What Makes PetSmart a Top Pet Retailer
PetSmart launched in 1986 and has since grown into North America’s largest specialty pet retailer. They operate 1,660 stores across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico—giving them unmatched physical presence in the pet space.
Their business extends beyond retail. PetSmart runs e-commerce operations and pet hotel services, creating multiple revenue streams. The numbers speak for themselves: $7.2 billion in annual sales.
That scale matters for affiliates. More stores mean more brand recognition, which typically means higher conversion rates on your links.
How the PetSmart Affiliate Program Works
The program runs through FlexOffers, a well-established affiliate network. You earn 8% commission on qualifying purchases made through your unique referral links—including both products and services like grooming appointments.
Anyone can join without upfront fees or strict requirements.
The program especially welcomes partners who have genuine influence in the pet owner community: content creators focused on pet care, veterinarians, pet bloggers, and animal behavior experts. If you’re already creating pet-related content, this program slots right into your existing work.
Commission Structure and Payment Terms
Here’s where things get specific—and where you need to pay attention to the details.
Commission Rate: 8%
You earn 8% on each eligible purchase. That includes physical products like food and toys, plus service bookings for grooming or training.
What this means in practice: A $100 purchase earns you $8. A $500 order brings in $40.
Is 8% competitive? It’s middle-of-the-pack for pet affiliate programs. Some competitors offer 10-15%, while others sit around 5-6%.
Cookie Duration: 30 Days
Your tracking cookie lasts 30 days. If someone clicks your link today but purchases three weeks later, you still earn the commission.
But here’s the catch: after 30 days, that attribution disappears. Any purchases beyond that window don’t count toward your earnings—even if your content initially drove their interest.
Payment Details That Matter
FlexOffers handles all payments through four methods: bank transfer, wire transfer, check, or PayPal.
Minimum threshold: $25 before you can withdraw.
Processing fees: FlexOffers charges $1-$5 per transaction, which eats into your earnings—especially on smaller payouts.
Payment timing: NET 60 terms. Translation? Commissions earned in March get processed 60 days later on May 31st, then paid the first week of June.
That’s a long wait. If you need faster cash flow for your business, this delay matters.
The Real Advantages
Let’s talk about what actually works in PetSmart’s favor.
Brand Recognition Drives Conversions
PetSmart isn’t an unknown startup you need to convince people about. Most pet owners already know the brand, trust it, and have probably shopped there. That familiarity reduces friction in the buying decision.
When you’re promoting products from a household name, your conversion rates typically run higher than pushing lesser-known brands. People click affiliate links more readily when they recognize where they’re going.
Massive Product Catalog
PetSmart stocks thousands of items across every pet category: dogs, cats, fish, birds, reptiles, and small animals. You’re not limited to promoting just one product line.
This variety gives you flexibility in what you promote and helps you match products to your specific audience. Writing about senior dog care? Promote joint supplements and orthopedic beds. Covering cat behavior? Link to interactive toys and scratching posts.
Zero Traffic Requirements
Some affiliate programs demand minimum monthly traffic numbers before approving your application. PetSmart doesn’t.
This opens the door for newer content creators who are still building their audience. You can start earning while you grow, rather than waiting until you hit arbitrary traffic thresholds.
The Genuine Challenges You’ll Face
Now for the honest part—what makes this program harder than it might initially appear.
Competition Is Fierce
You’re competing against thousands of other affiliates promoting the same products. Pet content is saturated, and everyone’s fighting for the same clicks.
Bottom line: Generic product round-ups won’t cut it. You need unique angles, specific use cases, or authentic personal experience to stand out in crowded search results.
Processing Fees Bite Into Small Earnings
Those $1-$5 transaction fees hit hardest when you’re making smaller withdrawals. A $25 payout loses 4-20% to fees immediately.
The solution? Let your balance build before withdrawing. But that means waiting even longer to access your money.
The 60-Day Payment Wait
NET 60 terms mean you’re essentially providing two months of interest-free credit. For side hustlers, that’s an annoyance. For people trying to build affiliate income as a primary revenue source, it’s a genuine cash flow problem.
Compare this to affiliate programs with NET 30 or even weekly payouts, and PetSmart’s timing feels outdated.
Who Actually Succeeds With This Program
Not everyone makes meaningful money with PetSmart’s affiliate program. Here’s what separates affiliates who earn consistently from those who struggle:
Strong performers typically:
- Focus on specific pet niches (senior dogs, exotic birds, aquarium setups) rather than broad “all pet” content
- Create detailed product comparisons backed by genuine testing or research
- Build email lists to promote time-sensitive sales and promotions
- Target mid-to-high ticket items where 8% commission actually adds up
Struggles show up when affiliates:
- Only promote low-priced items like $8 toy balls (earning 64 cents per sale)
- Post generic product lists without unique insights
- Fail to update content when better deals emerge from competitors
- Don’t track which products actually convert for their specific audience
My take: This program rewards specialists over generalists. If you’re creating comprehensive guides for specific pet situations, you’ll convert better than someone just slapping affiliate links on broad listicles.
Smart Promotion Strategies That Actually Work
Want to increase your commission earnings? Focus on these proven approaches.
