When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego with a group of friends or family, consider
PetSmart
Why PetSmart is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
PetSmart is a well-established pet supply retailer founded in 1986 by Jim and Janice Dougherty, opening its first stores in 1987 in Arizona. Known for its comprehensive offerings, PetSmart provides a wide range of quality pet supplies including food, accessories, grooming services, training classes, and veterinary clinics. The brand emphasizes a one-stop-shop experience for pet parents, facilitating not only the purchase of products but also pet care and wellness needs. Highlights of PetSmart include its in-store adoption centers, formed through a partnership with local animal shelters to help homeless pets find loving homes, and its grooming and daycare services that cater to busy pet owners. Additionally, through PetSmart Charities, an independent nonprofit, the company supports animal welfare causes and has helped facilitate the adoption of millions of pets. The stores often feature offerings such as bird, fish, and small pet departments, making it a diverse destination for all pet types. With over 1,160 stores nationwide, PetSmart remains committed to superior customer service and pet care. This makes PetSmart an ideal location to meet friends who share a passion for animals or for anyone looking to provide the best for their pets.
Here's what people think of PetSmart
As of recent, PetSmart holds a 4.3-star rating based on 1380 reviews.
Customer reviews for PetSmart show a mixed experience, with an overall solid rating of 4.3 out of 5 from over 1,300 reviews. Many customers appreciate PetSmart’s wide selection of pet products, convenience of services such as grooming and veterinary clinics, and their support for pet adoption events. Positive reviews often highlight the knowledgeable staff, clean store environments, and helpful grooming services that cater to pets’ specific needs. PetSmart’s charitable commitment and community events are also frequently praised by pet owners who value socially responsible businesses. However, some negative reviews focus on inconsistent customer service experiences, particularly regarding online orders and grooming mishaps. There have been reports of dissatisfaction with how certain customer concerns were handled and isolated incidents involving pet care, which some reviewers found distressing. Despite these concerns, many customers continue to rely on PetSmart for their trusted pet supplies and services due to its convenience and broad resources. Overall, the reviews suggest that while there is room for improvement in some areas, PetSmart maintains a strong reputation as a pet care destination that many customers enjoy and return to repeatedly.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Erica Fox
We used the PetSmart on Aero Dr. for our collie Bowie's grooming session. They did a pretty good job for a nice price.
MURZBO
Huge pet store. Our cat ate the frozen raw cat food by Instinct from here. When we first adopted him a decade ago, his first cat condo was from Petsmart, which, with some handyman work, he still uses to this day. A decade ago, one of the Petsmart employees from this store told me to bring my cat indoors 24/7 (he lived outdoors as a kitten) glad to have listened to her advice since several of my neighbor's cats have been killed by coyotes and cars speeding through the neighborhood.
Christopher Solimine
Update: They fired the man who used to run the store. He was extremely rude to me on multiple occasions when I purchased defective products and returned them. Get better vendors if you ever work in the field again. New management is awesome! Store looks great!
Louise Meylan
Big store with lots of choice but overall bad experience shopping here. Promo and sales prices displayed on the shelf (like buy 10 get 2 free) are not reflected in the checkout system. Resulted in 20min wait and long customer line at the checkout while the cashier did their best to resolve the problem. I don’t blame the shop staff, it seems like a very basic need their corporate IT system should have addressed.
Summer D
***UPDATE 4/30 Tested my water at home and also took a sample to Petco, where they informed me my water is PERFECT to start adding fish. They also said that starting with a few Tetras is a great choice, as their waste will help contribute to the healthy bacteria Let me start this review by saying, I completely understand refusing the sale of living creatures to someone who seems unfit, or does not have the proper set up or willingness to learn what is proper. I was denied the purchase of fish today by the manager, Ashley. A little background: I am 31 years old and have had fish all of my life, picking up the love of them from my mother who is 64, and has had fish all of HER life. I have also raised cats from 2 weeks-17 years of age, a 12 year old Pittie who we sadly lost a few months ago, and am currently raising a VERY rambunctious 6month old Shepherd/Pittie mix. We love animals and know how to care for them. Fast forward to 2 months ago, my mom gave me her extra 30 gallon tank. I searched Reddit for the perfect set up and mimicked it. Layers of sand, rocks, pretty stones, plants, filter, heater, 2 air stones/pump, and a filter. I also bought water conditioner and used it according to label. I let it circulate for 2 months, as recommended, to allow the nitrogen cycle to complete. I came in yesterday, 4/23, after work to finally purchase my fish. I was told it was delivery day and I could not purchase them. Understandable. I advised I would be back tomorrow, as in today. Never did the young man tell me to make sure I bring in a sample of my water for testing, or the manager Ashley would deny to sell to me. I came in today and stood in front of the fish for at least 30mins, researching the perfect fish to pair together. I