Removing all artificial flavors and preservatives, dogs are left with only the good stuff, including that US farm-raised chicken. Listed as 100% natural, these treats only want to provide the best to truly define what a treat should be.

This product is sold only in 12oz bags but comes in two purchasing options. At the time of writing this Petco vs PetSmart review, these treats are on sale for $11 rather than their regular $17. However, those who go with the repeat delivery option save and pay only $10.60 per bag. Hey, that can add up over time.

Moving over to the PetSmart Simply Nourish Soft Chews Sticks Dog Treat, these treats stand strong on their own based solely on flavor.

The key thing about this PetSmart product – the options. When we say options, we’re talking about the six different flavors available for selection. Whether a fan of venison, chicken, bacon, rabbit, quail, or boar, the preference is covered by this small bag.

We will say that this option does include a preservative in their recipe, but don’t let that hold back any purchase. When it comes to cost vs value, this product comes only in 6oz bags for $6 apiece. A dollar an ounce isn’t the worst thing in the world.

It’s definitely a tough toss-up between these two. We love the bigger bag size from Petco and their zero preservatives, but we also love the variety in flavors that PetSmart offers and their lower cost. Overall, we’d likely side with PetSmart on this occasion for the variety and better value, but it’s a close call.

Petco B.F.F. Originals Batch ‘O Besties Variety Pack Wet Cat Food vs Petsmart Fancy Feast® Savory Centers Pate Variety Pack Cat Food Review

Dogs aren’t the only family friends we need to care for. When it comes to cats, we’re checking out their options, starting with the Petco BFF Originals Batch ‘O Besties Variety Pack Wet Cat Food.

There’s a lot to unfold in that title, but the key terms to pull out are variety and wet food. These 12 packs of wet food contain 3 cans of 4 different flavors. 

All recipes are made with a tuna-based mixture and rich gravy for an aromatic experience (for the cats anyway). Each can is high in moisture and responsibly sourced, leaving cats hydrated and packed full of nutrients for a healthier life.

In addition to the standard 12 pack, this product comes with options for an 8 pack, 3oz cans, or 5.5oz cans. Select the best options to suit your situation and order for a one-time purchase of $15 or a repeat delivery for $14.

Moving onto PetSmart, this brand’s option comes in the form of Fancy Feast Savory Centers Pate Variety Pack Cat Food.

Similar to Petco’s option, this brand is all about variety. A 12-pack with 4 different flavors makes up this selection with options including tuna, salmon, chicken, and beef. Each meal contains a gravy center filling that oozes out into the folds of the food for a deep and luscious flavor to hydrate all cats and leave them wanting more.

Delicate in texture and high in protein and nutrients, these gourmet meals really focus on the whole atmosphere from taste and smell to touch. At the time of writing this Petco vs PetSmart review, this selection is on sale for $14 with a regular price of $15 per pack.

When determining which one to go with, we have to appreciate the sizing options that Petco offers, but we’re ultimately swayed by the flavors, mixed proteins, and gravy centers from PetSmart. Either one works, but depending on your pet’s preference, exploring options that aren’t tuna-based may be worthwhile.

Petco vs Petsmart: Veterinary Services

Products aren’t the only thing to consider when checking out these brands, so we had to dive a bit into their services. First up? Veterinary services.

Petco starts off this selection by splitting the service into two segments. This brand offers standard Vaccination Clinics as well as Full-Service Hospitals. Vaccination clinics don’t require any visitation fees while the vaccination itself comes at affordable costs that depend on what’s being required at the time. There’s unfortunately no set fee visible online.

As for their hospital, these are located within Petco buildings for easy access with online tools to help customers locate their nearest option. These appointments are recommended to be booked ahead, but in case of emergency, walk-ins are allowed. 

Again, fees aren’t listed online and will be determined depending on the reason for the visit – however, they are listed as being affordable, so we can hope.

PetSmart separated their business from their veterinary services through the creation of the Banfield Pet Hospital. This hospital has over 900 locations throughout the country, leaving a wide list of options available for pet owners in need of help. 

First examinations are free for new clients, leaving pets with a thorough check into what all is going on health-wise and where to go from there.

Working from a place of wellness and preventative care, this hospital aims to save stress from health concerns and wallet concerns by offering affordable services for dental care, nutrition, vaccinations, and more in addition to pet packages to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

Optimum Wellness Plans are available, acting as insurance for each pet while providing Virtual Check-ups, 24/7 Messaging Services, and 1-on-1 sessions with trained advisors.

We love that Petco really separates things into two segments, but we’re going with PetSmart for this one. They offer a range of services, hundreds of locations, and wellness plans for preventative care. While we can’t compare prices, these services speak for themselves.

Petco vs Petsmart: Adoption Services

We’re wrapping up the products and services section of this Petco vs PetSmart review with the best part of the businesses – adoption. Both brands are known for their adoption services, but are there many differences between the practices themselves?

Petco adoption services run through their Petco Love charity. This off-shoot of the original company focuses solely on animal welfare and adoption. 

Working with over 4,000 animal welfare groups, individuals can put in their locations to be directed to local adoption events or a listing of pets in the system nearby that are looking for a home. Through this service over 6.5 million animals have found homes since its launch in 1999.

PetSmart offers adoption through online or in-store services. We will say that in-store options are slim when it comes to cats and dogs, but the option is still available for those who wish to go in and meet the pets prior to bringing them home. 

PetSmart’s online service works through zip or postal code, matching individuals with shelters and animals in their area who need a safe and happy home. Those who choose to adopt through PetSmart (or to bring in their adoption papers from elsewhere) receive a Welcome Home Guide that offers coupons saving over $450 in pet products.

We’re going with PetSmart on this one for savings alone. We love that both brands are excited to find new homes through their various animal welfare partnerships, but that Welcome Guide packed full of savings makes a huge difference once adoption fees have been finalized.

Petco vs Petsmart: Price & Value

No matter where you go or what’s being bought, we all want a reasonable price and value for the purchase. Money needs to measure up to the quality and quantity of the purchase, so this Petco vs PetSmart review had to check out just how these prices compare.

Right off the bat, we have to note that both of these brands will price match competitors’ online average costs. When it comes to the limitations of this policy, Petco makes it more difficult to track down information on the process while PetSmart lists the online and in-store options on how to price match with ease.

As for actual costs, it’s really a toss-up between the two to determine who comes out better. Prices are fairly similar throughout. Need some proof? Check out these quick selections to compare:

• Bone Studded Collar
  • Petco – $20 to $25
  • PetSmart – $17
• Cat Nail Clippers
  • Petco – $8
  • PetSmart – $$6
• Retractable Leash
  • Petco – $16 to $44
  • PetSmart – $16 to $44
• Pee Pads
  • Petco – $36
  • PetSmart – $22 (on sale for $15)
• Wire Crate
  • Petco – $150 (on sale for $130)
  • PetSmart – $70

Both brands offer reasonable costs on items, but PetSmart does tend to offer a slightly cheaper selection and decent sales prices. Due to that, we’re bound to go with the discounted deals.

Petco vs Petsmart: What Do Customers Think?  

It wouldn’t be fair of us to complete this Petco vs PetSmart review without considering the perspective of the public. Due to that, we’ve gone online for a quick glance at how these brands measure up.

First off, we have to note that both brands actually run fairly similar numbers regarding their star ratings online. We’ve chosen the same three platforms to look at both brands for neutral grounds.

Starting with Petco, this brand fairs pretty well. They sit in the mid-to-high range with Consumer Affairs at 3.9/5 stars based on over 1,800 ratings, Influenster at 4.5/5 stars based on over 935 ratings, and SiteJabber at 3.5/5 stars based on over 280 ratings. 

We do want to note that the lowest rating also comes from the lowest number of reviews, meaning it’s less significant but still noteworthy.

In terms of what people are saying, service seems to be key. Customers absolutely love the helpful staff, numerous locations, and ease of online services. 

Deals and discounts definitely don’t hurt the love for this brand either. Constant sales on top of reasonable prices only encourage loyal business and customers.

Need more proof? Check out just a few of their thousands of reviews available online:

• “The staff as well as the managers are extremely polite, nice and very helpful. They take the time 2 answer your questions and are never too busy to explain to you the nature of your question. They don’t rush you.”
• “I have shopped at Petco for many years at many locations and always found the employees very helpful and pleasant. My most recent interaction was beyond good customer service.”
• “They have great deals and sales, as well as a loyalty program that is very easy to use and keep track of. They have amazing customer service representatives who are always friendly, polite, and cheerful!”
• “Petco is one of my favorite and most trusted pet supply stores. They meet all my pets needs and the staff are always so friendly and helpful when it comes to helping find the best items for my pets.”

Turning to PetSmart, this brand sits very closely regarding ratings from these platforms. Currently, the business holds 3.9/5 stars from Consumer Affairs based on over 1,370 ratings, 4.5/5 stars from Influenster based on over 7,400 ratings, and 3.7/5 stars from SiteJabber based on over 595 ratings.

