You’re standing in your kitchen at 8:45 PM on a Tuesday. Your dog is staring at you with those judgmental "I can see the bottom of the bowl" eyes, and you realize you forgot to grab that specific grain-free kibble. Now you're frantically Googling what time is PetSmart open until, hoping you can make it before the automatic sliding doors lock for the night.
Honestly, the answer isn't always as simple as a single number on a screen.
Most people assume every big-box retailer follows a strict corporate schedule that’s identical from Maine to California. While there’s a general blueprint, local factors—labor shortages, shopping center rules, and even the specific services offered inside the store—can mess with your plans.
The Standard Schedule: When Most Doors Close
In a perfect world, your local PetSmart follows the "9 to 9" rule.
For the vast majority of locations in the United States and Canada, the store is open from 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday. Sunday is the outlier, usually closing earlier at 7:00 PM.
✨ Don't miss: 100 Biggest Cities in the US: Why the Map You Know is Wrong
But here is where things get kinda tricky.
Some high-traffic urban areas might stay open until 10:00 PM to accommodate the late-night commuter crowd. Conversely, smaller towns or stores tucked into quiet suburban plazas might start dimming the lights at 8:00 PM. If you're driving more than ten minutes, it's basically a gamble unless you check the specific store locator for that zip code.
Why Sunday is the "Danger Zone"
Sunday is the day that ruins everyone's schedule. While Saturday is a full-throttle 12-hour business day, Sunday typically sees a significant shift. Most PetSmart locations open an hour later (10:00 AM) and close two hours earlier (7:00 PM) than their weekday counterparts.
If you show up at 7:15 PM on a Sunday, you’re going to be staring at a closed gate while your cat wonders why dinner is late.
🔗 Read more: Cooper City FL Zip Codes: What Moving Here Is Actually Like
What Time Is PetSmart Open Until for Services?
This is the part that trips up even the most seasoned pet parents. Just because the front door is open doesn't mean the "store within a store" is actually functioning.
- The Grooming Salon: Most salons operate on their own rhythm. Often, groomers start as early as 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM—well before the retail floor is open to the public. However, they also tend to wind down earlier. If the last dog is picked up at 6:00 PM, the salon staff might be deep-cleaning and headed home while you're still browsing the toy aisle at 8:00 PM.
- Banfield Pet Hospital: These clinics are technically separate entities housed inside PetSmart. Their hours are notorious for being different. Many close at 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM, even if the store stays open until 9:00 PM. If you have an emergency, don't assume the vet is there just because you see people buying goldfish.
- PetsHotel and Doggie Day Camp: If you’re dropping off or picking up a pup from boarding, these services often have "check-in" windows. While the hotel staff is often on-site 24/7, the lobby for pet parents usually aligns with standard store hours, sometimes closing slightly earlier for safety reasons.
Holiday Hours and the 2026 Calendar
If you're reading this during a holiday week, throw the rulebook out the window.
PetSmart generally stays open for the "minor" holidays but adjusts the clock. For instance, on New Year’s Day 2026, most stores are expected to operate on a modified schedule, likely 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
There are only two days a year where the answer to "what time is PetSmart open until" is "it isn't": Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. On these days, the stores are closed to the public to let associates spend time with their families, though essential staff still come in to feed and care for the animals living in the store.
💡 You might also like: Why People That Died on Their Birthday Are More Common Than You Think
On "Eve" days—Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve—expect an early exit. Most stores shut down by 6:00 PM to get everyone home for the festivities.
The "Pro" Way to Check Hours Without Getting Burned
Don't trust the snippets you see on the main Google search page. They are often cached and might not reflect a temporary change at your specific branch.
- Use the Official Store Locator: Go straight to the PetSmart website. Their internal database is updated by store managers and is the most reliable source for real-time changes.
- The PetSmart App: If you use the app, it usually defaults to your "home" store and shows live hours, including whether the grooming salon is currently accepting walk-ins for nail trims.
- Call the Store: It feels old school, but if it’s 8:30 PM and you’re 15 minutes away, a 30-second phone call can save you a wasted trip.
Does "Open Until" Mean "Shopping Until"?
Here is a bit of "insider" etiquette. While the store might be open until 9:00 PM, the registers often start their closing tallies right at the strike of the hour. If you walk in at 8:58 PM, you might get some "please hurry" looks from the staff. Most stores prefer customers to be heading toward the checkout by 8:45 PM so they can finish their closing duties and head home.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
- Verify the specific service: If you need a vet or a groomer, check their individual schedules on the website, as they rarely match the retail hours.
- Account for the Sunday shift: Always assume a 7:00 PM closure on Sundays to avoid disappointment.
- Check for "Yappy Hour": If you’re heading in for a quick service like a nail trim, look for "Yappy Hour" deals which usually happen mid-week (Monday–Friday) between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
- Use Curbside Pickup: If you’re running late, you can often buy your items online and select curbside pickup. However, remember that most stores stop processing these orders about an hour before closing.
Knowing the exact time your local store closes ensures you’re never the person frantically knocking on the glass while your dog waits for their favorite treats at home. Check the official locator for your specific zip code to confirm tonight's schedule.