Target High-Value Product Categories
Not all products earn equal commissions. An $8 toy earns 64 cents. A $120 automatic feeder earns $9.60.
The highest-value categories include:
- Premium pet food subscriptions ($60-100 per order)
- Grooming service packages ($80-150)
- Large equipment like crates, pens, and aquariums ($100-300)
- Technology products like automatic feeders and GPS collars ($80-200)
Focus your content on products where 8% commission translates to actual money.
Write Problem-Solution Content
Generic product reviews get lost in search results. Problem-focused content performs better.
Instead of “Best Dog Toys 2025,” try “How to Stop Your Lab From Destroying Furniture (5 Indestructible Toys That Actually Work).”
You’re targeting people actively looking for solutions—they convert faster than browsers.
Leverage Seasonal Buying Patterns
Pet owners shop differently throughout the year. Build content around these peaks:
- January: New pet adoptions, resolutions about better pet care
- April-May: Spring cleaning, outdoor gear, flea/tick prevention
- September: Back-to-school routines, separation anxiety solutions
- November-December: Holiday gifts, travel gear
Timing your content to match shopping patterns increases conversion rates.
Feature Specialty Services
Don’t overlook PetSmart’s services—grooming appointments, training classes, and daycare bookings all earn you 8% commission.
Services often have higher dollar values than individual products. A grooming package might run $100-150, earning you $8-12 per booking.
Create content like “Complete Guide to Professional Dog Grooming: When DIY Isn’t Enough” and include service booking links.
PetSmart vs. Top Competitors: The Numbers That Matter
1. Chewy Affiliate Program
Chewy is a leading online retailer offering food, treats, toys, grooming, and healthcare products for pets. Affiliates can promote items for dogs, cats, and even exotic pets. With strong brand recognition, regular promotions, and a broad product range, it’s ideal for pet blogs, influencers, and e-commerce marketers.
2. Petco Affiliate Program
Petco is a well-known pet supply chain offering a wide variety of products and services, including grooming and veterinary care. Its affiliate program allows promotion of essential pet items, leveraging the brand’s trust and customer traffic. It’s suitable for affiliates targeting loyal pet owners looking for quality products.
3. BarkBox Affiliate Program
BarkBox is a subscription service for dogs, delivering themed boxes of toys and treats monthly. Affiliates can earn recurring commissions, making it attractive for those promoting subscription-based products. It works well for audiences interested in novelty, curated gifts, or regular surprises for their pets.
4. HolistaPet Affiliate Program
HolistaPet specializes in natural and wellness-focused products for cats and dogs, such as supplements and healthy treats. Affiliates benefit from higher commission rates, particularly in the pet health and holistic care niche. It’s ideal for content creators focused on natural, organic, or wellness-oriented pet products.
5. Paw.com Affiliate Program
Paw.com offers designer pet products, including beds, accessories, and specialty items. Affiliates can earn attractive commissions promoting stylish, high-quality products for pets. It appeals to audiences looking for unique and premium pet items, making it suitable for lifestyle bloggers or pet influencers targeting a more upscale market.
The Verdict: Is PetSmart’s Affiliate Program Worth It?
Here’s my honest assessment after looking at the numbers, terms, and competition.
This program makes sense if you:
- Already create pet content and want to add PetSmart to a multi-program strategy
- Focus on specific pet niches where you can demonstrate genuine expertise
- Have patience for 60-day payment cycles and can absorb the cash flow delay
- Create comprehensive guides that naturally incorporate product recommendations
Skip this program if you:
- Need fast payment turnaround for cash flow reasons
- Only plan to promote low-ticket items under $20
- Don’t have unique angles in the saturated pet content space
- Want a single affiliate program to build your entire income around
PetSmart works best as part of a diversified affiliate strategy, not as your sole income source. The brand recognition and product variety create genuine opportunities, but the commission rate and payment terms won’t make you rich quickly.
For publishers already in the pet niche, adding PetSmart links to your content makes sense—you’re leaving money on the table if you ignore them. But don’t expect this program alone to replace a full-time income unless you’re driving serious traffic and focusing on high-value categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should join the PetSmart Affiliate Program?
Content creators, veterinarians, pet bloggers, and animal experts who already serve the pet owner community. No minimum traffic required, but you’ll earn more if you have genuine influence in pet niches.
Is there a fee to join?
No. The PetSmart Affiliate Program is completely free to join through FlexOffers.
How much does the PetSmart Affiliate Program pay?
8% commission on all qualifying purchases, including both products and service bookings like grooming or training.
Are there minimum requirements to become a PetSmart affiliate?
No minimum traffic or follower requirements exist. Anyone can apply, though approval depends on your content quality and relevance to pet owners.
Can I combine PetSmart with other affiliate programs?
Check FlexOffers terms and individual program policies, but most affiliates run multiple pet affiliate programs simultaneously. Diversifying your affiliate partners typically increases overall income and protects you if one program changes terms.
What are the best alternatives to PetSmart’s affiliate program?
Top alternatives include Chewy (dominant online pet retailer), Petco (direct competitor with similar offerings), BarkBox (subscription focus with recurring commissions), HolistaPet (wellness niche with 25% commission), and Paw.com (premium products for upscale audiences). Each offers different commission structures and benefits depending on your content focus.