Unsurprisingly, the comments tend to parallel those of Petco. Customers are drawn to their low prices and deals in addition to the incredibly helpful staff. 

Throw in the wide variety of products and most customers are as loyal as they come.

We grabbed just a few reviews to show off the inner thoughts of some of these customers:

• “I love how helpful the staff are and go out of their way to find a product. They are patient and friendly.”
• “We found everything we went looking for. Customer service has very pleasant people that know where everything is located. The hours of operation are very convenient and the store is very close to where we live. The prices are always very acceptable and competing with other stores.”
• “They have a huge variety of products we can get all in one trip. They also price match with their online prices to help with savings. The workers there are very friendly, helpful and nice.”
• “I’ve taken him to discipline classes at the store, and I have also used their pet hotel service. I have used their grooming service several times. They have everything you would need or want for your pet. I have gotten some excellent deals at PetSmart. I will continue to shop at PetSmart.”

We have to say that these two are pretty even in this category. PetSmart does have higher review numbers and a slightly higher average with these three platforms, but they’re pretty on par. If we had to pick, we’d probably go for PetSmart just due to the sheer numbers, but when looking at star ratings, customers seem to be happy either way.

Petco vs Petsmart: Promotions & Discounts

These brands are all about reasonable pricing and deals, so it’s not a surprise to know that both brands offer regular promotions and discounts. At the time of writing this Petco vs PetSmart review, both brands are well into the holiday promotions meaning large discounts on a wide selection of products.

We did find just a few of their current deals to show off exactly what customers are looking at in terms of discounts with each brand.

Petco

• Buy 2, save 30%
• 40% off select first-time repeat delivery orders
• Buy 1, get 1 50% off on holiday toys
• Up to 40% off Travel Gear, Crates, and Beds

PetSmart

• Save 35% on first Autoship order
• Save 20% on free same-day deliveries
• 15% off gift card purchases with the code HOLIDAY
• Sign up with Treats to earn points with every purchase

There’s no real winner when it comes to this round as they both do a great job of offering up sales whenever they’re able to. Both offer loyalty programs that put forth savings for every dollar spent. They know that the customer counts and both brands make a point to keep things affordable for all.

Petco vs Petsmart: Shipping & Returns 

While both businesses have hundreds of in-store locations for shopping, it’s always good to know how their online methods work.

Petco’s shipping costs are typically calculated at checkout based on delivery location and order weight/size. We will say that this brand tends to offer free Everyday shipping on orders over $35, so it’s worth buying in bulk. 

Deliveries traditionally take 2 to 5 days, but faster shipping services can be purchased at checkout.

For those searching for returns, there are two methods to go about getting that money back.

1. In-Store – products can be taken to any Petco location within 30 days of shipping for a full and free refund. No shipping costs or added stress of forms, just bring the receipt and order number along with the product in original packaging for that refund.
2. Online – those who wish to return an item online simply start the process by contacting customer service. Send them a quick email and then package up the item and ship it back to:

Petco.com

257 Prospect Plains Road, Ste. B

Cranbury, NJ 08512

That’s all it takes – a quick and simple process to get that money back.

Sliding over to PetSmart, shipping runs about the same with order costs dependent on the size and weight of what’s in the cart. The one difference here? Free shipping appears on orders over $49 instead of the $35 Petco offers. Most orders appear within 2 to 3 days but faster services are available at checkout.

As for returns, there are two options available for customers:

1. In-store – customers are able to return any order in-store and this brand actually offers up to 60 days with the receipt for the same price back or the most recent sales price on products being returned after the 60-day limit. Customers must bring the credit card used for the purchase in order to be refunded the same amount.
2. Online – online shipping doesn’t work quite as well with this brand as customers have to call the Customer Service line for an authorization number and shipping label. Items are given 30 days from the time of delivery to make a return for a full refund, so customers using this method have to be quick.

We will say that PetSmart’s in-store options are preferable to their online ones. With that in mind, we’d be likely to go with Petco when it comes to shipping and returns. Better prices and a smoother transaction can go a long way.

Who Will You Shop With?

There’s a lot of give and take when it comes to selecting the brand to shop with. These brands especially have been battling for decades and playing a pretty even game regarding products and services.

We will say that PetSmart’s slightly lower prices, few additional services, and greater number in stores and reviews lead us to choose them over Petco. It’s not a lot of difference, but just enough that if we had to choose, that’s who we’d go with. 

With that being said, both brands have proven themselves to offer quality prices, products, and services across North America. Pets are their goal and those core values of wellness and health remain central to both brands.

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