Cats and dogs aren’t the only loving creatures you’ll find for adoption at PetSmart Charities adoption centers and events. A variety of small adoptable pets including turtles, rabbits, and guinea pigs can all be found for adoption at your local PetSmart store. They offer just as much unconditional love as their feline and canine counterparts, plus they’re available for adoption (not for sale!) at PetSmart stores near you.
Red-Eared Sliders
Appropriately named after its signature red markings that run alongside its ears, this semi-aquatic turtle has become an increasingly popular pet within households across the United States.
Why Adopt?
Turtles are the number one relinquished pet reptile due, in large part, to care and maintenance misconceptions. If you are interested in adopting a Red-Eared Slider, several organizations work to rehome turtles that need a new environment.
Need to Know:
Potential owners often overlook how big Red-Eared Sliders can get. A full-grown adult can reach 12 inches in size, requiring a large tank (we recommend 55-gallons or more), with an external canister filter. It’s important to note that though red-eared sliders are primarily aquatic, they do enjoy emerging from the water to bask and require a proper set up that allows them to do so.
For adoption at the following store’s thanks to our partners at Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary:
Phoenix (South Mountain) PetSmart
North Scottsdale (Frank Lloyd Wright) PetSmart
Rabbits
Rabbits are now the third most popular house pet thanks to pet-lovers seeking smaller, quieter versions of unconditional love. Just like dogs or cats, rabbits can become loyal companions and establish bonds with their pet parents through voice and sight recognition.
Why Adopt?
Hundreds of homeless rabbits across the country are looking for loving homes. With several rabbit-specific rescues and shelters located nation-wide, there’s sure to be adoptable bunnies near you.
Need to Know:
With proper care and housing, pet rabbits can live to be eight to 12 years old (and even longer in some cases). Just like adopting a dog or cat, rabbits are not one size fits all. With more than 50 recognized rabbit breeds, varying in both in size and color, bunnies tend to have different personalities and temperaments. It’s essential to choose a pet that best fits your lifestyle and family.
For adoption at the following store's thanks to our partners at Shelter Rabbits Rock and Rabbit Rescue:
Guinea Pigs
Squeaky, small and adorable, Guinea Pigs make great family pets for those willing to dedicate time to their inherent social nature. While they won’t take up as much space as a dog or a cat, they do require plenty of attention and love spending time outside of their cage.
Why Adopt?
According to PetFinder, an online pet adoption search tool, an average of 10,000 adoptable guinea pigs are listed on their website each year –finding a small pet to rescue could be as easy as contacting your local shelter.
Need to Know:
Guinea pigs are as social as they are cute and do best in an environment that provides the companionship of another pig. Though they are small, guinea pigs need to explore and socialize daily. Pet parents should incorporate daily interaction and attention as an essential part of their pet's well-being.
For adoption at the following store’s thanks to our partners at Wisconsin Humane:
