Contrary to the popular belief that PetSmart is a good environment for animals, they allegedly mistreat and cause great distress to the animals forced to be there. Although very little has surfaced recently regarding public information, after visiting the store, animals such as beta fish, hamsters, and birds seem to be getting the worst mistreatment of them all. The birds have at least four to seven of the same species in one small cage and beta fish in small, soup-like containers, all seeming lifeless and dull.

There was one case, in 2020, located in Pittsburgh where a customer unfortunately lost her dog due to mistreatment during a nail trimming appointment. She ended up suing the company and two employees present during the death of her dog, in hopes of accountability being taken. The dog, Kobe, when getting his nails trimmed, was tethered and strapped down to the table, then hung by the neck as an effect of the tether all while getting his nails trimmed. The staff even lied to her saying he passed out and went limp for no reason. Though the associates who worked on Kobe are no longer employed by PetSmart, what happened is unforgivable and cruel.

An article written by PETA also revealed, “more than 100 animals—including hamsters, domestic rats, lizards, chinchillas, and birds—who lay hopelessly, just waiting to die, in the store’s ‘sick room’, deprived of desperately needed veterinary care and wasting away out of customers’ sight.” Many animals, that did nothing to deserve such treatment are suffering under the cruel conditions of the popular pet store.

There are many ways to help the allegedly abused animals. The best things you could do is to stop shopping there, contact the company to share your concerns, and lastly use your voice and speak up. Speaking up and gaining attention and support from others could help in great amounts to the animals affected. You could also look into local pet shelters rather than big chain stores if you are trying to adopt an animal.

Although it is entirely up to you and no one can make you do anything you aren’t comfortable with, imagine if it was your pet being treated like this? What if you took your beloved pet to get their nails trimmed, or for a haircut, and they were given back in poor condition or worse?