want to make sure they are happy and get along. Doesn’t sound like an irresponsible pet owner to me???? After finally settling on a Pleco and the Neon Tetras, I asked Ashley for assistance. She asked the size of my tank, I advised her it was 30gallon. I asked her how many Tetras to get as I read they like to be in schools.. she said it’s recommended to get only 2-3 at a time to not shock the tank. I thanked her for the knowledge. I advised her I used a small yellow bottle of water conditioner, now that I’m home, I see it is “Aqua Safe” by Tetra. I advised her the tank has been circulating for at least 2 months now. She stated I need a water conditioner AND a water circulator, & she pointed me to a small yellow bottle. I said awesome, grabbed a test strip kit, then stood there awkwardly waiting. I advised Ashley that I would still like to purchase the fish, I followed the directions on the Aqua Safe label AND went above and beyond by letting it circulate. Ashley stated she did not feel comfortable selling me the fish without knowing the condition of my water quality. I was appalled and still am. I’ve purchased fish multiple times, my mom has purchased fish even more times than that and NEVER were we distrusted when it came to the care of those fish. Mind you, your store is selling BOWLS for fish to live in… no filter, no heater, no air. But Ashley is worried about ME and MY water quality. Absolutely INSANE. She should be more concerned with the dead fish in YOUR tanks! A quick Google search will give the list of reasons as to why it would be appropriate to deny the sale of fish to a customer, none of which applied! I hate to take it there but I can’t help but feel like I was profiled. I work in a career where I unfortunately have to interrogate people on the daily and that is what mine and Ashley’s conversation felt like. For some reason, she looked at me and felt I was unable to adequately care for the fish and immediately began searching for reasons to justify her prejudice. I called my mom after this interaction and to my surprise, she told me she just had purchased her last set of fish from this location. She was NEVER asked about the size of her tank or the water quality. It unfortunately seems like management is abusing their “right to refuse” and instead practicing “right to discriminate”
How to reach PetSmart
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Website: None
Why PetSmart may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at PetSmart with your friends?
PetSmart offers an ideal destination to gather with friends who share a love for pets or simply enjoy a welcoming, interactive environment. Rallying at PetSmart provides more than just shopping for pet supplies—it’s a place where people and their furry companions can connect, engage in fun activities, and enjoy quality time together. With a strong 4.3-star rating from over 1,380 reviews, PetSmart clearly stands out as a trusted and enjoyable venue that caters to both pet needs and social experiences. Whether you want to spoil your pets with premium nutrition products, get grooming pampering done, or simply hang out in a comfortable lounge area while your pets are cared for, PetSmart combines convenience and community spirit.
Moreover, PetSmart’s stores often include thoughtful amenities like pet lounges with complimentary coffee, creating a relaxed setting for friends to socialize while their pets receive spa-like treatment. The staff’s expertise, including certified pet stylists and trainers, helps create a friendly and supportive atmosphere that makes group meetups easy and enjoyable. Plus, having services such as pet adoption events, training sessions, and boarding all under one roof means your group can explore a variety of interests together, from helping animals in need to learning new pet care skills. In short, PetSmart serves as a multi-dimensional venue perfect for hosting a fun, pet-inclusive gathering with friends or family.
What activities can you do at PetSmart with a group?
PetSmart excels at providing diverse activities that make it perfect for group visits. First and foremost, the grooming salon offers hands-on services by academy-trained and certified stylists. You and your friends can schedule simultaneous grooming appointments, allowing your dogs or cats to get pampered with baths, haircuts, nail trims, and even specialized treatments like deShedding services. This shared experience can be both practical and fun, as you watch your pets transform while chatting in the comfortable lounge spaces available to pet parents.
Another group-friendly activity is the self-service dog wash stations available in some stores. These stations let pet owners personally bathe their dogs, adding a fun and engaging element to your meetup. It’s an interactive way to bond with your pets, and friends can take turns or assist each other, making the experience joyful and collaborative. Complementing this, the stores regularly host adoption events in partnership with local animal shelters, giving your group the chance to interact with adoptable pets or even find a new furry family member together—an activity that serves a meaningful community purpose.
For those interested in pet nutrition, PetSmart’s expansive food sections include specialty and natural options such as grain-free, high-protein, minimally processed, and raw diets. Groups keen on learning about pet health can explore these shelves, share tips, and perhaps plan future bulk purchases. Additionally, many stores offer training sessions ranging from basic obedience to advanced tricks, which you and your friends can sign up for collectively to enhance your pets’ skills and deepen your connections with them. Finally, if your meetup is longer, PetSmart’s in-store PetsHotel boarding or daycare services provide pet care while you socialize or take breaks together.
Why is PetSmart the perfect venue for a group meetup?
