When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin 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 stands out as a premier destination for pet owners looking to meet up with friends while catering to their beloved pets' needs. Established with a vast product portfolio, PetSmart offers supplies for a wide variety of pets including dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, and small animals. Visitors can find everything from pet food, treats, collars, and hygiene products to toys, apparel, and accessories, making it a one-stop shop for pet essentials. Beyond shopping, PetSmart enriches the customer experience by providing services such as pet training, grooming, boarding, and adoption events, encouraging pet lovers to gather and engage in a community atmosphere. Their personalized pet care options, including temperature-controlled rooms and day camps, highlight a commitment to pet comfort and wellbeing. Additionally, PetSmart operates veterinary hospitals, ensuring comprehensive health care is accessible onsite. The brand continues to innovate with exclusive seasonal collections and outdoor adventure gear, supporting active lifestyles for pets and their families. With locations across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada, and a longstanding presence headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, PetSmart fosters a welcoming environment ideal for social gatherings centered around pets, making it an excellent venue for friends to connect and share their passion for animals.
Here's what people think of PetSmart
As of recent, PetSmart holds a 4.3-star rating based on 1100 reviews.
User reviews of PetSmart reflect a generally positive experience with a solid 4.3 rating based on over 1100 reviews, indicating customer satisfaction across many locations and services. Positive feedback frequently emphasizes the extensive product range and quality customer service. Customers appreciate the convenience of having multiple pet-related services under one roof, such as grooming, training, and veterinary care. Special events, adoption drives, and seasonal product lines also receive commendations for enhancing the community feel and supporting pet welfare. On the other hand, some negative reviews highlight occasional challenges such as inconsistent grooming service quality or difficulties in handling pets with special needs, as well as customer service issues reported in a few instances. Some shoppers mention dissatisfaction when specific problems, like complaints, were not promptly addressed by management, according to Better Business Bureau records. However, these critiques represent a smaller portion of overall opinions. Overall, the reviews convey that PetSmart remains a reliable and valued resource for pet owners, with user experiences largely affirming its strong market position and commitment to pet health and happiness while acknowledging minor areas for improvement.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
GLASS Grinder
Awesome. Got lots of stuff for my cat. But then my in-laws parents abducted him. Now I have no cat. Check out GLASS GRINDER on SPOTIFY for HOT NEW MUSIC!!!
Erik Sharp
Got our pup Lola groomed here by Danielle after unpleasant results at some of the “fancy” high dollar spots around town and I just have to say Danielle did the best job out of everyone! Could not be more satisfied!
Katerina Rodriguez
I just recently purchased rotted cat food from this location!!! Never have I ever seen rotted pet food!! I also complained about the care of the kitties for adoption, I have donated items carrier, goods, blankets, toys, a pet bed for a kitty Cesar ( volunteer MARIA) threw all items away!!! The organization is SOS rescue.And of course they never respond to concerns of disgarded donations...these poor animals sit with one pillow multiple bowls of half water and maybe dried old food😿 it's heart wrenching how neglected they are. I called "Maria" to inquire about the missing donations and she wanted only to argue " telling me not to donate'! The store manager is aware. She actually placed the 2 cats together without food and left!! The staff removed one after made aware of concerns , the staff unfortunately are aware of this malicious volunteer and state they're unable to do anything it's up to the manager who just won't . Now after the rotting food I will never purchase anything from this store,but my concerns of the furbabies will not cease until they are somewhere where they are wanted and cared for properly!!!
Cassie Swayze
We love this petsmart!! We were there today and the cashier was so nice. They give us lots of treats and always make my girls (female dogs) feel welcome. I never feel like this about a big box store, but I really love this petsmart. Everyone here is really chill about my reactive dog who barks at all humans. Appreciate y’all!
Beau Dawson
I've made the mistake of returning to this PetSmart location multiple times, solely due to its distance from my home. Each visit reinforces my regret. The staff consistently exhibit a level of apathy bordering on hostility. They are profoundly unhelpful and lack even basic product knowledge. A month ago, my family purchased a betta fish, "Swim Shady," who was visibly ill and emaciated. His condition was heartbreaking. Despite the staff's complete lack of concern, and their callous suggestion to "just bring his body back for a replacement," we nursed him back to health. This was entirely due to our dedication and effort, and in no way thanks to PetSmart's "care." The corporate response to my subsequent complaint was equally appalling, demonstrating a complete disregard for animal welfare. Today's experience was the final straw. I purchased a 5-gallon tank, only to discover upon filling it that it was defective and leaked profusely from multiple seals. This is not just poor-quality merchandise; it's a complete failure of basic product integrity. This PetSmart location exemplifies the very worst of brick-and-mortar retail: overpriced, defective products and a staff that prioritizes minimal effort over customer service. Their "minimum viable product" approach to customer satisfaction makes it clear why brick-and-mortar stores like this are rapidly becoming obsolete. Avoid this location at all costs. Your pets deserve better, and so do you. This isn't just a bad store; it's a testament to corporate negligence and a complete failure to meet even basic customer expectations.
