Petco vs. Petsmart in 2024: How the Major Pet Retailers Compare

Petco and Petsmart top the list of national pet retail chains, together accounting for 25% of the market according to industry analysts. With so many similarities, pet owners often get these two powerhouse brands confused. This guide will break down the key differences in 2024 and help you decide where to shop for your furry friend’s needs.

Petco Leads in Store Count, Petsmart Tops Revenue

In 2024, Petco solidified its position as the largest pet specialty retailer in terms of locations, operating 1,575 stores across the U.S, Puerto Rico and Mexico. The company added 80 new stores last year alone.

However, Petsmart continues to beat Petco in total sales, reporting $7.5 billion in revenue for 2022 versus Petco’s $6.9 billion. Petsmart operates around 1,690 locations currently. Both chains plan to expand in 2024, further battling for market dominance.

Wider Selection at Petco, Higher Quality at Petsmart

When it comes to product selection and brands, Petco takes the lead. Their big box stores and expanded online selection allow them to carry over 1,300 exclusive food, toy and accessory brands. Petsmart‘s smaller format stores stock around 900 brands, albeit with stricter quality control standards.

For live animals, Petsmart has the edge. With comprehensive employee training programs and veterinary staff, they ensure healthier livestock and higher adoption rates. In 2022, Petsmart facilitated 1.4 million adoptions compared to 950,000 at Petco stores.

Different Philosophies on Pet Nutrition

Petco made waves in 2022 by becoming the first major retailer to stop selling dog and cat foods containing artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. They expanded their natural pet food selection to over 500 formulas.

Meanwhile, Petsmart continues to give shelf space to popular brands like Pedigree and Iams that use artificial additives. These make up 60% of their pet food inventory. Petsmart offers around 300 natural food options, trailing far behind Petco.

Here‘s a pricing comparison of some top-selling pet food brands:

Loyalty Programs Offer Similar Savings

The Pals reward program at Petco gives members 1 point for every $1 spent. Meanwhile, Petsmart Rewards doles out 8 points per $1. In both cases, point accumulation leads to dollar-off rewards for future purchases. The Petco program keeps things simple, while Petsmart creates an illusion of faster rewards.

Redemption values are comparable at 500 points = $5 off at Petco and 400 points = $5 off at Petsmart. The free enrollment levels the playing field between these loyalty programs.

Petco Takes the Lead in Pet Services

Petsmart continues to offer an edge for in-store services like boarding, training and veterinary care. Their PetsHotels now total over 200 locations nationwide. However, reviews indicate inconsistent quality at these franchise-style facilities.

Meanwhile, independent professionals certified through Petco provide highly rated pet sitting, walking, boarding and training services. Petco also partners with Thrive, the largest veterinary provider in the country, operating full-service vet clinics inside stores.

Online Convenience with Repeat Delivery

Petco‘s Repeat Delivery program makes it easy to have pet food and essentials automatically shipped. Members get a discount up to 30% off every shipment. Orders arrive within 3-5 business days with free shipping.

Petsmart‘sAutoship works similarly but can take 7-10 days for delivery. Both programs offer the convenience of scheduled deliveries so you never run out of pet supplies.

Training Focuses on Building Trust

From group classes to private sessions, Petco‘s certified trainers use positive reinforcement techniques to correct behaviors. This bond-building approach yields better results long-term.

Petsmart also offers group classes, but mainly emphasizes discipline and command-based training with correction. Their private potty training program does use incentive-based methods with proven success.

The Bottom Line: Shop Your Values and Needs

When choosing where to spend your pet care dollars, consider what‘s most important – convenient locations, premium products, natural nutrition or services. Petco leads in their no-artificial commitment and broader brand selection. Petsmart still dominates in revenue and pet hospital facilities.

Whichever you choose, look for discounts through their loyalty programs. And remember, your pet‘s needs matter more than the name on the store!