When asking yourself about something to do near me in Denver 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 leading North American pet specialty retailer committed to providing comprehensive care for pets and their owners. Established originally as PetFood Warehouse in 1987 in Arizona, it has evolved into a massive network with over 1,160 stores nationwide. What makes PetSmart a great place to meet up with friends and fellow pet lovers is not only its extensive collection of pet products, including collars, leads, beds, crates, and premium pet foods but also a variety of in-store services designed to care for pets’ wellbeing. Highlights at many PetSmart locations include full-service grooming salons, veterinary clinics, in-store obedience training, and even pet adoption centers which are thoughtfully integrated to offer a one-stop shop experience. Additionally, the stores feature specialized departments for birds, fish, and small pets to accommodate all types of pet needs. The company has maintained a strong welfare focus through PetSmart Charities, a nonprofit dedicated to saving homeless pets, reinforcing a community spirit where visitors can adopt pets or support local animal welfare. This blend of products, services, and charitable work creates a welcoming environment that invites pet parents and friends to gather, socialize, and care for their beloved animals under one roof.
Here's what people think of PetSmart
As of recent, PetSmart holds a 4.1-star rating based on 1450 reviews.
Users widely appreciate PetSmart for the convenience and comprehensive pet care services it offers. Positive reviews often highlight the knowledgeable and friendly staff who are passionate about animals, making shopping pleasant and informative. Customers also commend the broad range of product selections that cater to various pet needs and budgets. Many appreciate the availability of in-store grooming, training classes, and veterinary clinics that save them extra trips, enhancing the one-stop shopping concept. The presence of adoption centers has also been praised as a meaningful addition, allowing shoppers to engage with animal welfare actively. On the negative side, some customers have reported issues such as long wait times for grooming appointments and occasional stock shortages of popular items. There are also mentions of variable service quality across different store locations and occasional pricing concerns when compared to online pet retailers. Despite these complaints, the overall consensus is that PetSmart maintains a strong position as a pet retail leader, balancing extensive offerings with community involvement. The reviews indicate that while improvements can be made in consistency and operational efficiency, PetSmart remains a preferred and trusted destination for pet owners.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Araceli Saucedo
I paid $217 for two poodle grooms and left furious. One of my dogs, Alice, had her entire ears shaved bald — no call, no warning. When I asked why, they said I signed a consent form. Cool — even if I did, a 10-second phone call would’ve been nice. Especially since the groomer herself admitted this was her first time cutting a poodle like this. My other dog’s cut was CHOPPY, uneven, and clearly rushed. And this was supposedly their “lead” groomer. The manager backed her and refused a refund. Corporate ignored me. I had to dispute the charge with Amex to get my money back. Don’t risk your dog here. They do what’s convenient for them — not what’s right for your pet.
Sonia Gonzalez
I don’t know how they have 4 stars the the first few times I took my dog to get groomed he looked great. Last time I took him they rushed the service he was damped didn’t get brushed his nails didn’t get trimmed he looked like my 10 year old bathed him. Also the manager or supervisor is awful bad customer service the rest of the staff is great. I contacted corporate and they did a great job with my complains. I will be taking him to another petsmart and this time I will be looking at the reviews
Reyna Garcia
Do not take your dogs to this store... I made an appointment for 2 shitzu dogs and one of them simply had 2 areas sheared, under the neck and on his leg..., and they changed the appointment so that we could deshed him... Now They should only shave 2 areas and send him home without asking for authorization, which according to them they did ask for, but now the manager tells me to excuse her because they didn't know how to express themselves well, which I don't think she thinks that It's the right thing to do, but she protects her employee instead of acknowledging that he shouldn't have acted that way and at least apologizing... In short, he told me that today he was full of knots and that they should shave him completely because they couldn't bathe and comb his hair. I told her no thanks. I think she did this just to reaffirm that his employee acted well. I changed the appointment to the Arvada store and they already bathed him and combed his hair. Wow!! I don't think it's anything different in Arvada, it's just that they are professionals and understand their job. If you don't want to fight, don't accept appointments. I don't think any dog is perfect before we send them. I bought the special brushes for knots before and I knew that today the dog was fine and she assured me that NO... as I said before, just to justify the laziness and poor work of her employee... I will not fail to mention that the other dog Yes, they bathe him... but he has been there since 2:30 pm. It was ready at 6 pm and they delivered it very hummed, when according to the cost of the package it includes several things including drying it well ($70). We all know that if you leave a dog's hair wet it gets tangled faster... which, logically, they don't care, they just get paid. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THEM. CAREFUL!!!