How to reach PetSmart
None
Website: None
Why rally at PetSmart with your friends?
PetSmart is an exceptional destination to gather with your friends or family because it offers a unique blend of pet-centric activities and amenities that foster bonding, enjoyment, and relaxation in a pet-friendly environment. Whether you and your group are pet owners or animal lovers, PetSmart provides a welcoming space where you can share exciting experiences centered around your furry companions or simply enjoy interacting with pets together. The store is more than just a retail space; it integrates comprehensive pet services such as grooming, training, adoption events, and boutique shopping, all under one roof. The atmosphere is inviting, often featuring comfortable lounge areas with complimentary coffee where you can socialize while your pets are pampered. It’s a place designed to support pet lifestyles but equally encourages community building and provides ample opportunities for conversation, shared activities, and making new friends. Hosting a meetup at PetSmart guarantees an interactive and lively occasion where the joy of pet care blends with social engagement, making your gathering memorable and fun.
What activities make PetSmart perfect for a group meetup?
PetSmart offers a wide variety of activities that cater to groups, making it an ideal venue for social gatherings around a shared love of pets. Highlights include their full-service grooming salons staffed by certified stylists who provide hands-on care and styling for your pets, allowing everyone to watch or participate in the pampering process. This can turn into a shared experience as you compare grooming styles or celebrate your pets’ transformations together. Beyond grooming, PetSmart features training classes, which can be great group activities—friends can bring their pets to learn commands or tricks, making for both educational and entertaining group interaction. The store often hosts adoption events where groups can engage in meeting and potentially adopting new pets, which is heartwarming and socially rewarding. For those who want a more relaxed experience, the coffee bar-lounge areas offer comfy seating where you can enjoy refreshments while your pets are being cared for or entertain yourselves with browsing their extensive selections of toys, treats, and accessories. These combined offerings ensure that everyone in the group, whether with or without pets, can find something enjoyable to do together.
How does the grooming service add value to group visits?
PetSmart’s grooming service is a standout amenity that enhances the appeal for groups meeting at the store. Their salons employ academy-trained, safety-certified stylists who have completed extensive hands-on training, ensuring pets receive expert care that is both professional and personalized. This high level of service reassures pet owners and creates a shared space where friends can observe or discuss grooming techniques, styles, and pet care tips, turning a routine bath or haircut into a social event. Grooming services range from basic bath and brush treatments to deluxe options such as oxygen-infused baths, dematting, and deshedding treatments. For new customers, there are attractive promotions like $20 off the first grooming, which encourages trying out this service during your meetup. The ability to drop off pets for quick washes while you shop or socialize in the lounge also supports convenience for groups. This blend of comfort, professionalism, and community engagement makes grooming a highlight of any group visit to PetSmart.
What amenities and events make PetSmart inviting for family and friends?
PetSmart is designed to be inviting and accommodating for group meetups, with amenities and events that create a lively and comfortable environment. Their stores often have spacious layouts averaging 18,000 square feet, featuring thoughtfully arranged displays of pet food, toys, bedding, and accessories, which encourage exploration and shared discovery among visitors. The presence of Pet Hotels and playtime services means pets can be engaged and entertained individually or in groups, freeing pet owners to relax or socialize during their visit. Special events like grand openings, adoption days, and seasonal promotions add an exciting atmosphere where friends and family can participate in shared community experiences. The coffee bar or lounge areas provide a perfect setting for conversation while pets are attended to, complete with comfortable seating and complimentary refreshments. This combination of practical services, entertainment, and community-focused events ensures that every visitor feels welcome, making PetSmart a great choice for group gatherings that blend pet care with social enjoyment.
Why is PetSmart a community hub beyond just a pet store?
