If you’re a pet owner, you’ve probably shopped at Petco or PetSmart at some point. These two retail giants dominate the pet industry, offering everything from pet food and supplies to grooming and veterinary services. But which one is better?
The answer depends on what you’re looking for—whether it’s pricing, product selection, customer service, or in-store experiences. In this comparison, we’ll break down the pros and cons of Petco and PetSmart to help you decide which store best suits your pet’s needs.
Company Overview
Before diving into comparisons, here’s a quick background on both stores:
| Feature | Petco | PetSmart |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1965 | 1986 |
| Number of Stores | ~1,500 | ~1,650 |
| Primary Focus | Premium pet products, health, and wellness | Affordable pet supplies and services |
| Animal Adoption | Partnered with shelters/rescues | Partnered with shelters/rescues |
| Services Offered | Grooming, vet care, training, pet insurance | Grooming, vet care, training, boarding, daycare |
Both companies have a strong presence nationwide and offer similar products and services. However, the differences lie in pricing, quality, and overall shopping experience.
Product Selection: Who Has Better Variety?
Both Petco and PetSmart offer a wide range of pet supplies, but their focus slightly differs.
1. Pet Food Selection
Petco positions itself as a health-focused retailer, carrying more premium and natural pet food brands. In 2019, they stopped selling dog and cat food with artificial ingredients.
- Petco Strengths: Carries higher-end brands like Orijen, Acana, and Stella & Chewy’s.
- PetSmart Strengths: Offers a wider range of budget-friendly brands, including some exclusive to their stores.
💡 Winner: Petco for high-quality food, PetSmart for affordability.
2. Pet Supplies & Accessories
Both stores stock pet essentials like crates, beds, toys, and grooming tools. However:
- PetSmart has a bigger selection of budget-friendly toys, accessories, and cages.
- Petco tends to focus on higher-end products and eco-friendly brands.
💡 Winner: Tie—Petco is better for premium supplies, while PetSmart offers more affordable choices.
3. Live Animals
Both retailers sell fish, reptiles, birds, and small mammals, but not cats or dogs (adoption only).
- Petco’s reptiles and fish selection is often smaller but higher quality.
- PetSmart generally has more variety but may have inconsistent animal care practices across locations.
💡 Winner: Petco for healthier live animals, PetSmart for variety.
Pricing: Which Store Is More Affordable?
Price-conscious shoppers may prefer PetSmart, as it generally offers:
✔ Lower prices on pet food, treats, and accessories.
✔ More frequent in-store promotions and discounts.
✔ A wider range of budget brands.
Petco, while more expensive, justifies its pricing with higher-quality products. However, you can often find better deals online through Petco’s price-match policy or rewards program.
💡 Winner: PetSmart for affordability, Petco for premium products.
Customer Service & In-Store Experience
1. Staff Knowledge & Helpfulness
- Petco employees often receive more training on pet nutrition and health due to the company’s focus on wellness.
- PetSmart employees may be more knowledgeable in fish, small pets, and reptiles since they carry a larger variety.
💡 Winner: Petco for nutrition advice, PetSmart for exotic pet expertise.
2. Cleanliness & Organization
Both stores vary by location, but in general:
- Petco stores tend to feel cleaner and less cluttered.
- PetSmart stores are larger, but sometimes feel more chaotic, especially in busy locations.
💡 Winner: Petco for store cleanliness, but it depends on the location.
Grooming & Services
Both Petco and PetSmart offer:
✔ Grooming services for dogs and some small pets.
✔ Training classes (obedience, puppy training).
✔ Adoption events with local rescues.
1. Pet Grooming
Both stores offer bathing, haircuts, nail trimming, and de-shedding services, but PetSmart’s grooming program is more extensive:
- PetSmart has more experienced groomers due to a longer in-house training process.
- Petco’s grooming reviews are more mixed, with some locations receiving complaints about rushed service.
💡 Winner: PetSmart for grooming.
2. Veterinary Care
- Petco partners with Vetco to offer low-cost vaccinations and wellness checks at select locations.
- PetSmart partners with Banfield Pet Hospitals, providing full-service vet care inside many stores.
💡 Winner: PetSmart for in-store vet care, Petco for affordable vaccinations.
Online Shopping & Rewards Programs
1. Websites & Online Ordering
Both stores have online shopping, but:
- Petco offers same-day delivery in select areas.
- PetSmart offers same-day pickup but has fewer delivery options.
- PetSmart has better online prices compared to Petco.
💡 Winner: PetSmart for online pricing, Petco for convenience.
2. Loyalty & Rewards Programs
| Feature | Petco Pals Rewards | PetSmart Treats |
|---|---|---|
| Earning Points | $5 reward for every 100 points | 8 points per $1 spent |
| Discounts on Services | Yes | Yes |
| Exclusive Member Deals | Yes | Yes |
| Online & In-Store Use | Yes | Yes |
💡 Winner: Tie—both programs offer similar benefits.
Which Pet Store Is Better? Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Product Quality | Petco |
| Affordability | PetSmart |
| Pet Food Selection | Petco (Premium), PetSmart (Budget) |
| Live Animals | Petco (Healthier), PetSmart (More Variety) |
| Grooming Services | PetSmart |
| Veterinary Care | PetSmart (Full Service), Petco (Budget Vaccines) |
| Online Shopping | PetSmart for Price, Petco for Delivery |
| Customer Service | Petco for Knowledge, PetSmart for Exotic Pets |
Best for Premium Pet Owners → Petco
If you’re looking for high-quality pet food, better animal care, and a cleaner store environment, Petco is the better choice.
Best for Budget Shoppers → PetSmart
If you want affordable prices, frequent discounts, and better grooming services, PetSmart is the winner.
Ultimately, both stores have their strengths and weaknesses, so your choice depends on what you prioritize for your pet’s needs.