Trisha Hall
I’ve been taking my dogs to PetSmart grooming since I got them 13 years ago and have never had an experience as awful as today. I normally go to the Glendale or Lakewood locations but this was the only store with availability (should have been a red flag) so I went ahead and took them to see Kelsey. From start to finish, the staff was rude, unprofessional, and completely uninterested in customer service/satisfaction. As a side note plan to get there late since the groomer has to be the one to check you in and isn’t available until at or after your appointment time. While doing the hands-on assessment, I was the first one to point out that one of my dogs’ tails was ratted up and needed shaved but not a severe matte by any means. This was about a half an inch section mind you this dog is 6 pounds so we’re not talking a large surface area. She went ahead and took the dogs back then came up to have me sign the paperwork and mentioned two additional fees, the first being a $10 dematting fee and the other being a $10 fee because there was a previous note that my dog didn’t like his nails, clipped or glands expressed which is a behavioral fee. I clarified asking if I would still be charged the matte fee if she was able to just shave the tail and Kelsey confirmed it would be charged regardless. When I went to pick up my dogs, I had walked back to the salon first where she was still working on one of them. By the time I had walked up front to pay the bill and back she told me that she couldn’t find a muzzle big enough for his face and even when somebody else tried to hold him, she wasn’t able to clip any of his nails, but I was still charged the $10 behavioral fee. I went ahead and paid these additional fees because I wasn’t trying to ask for a refund or discount. I did, however, asked to talk to a manager. At that time, a younger gentleman with longer hair came up to me where I expressed that I felt like they were adding these additional charges when I didn’t even get those services. He stated that anything over 15 minutes for a matte is required charge and even if one person has to help hold the dog they charge you the extra $10. To me this math is not mathing…there is no way a 1 inch mat on my dog’s tail, that was shaved, took more than 30 minutes to clear off considering she was finished with both of my dogs in two hours. And nobody was holding my dog for her more than five minutes while I paid the bill so they are making $10 every five minutes? We will not be back and I suggest Looking to get their dog room save yourself an extra bogus charge and just go to a different location. Also don’t forget there is a satisfaction guarantee that PetSmart provides and I am 0% satisfied.
Jan Leyba
So I bought a product here at PetSmart the girl that I spoke with. I asked her to help me. She has black and purple hair short and she said this one would be the best product so I bought it and I asked her if it doesn’t work can I bring it back? She says yes I talk to somebody. The other day from here was a male and I asked him if I have the receipt. Can I bring it back? He said yes now I come in today on April 4 at 3:45 in the manager says oh you can’t bring it back and I was like why cause use the product well how am I supposed to know if the product works if I don’t use it I had to clean two basements oh if you get the spray bottle it’ll work better. I don’t feel like working for something for 10 hours when you just pour that and you let it sit and then you clean it it says not to add water or dilute it and that’s what I did not do. I did not add anything I read it in Directions correctly and the other lady says oh you can’t bring it back because it’s used OK yeah I told the guy what do you want me to use a cap full to know if it works a cat isn’t gonna do anything he goes well you have to bring the product more than halfway full for us to refund it. I have my receipt so I don’t know what I’m gonna take this to as high as I can go. I’m gonna get my buddy my money back because this is wrong. You’re not gonna skip me out of $100 when your product don’t work I’m in the store all the time.
How to reach PetSmart
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Why PetSmart may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at PetSmart with your friends?
Gathering at PetSmart offers a unique and engaging experience for groups of friends or family looking to enjoy time together while indulging their love for pets. Unlike a typical retail store, PetSmart combines shopping with a lively atmosphere full of activities and services centered around pets, making it a great destination for group outings. Whether your crew shares an enthusiasm for animals or you just want a relaxed place to explore, PetSmart provides a welcoming environment that encourages interaction and fun. You can watch adorable pets, discover a vast range of pet products, and even share a coffee break while your dogs get groomed. It’s not just a store—it’s a pet-centric community hub that blends convenience, entertainment, and quality time. For pet owners or animal lovers, PetSmart offers a setting where everyone can participate in caring for and celebrating pets, making it a memorable spot to rally together. The diversity of services and the friendly ambiance set the stage for a full afternoon or evening of enjoyment and bonding with your group around a shared love for animals.
What activities can you enjoy at PetSmart?
PetSmart hosts a variety of activities that make it a thrilling meetup location for groups. One of the biggest draws is the grooming salon, staffed by highly trained and certified stylists who provide hands-on care to dogs and cats. Friends can bring their pets or come to watch and learn about grooming, which includes baths, nail trims, and haircuts. Some locations even feature a self-service dog wash where pet owners can personally bathe their pups, creating a fun, interactive experience. For groups with pets, scheduling a group grooming session offers a practical and enjoyable way to spend time together while pampering furry friends.
Beyond grooming, PetSmart often offers training sessions and pet adoption events, which are perfect activities to do as a group. Watching or participating in dog training classes can be entertaining and educational, and for those interested in adding a new pet to their family, PetSmart’s adoption centers connect people with rescue animals, providing a heartwarming opportunity for collective involvement.
Additionally, many PetSmart stores include a coffee bar or lounge area where people can gather, relax, and socialize. This cozy environment allows your group to chat comfortably while pets get pampered nearby, blending social time with pet care. Lastly, some locations offer pet boarding and daycare services with enriched playtime options, so groups can coordinate extended visits or pick up pets who have been well cared for and socially stimulated.
Why is PetSmart perfect for a group meetup?
PetSmart’s extensive range of services and lively environment make it ideal for hosting meetups with friends or family. The spacious layout of most stores, averaging around 18,000 square feet, allows groups to spread out comfortably and explore various sections without feeling cramped. With products ranging from pet food and toys to stylish accessories, there is always something engaging to discover as a group, sparking conversations and shared excitement.