PetSmart functions as a community hub by offering more than just products; it fosters connections between people and pets through integrated services and community-oriented activities. From adoption centers that help vulnerable animals find homes, to training classes that educate pet owners and increase bonding with their pets, PetSmart facilitates meaningful interactions that extend knowledge and compassion within the local community. Their collaboration with pet hospitals, such as Banfield, adds an essential healthcare dimension that reassures pet owners and strengthens trust in the brand. Additionally, their commitment to innovation, for instance through concepts like the PetSmart Pet Spa with self-service dog wash stations and boutique pet essentials, shows how the store continually evolves to meet diverse customer needs while encouraging social engagement. By hosting events and providing spaces where pet enthusiasts can gather comfortably, PetSmart creates a sense of belonging and shared purpose that enriches customer experiences beyond retail shopping. This community focus helps explain why so many choose PetSmart as their preferred location for pet-related meetups with friends and family.
How does shopping at PetSmart complement the social experience?
Shopping at PetSmart enhances the group meetup experience by providing an extensive range of products designed to delight pet owners and gift-givers alike. The stores stock thousands of items including premium pet foods, toys, collars, beds, and treats. Many items cater to current trends such as high-protein, natural, grain-free, and raw pet foods that appeal to health-conscious pet parents. This diverse selection makes shopping an engaging group activity as friends can share recommendations, discover new brands, and find perfect gifts or essentials for their pets together. Seasonal sales and promotions, such as buy-one-get-one discounts and reward points on pet toys and flea treatments, create opportunities for groups to save money while stocking up. This shopping experience complements all the other services, turning a visit to PetSmart into a comprehensive outing where entertainment, socialization, and practical needs all align. Shopping with friends here is not just about buying pet supplies; it’s about enjoying the shared journey of pet care and lifestyle enhancement.
What makes PetSmart’s environment welcoming and inclusive?
PetSmart’s environment is carefully designed to be welcoming and inclusive for all visitors, whether they bring pets or not. Bright, clean, and well-organized store layouts ensure a pleasant shopping and social environment. Many locations feature comfortable seating areas where customers can relax, have coffee, and chat, reinforcing the store’s role as a casual social hub. Staff members are trained not only in pet care but also in customer service, ensuring visitors feel acknowledged and supported. The store’s emphasis on safety and hygiene in grooming and boarding services builds confidence for pet owners bringing their animals. Additionally, PetSmart’s commitment to adopting pets, supporting local shelters, and offering educational programs demonstrates inclusivity by catering to diverse community members and their varying relationships with animals. This welcoming atmosphere encourages return visits and makes PetSmart a trusted, friendly destination to convene with friends and family in a comfortable, supportive setting.
In what ways does PetSmart support responsible pet ownership during group visits?
PetSmart actively supports responsible pet ownership, an element that adds meaningful purpose to visiting as a group. Through adoption centers, PetSmart encourages welcoming pets into homes thoughtfully by facilitating matches between animals and their ideal owners with support from adoption counselors. The store offers training classes that help improve communication, behavior, and safety between pets and their owners, which is invaluable for new pet parents or groups looking to learn together. Grooming and veterinary partnerships provide professional care options that contribute to pet health and well-being. Informational materials and knowledgeable staff assist customers in making informed decisions about nutrition, care products, and lifestyle choices suitable for their pets. Group visits to PetSmart can thus include educational opportunities alongside leisure activities, making the outing both enjoyable and beneficial for everyone’s pet care journey.
How does PetSmart accommodate pets and their owners during group visits?
PetSmart caters expertly to both pets and their owners during group visits by providing amenities and services designed for convenience and comfort. The stores include pet-friendly areas and even special self-service dog wash stations where owners can bathe their pups while interacting with friends. Grooming services accommodate busy schedules by offering expedited options and flexible appointments. Amenities like Pet Hotels for boarding and individual play sessions allow pets to have fun and stay active while owners socialize or shop. The presence of a coffee bar or lounge provides relaxation for owners during grooming or training sessions. This thoughtful combination of pet engagement and owner comfort facilities ensures that the needs of both are met, promoting a stress-free and enjoyable group experience for everyone.
What sets PetSmart apart from other places to host meetups?
PetSmart stands out from other meetup venues because it uniquely combines the enthusiasm of pet care with social interaction and community involvement. Unlike typical restaurants, parks, or cafes, PetSmart offers a dynamic environment that blends shopping, services, socializing, and animal welfare under one roof. This multifaceted experience appeals to pet lovers and general groups alike, providing diverse ways to fill time—from pampering pets with grooming to participating in adoption events or training classes. The availability of professional services alongside casual spaces for relaxation encourages longer visits and fosters interaction not only among friends but with the broader pet-loving community. The company’s focus on certified staff, high service standards, and innovative store concepts like pet spas enhances the quality and uniqueness of group meetups here. In this way, PetSmart delivers a compelling alternative to conventional gathering spots that invite engagement on multiple levels in a welcoming, pet-friendly atmosphere.