ONTARIO-Ahead of the first National Adoption Week of the year, PetSmart Charities of Canada has awarded $450,000 in grants to community animal welfare organizations nationwide to support in-store adoption programs that help animals find loving homes.
Adoptable pets are available in PetSmart stores every day, but from March 23–29, 2026, local animal shelters and rescues will bring even more adoptable pets–including dogs, cats, rabbits, and small animals of all ages and personalities–to PetSmart stores across the country to connect people and pets.
New findings from an Angus Reid survey highlight the powerful emotional impact pets have on Canadians. An overwhelming 96% of pet owners report that having a pet has improved their emotional well‑being. The survey also reveals that comfort and companionship is the leading emotional benefit pets provide:
- 39% of respondents ranked comfort and companionship as the #1 benefit.
- 19% ranked increased happiness as their top emotional benefit, with those under 55 more likely to cite this.
- 12% identified reduced stress or anxiety as their primary benefit.
Pets are also strengthening social ties. Nearly half of owners (45%) say that adding a pet to their family has helped deepen their sense of community, whether through interactions with neighbours, fellow pet owners, or local shelters.
Funding from PetSmart Charities of Canada supports the needs of adoptable pets including veterinary care, enrichment and nutrition, to ensure they are ready for placement in loving homes. Adopting a new best friend at an in-store event can save lives, bring more joy to families and ease the burden of local animal welfare organizations working to give every pet the love and attention they need to thrive.
“We’ve seen that Canadian pet parents overwhelmingly benefit from adding a pet to their family,” said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities of Canada. “This year, we’re excited to continue this trend through $450,000 in adoption support grants to our animal shelter and rescue partners, who are working tirelessly to intake new pets, support their adoption journey and help every pet find the loving home they’ve been waiting for.”
During PetSmart Charities of Canada National Adoption Week, local shelters and rescues will bring adoptable pets into nearly every PetSmart store across Canada. Potential pet parents will have the chance to interact with adoptable pets, with staff and volunteers available to help educate potential adopters on pet care needs and provide adoption resources.
- Dates: March 23–29, 2026
- Locations: Nearly every PetSmart store across Canada. Visit PetSmart.ca to find a store near you, or donate to: PetSmartCharities.ca.
There is a PetSmart in Peterborough at 898 Monaghan Road.
Those interested in other ways to support adoptable pets can still make an impact by donating funds to help pets in need at PetSmartCharities.ca . They can also find their match when the time is right by visiting PetSmartCharities.ca/adopt-a-pet to view adoptable pets, adoption centres, and upcoming events.
