Let’s be real. You’re standing in a PetSmart aisle, staring at a bag of dog food that costs more than your own lunch, and you have a nagging thought: I bet this is cheaper online. You pull out your phone, and sure enough, Chewy.com has it for five dollars less.
You are wondering, does PetSmart Price Match?
So what now? Do you abandon your cart, go home, and wait three days for shipping to save a few bucks? Or is there a better way?
For over 25 years, I’ve helped people make smarter financial decisions, and it always comes down to one thing: knowing the rules of the game. PetSmart has a Price Match Guarantee, but it’s not the free-for-all some people think it is. The rules for what they’ll match in their physical stores are completely different from the rules on their website. And knowing that difference is the key to actually saving money.
This is your definitive, no-fluff guide. We’re going to break down exactly how the policy works, the proof you need to show at the register, and the “gotcha” exclusions that can trip you up.
Does PetSmart Price Match? The Quick Answer
Yes, PetSmart absolutely offers a price match guarantee. However, the most important thing to understand is that they have two separate price matching policies: one for their physical stores and another for online purchases at PetSmart.com.
In-Store:
PetSmart stores will match the prices of identical, in-stock items from local brick-and-mortar competitors. They will also match the price on their own website, petsmart.com.
Online (petsmart.com):
The website will price match other online retailers, but with major exclusions like Amazon and eBay.
The bottom line is you can almost always get the best price at PetSmart, but you need to know which rules apply to your specific situation.
How to Use the Price Match Guarantee (In-Store vs. Online)
This is where the details matter. Don’t assume you can walk in and get an online price from just anywhere. Here’s the playbook.
Getting a Price Match In-Store
This is the most common scenario. You’re in the store and find a lower price on your phone.
- Who They Match: Local competitor stores (e.g., a local Petco, another pet supply shop) and PetSmart’s own website, petsmart.com.
- What You Need: You must provide proof of the lower price. This can be a physical competitor’s ad (like a flyer) or, more commonly, you can just show the product page with the lower price on your phone to the cashier.
- The Key Condition: The item must be identical (same brand, size, model number, color) and in stock at both PetSmart and the competitor.
💡 Advisor Tip: The easiest win is price matching their own website. Before you head to the register, pull up the item on petsmart.com. It’s often cheaper online, and they are required to honor their own price.
Your First Action Step:
At the checkout counter, simply show the cashier the competitor’s ad or the product page on your phone. Say, “I’d like to request a price match on this item.” They will verify the price and adjust it on the spot.
Getting a Price Match Online
This is a much more restrictive policy.
- Who They Match: Other online pet supply retailers, like Chewy.com or Petco.com.
- The Giant Exception: PetSmart.com will not match prices from Amazon, eBay, or other auction or closeout sites. They do this because those sites are often marketplaces with third-party sellers, making it impossible to verify if the product is authentic, new, and identical.
The Fine Print: What Does PetSmart Exclude from the Guarantee?
Knowing what isn’t covered is just as important as knowing what is. If you ask for a price match on these items, you will be denied.
⚠️ Myth Busted: You cannot combine a price match with other coupons or offers. You get one or the other—whichever gives you the better price.
Here’s what PetSmart will NOT price match under any circumstances:
- Services: This includes grooming, training, and veterinary services.
- Live Pets: The price of fish, reptiles, or any other live animal is not eligible.
- Special Offers: They won’t match “buy one, get one free” (BOGO) deals, clearance or liquidation sales, or offers that require a separate rebate.
- “Free with Purchase” Deals: If a competitor offers a free toy with a food purchase, PetSmart will not match that bundle.
PetSmart vs. Petco: A Quick Comparison
How does PetSmart’s price match policy stack up against its biggest rival, Petco? They are very similar, but with one key difference.
- Petco’s Price Match Guarantee will match the in-store prices of local retail competitors and its own website, Petco.com.
- Like PetSmart, Petco.com has a separate online policy and does not match competitors online.
- The primary advantage often lies with PetSmart, as their willingness to match their own online price in-store is a clear, customer-friendly policy that can lead to easy savings.
Your Top Questions Answered
After years of helping clients trim their budgets, the same few questions always come up.
1. What’s the exact PetSmart price matching process at the register?
It’s simple. When you get to the checkout, tell the associate you have a price match before they start ringing you up. Show them the ad or the product page on your phone. They will look at the price, verify the item is identical and in stock, and then manually adjust the price on their end.
2. Can I get a price adjustment on something I already bought at PetSmart?
Generally, no. The PetSmart price match guarantee is intended for the moment of purchase. Unlike some other retailers, PetSmart does not have a formal policy for adjusting the price on a past purchase if it later goes on sale.
3. What about sites like Amazon or eBay? Why are they excluded from PetSmarts online price matching?
This comes down to control and authenticity. Amazon and eBay are marketplaces filled with thousands of third-party sellers. It’s impossible for PetSmart to verify if a product sold by “Super-Awesome-Pet-Deals-LLC” on Amazon is genuine, new, and not a gray-market item. By only matching established online retailers, they ensure a fair, apples-to-apples comparison.
Michael Ryan Money’s Final Verdict: Is It a Good Idea to Price Match at PetSmart?
Here’s the bottom line: Yes, using PetSmart’s Price Match Guarantee is a smart move, especially for in-store purchases.
It’s a powerful tool that transforms the store from a simple retailer into a convenient hub where you can get the best online prices instantly, without the wait for shipping. The key is to be prepared. Do your research on your phone while you’re in the aisle, know which competitors they’ll match, and be ready to show the proof at the register.
Don’t leave money on the table. By taking 30 seconds to check prices online before you buy, you can ensure you’re getting the best deal for your furry family members every single time. It’s not about being cheap; it’s about being smart with your money.
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Note: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or legal advice. Consult with a professional advisor or accountant for personalized guidance.