Moreover, PetSmart is not just a store but a community destination focused on pet well-being and enjoyment, which naturally encourages interaction. When visiting as a group, members can split their time between shopping, watching grooming, sharing coffee, or attending events such as pet adoptions, making it easy to create an itinerary that suits everyone’s preferences. The presence of skilled staff and amenities like PetSmart’s professional grooming salons and training centers underscores the high-quality experience offered, assuring visitors that pets are in good hands.
The combination of practical services and social spaces creates a dynamic setting where everyone—from pet owners to animal enthusiasts—feels involved. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, organizing a casual meet-up, or planning an enriching outing for kids and adults alike, PetSmart’s welcoming atmosphere and diverse offerings ensure a memorable group experience centered on shared pet love.
How do the pet services at PetSmart enhance your visit?
The pet services at PetSmart vastly enrich the experience, elevating it beyond a typical store visit to something interactive and indulgent for both pets and people. The grooming salons stand out as a main attraction where pets receive expert care involving baths, trims, and styling. These services are thoughtfully designed to pamper pets while allowing pet parents to observe or sip coffee nearby. Many groomers complete over 800 hours of training to ensure safety and quality, providing peace of mind that pets are handled with skilled, compassionate care.
For pet owners looking to multi-task, PetSmart’s boarding and daycare services offer convenience and fun. Pets enjoy oxygen-infused baths, blow-drying, brushing, and even one-on-one play sessions guided by pet-loving staff, helping your dog return confident and happy. This means groups can spend time socializing or shopping knowing their pets are actively engaged and cared for.
In addition, the specialized bath and brush treatments and de-shedding services available help pets look and feel their best, which can be a great reason to plan group grooming appointments. These services make visits purposeful and rewarding, as pets emerge refreshed and ready for more playtime, adding vitality and joy to any meetup planned at PetSmart.
What makes PetSmart’s shopping experience engaging for groups?
PetSmart offers an impressive selection of pet products that invite exploration and shared discovery, making shopping an engaging group activity. Their offerings include a wide range of pet foods, including high-protein, natural, grain-free, and raw options, which appeal to discerning pet owners. Additionally, the stores feature an array of accessories such as collars, beds, toys, and unique pet gift items that spark interest and conversation.
The store’s innovative layouts and thoughtfully designed sections encourage browsing and interaction—whether it’s comparing gourmet dog treats, checking out new pet toys, or exploring stylish collars and leashes. Groups can share opinions, try products, or ask knowledgeable staff for recommendations, turning shopping into a collaborative and enjoyable experience.
Furthermore, some newer PetSmart locations incorporate modern touches like refrigerated sections for fresh pet food and bakery-style cases of baked dog treats, adding a boutique feel that delights visitors. The variety and quality of merchandise support diverse pet needs and preferences, making PetSmart a one-stop destination where groups can have fun testing out options, planning purchases, and accessorizing their pets together.
How does PetSmart support animal welfare during your visit?
PetSmart places strong emphasis on animal welfare and adoption, which enriches the meaning of group visits. Most stores host adoption centers operated in partnership with PetSmart Charities, a non-profit organization focused on finding loving homes for animals. This creates opportunities for friends or families to attend adoption events together, potentially meeting pets in need and bonding over the shared goal of giving animals a second chance.
These adoption centers serve as community hubs where visitors can interact with a variety of dogs and cats ready for adoption, transforming the store into more than just a retail space. The charitable atmosphere fosters empathy and invites meaningful conversations about pet care and responsibility.
Moreover, PetSmart’s veterinary partnerships bring accessible healthcare into the store environment, further supporting pet well-being. Groups with pets can benefit from onsite clinics for routine checkups, vaccines, and wellness services, adding convenience and peace of mind to their outings.
How can hosting a pet birthday or special event at PetSmart create lasting memories?
Organizing a pet birthday party or special event at PetSmart can be an exciting way to celebrate with friends and their furry companions. Many PetSmart locations have features that support such gatherings, including spacious areas to socialize, pet-friendly amenities, and access to professional grooming and bakery treats for pets.
Throwing a party here means your group can combine fun activities like group play, treat sampling, and even mini spa sessions for pets. The availability of themed pet accessories, colorful toys, and personalized pet gifts makes planning the event easier and more festive.
Additionally, PetSmart’s staff can assist in coordinating services such as group grooming appointments or training sessions, which add a structured element to the celebration. The relaxed coffee bar lounge area is perfect for guests to mingle while pets enjoy activity time, fostering both pet and human interactions.
Hosting events here builds community connection and creates joyful memories that center on shared affection for pets, making PetSmart a prime venue for bringing friends and families together to celebrate beloved animals in style.
This comprehensive exploration of PetSmart highlights why it is an excellent venue for meetups and group activities, offering a mix of services, shopping, social spaces, and events that cater to pet lovers and their companions. Its welcoming atmosphere, professional services, and community focus stand out, making PetSmart more than a store—a destination for connecting, caring, and celebrating pets with friends and family.