PetSmart stands out as a venue that balances pet care amenities with social comfort, making it uniquely suited for hosting group meetups. Its spacious store layouts, some reaching up to 18,000 square feet, provide ample room for friends to explore, shop, and enjoy services side by side without feeling cramped. The presence of comfortable seating areas with complimentary coffee offers an inviting environment for conversations and relaxation, complementing the more active experiences your pets are having.
The staff expertise at PetSmart ensures that all pets in your group receive attentive, professional care. Their groomers undergo over 800 hours of training, emphasizing safety and quality, which gives pet parents peace of mind while they enjoy time together. The variety of services, including grooming, training, veterinary clinics, boarding, and daycare, lets each member of your group tailor the experience to their pet’s specific needs or interests, creating a customized and enjoyable outing for everyone.
Moreover, PetSmart's commitment to community outreach through adoption events and partnerships with animal welfare organizations adds a meaningful layer to any meetup. These events provide opportunities to engage deeply with pet lovers and feel part of a larger cause, enriching your time spent together. The blend of fun, functional services and social amenities establishes PetSmart not just as a retail outlet but as a community hub where friendships—both human and animal—are nurtured.
What services related to grooming and spa does PetSmart offer for groups?
PetSmart’s grooming and spa services provide a luxurious and social experience perfect for groups looking to treat their pets to professional care. The grooming salons are manned by academy-trained and safety-certified stylists who perform a variety of treatments, from baths and haircuts to nail trims, ear cleanings, and specialized deShedding services. These groomers are experienced in handling pets with care, ensuring the grooming sessions are comfortable even for anxious animals, which helps to keep gatherings relaxed and stress-free.
Groups can enjoy the "New Salon Customer Special," which offers a discount for first-time grooming customers, making it economical to introduce several pets to the spa experience at once. The services include oxygen-infused baths, brushing, dematting, scissoring of feet and pad shaving, and even anal gland cleaning, which combine to leave your pets feeling refreshed and looking their best. Many stores also offer quick wash options for walk-in baths that last just 30 minutes, a convenient way to combine grooming with other group activities if time is constrained.
Additionally, some stores have self-service dog wash stations where pet parents can take a hands-on approach to bathing their dogs, turning grooming into a shared, interactive experience. After grooming or washing, pet parents can relax in the lounge area with complimentary coffee while their pets enjoy professional care or just unwind. These grooming and spa services are designed not only for pet wellness but also to create a welcoming and sociable atmosphere that complements group meetups.
What pet-related amenities make visiting PetSmart enjoyable for families?
PetSmart offers a variety of pet-centric amenities that make visiting enjoyable for families, enhancing both the pets’ and owners’ experience. One of the most notable is the PetsHotel, a boarding facility available in many locations where dogs and cats can stay in a comfortable and safe environment. This helps families who plan to spend extended time at the store or elsewhere nearby, knowing their pets are in reliable hands. The PetsHotel includes activities such as oxygen-infused baths, group playtime, treat breaks, and attentive care, which keeps pets entertained and happy.
Families looking to bring home a new pet can benefit from PetSmart’s in-store adoption centers operated in collaboration with non-profit organizations. These centers provide opportunities to meet and adopt dogs and cats, promoting animal rescue and responsible pet ownership. This aspect adds an educational and emotionally uplifting experience for families, allowing kids and adults alike to learn about pet care and the adoption process in a supportive setting.
In addition, PetSmart provides training classes for puppies and adult dogs, offering a chance for family members to participate in sessions together to improve their pet’s behavior and bond. The stores also stock a wide range of pet supplies including food, toys, and accessories that meet diverse needs and preferences. These conveniences, paired with the friendly, knowledgeable staff and spacious environment, make PetSmart a family-friendly venue that supports both the fun and practical sides of pet ownership.
How does PetSmart support community involvement and pet welfare during group visits?
PetSmart actively fosters community involvement and pet welfare, making it an appealing destination for group visits centered around shared values of animal care and support. The stores regularly host adoption events where customers can meet animals in need of homes, facilitated by PetSmart Charities and local rescue groups. Attending these events as a group allows friends or family to contribute to a meaningful cause while enjoying time together. These gatherings often include educational components about pet care, responsible ownership, and animal welfare.
Additionally, PetSmart’s integration of veterinary clinics operated by partners like Banfield® Pet Hospital within many stores offers accessible healthcare services, supporting overall pet wellness. Groups visiting for services can benefit from convenient health consultations or wellness checks, reinforcing holistic care. This healthcare presence underscores PetSmart’s commitment beyond retail, highlighting its role as a community pet care hub.
PetSmart’s emphasis on training and grooming certifications also demonstrates their dedication to animal well-being. By employing professionally trained staff, they ensure that animals receive safe, compassionate treatment. Hosting group meetups here can inspire others to prioritize quality pet care. Overall, PetSmart’s combination of retail, services, and charitable engagement creates an environment where visitors enjoy quality time while positively impacting their communities and pets’ lives.