What Is PetSmart And What Do They Do? 

Pet smart is the leading North American private pet store. It was established 35 years ago in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, by Jim and Janice Dougherty. Petsmart offers the following services: 

Sale of small pets such as tropical fish,    birds, reptiles, dogs, and cats. Dog grooming and training. Cat and dog boarding. Sale of pet food. Sale of accessories such as aquarium set-up equipment, pond, feeders, cages collars, muzzle chains, and toys.  Disease treatment. Dogs and cats are adopted via adoption centres.  Dog daycare.  

PetSmart fish return policy

Pet smart has a 14-day return policy from the initial date of purchase to return or exchange a sick or dead pet fish for a new fish or a refund. Pet smart offers the opportunity to exchange the fish for another of the same type of exchange fish for another fish of the same amount. 

For a sick or unhealthy fish

If your fish is sick or unhealthy, Petsmart allows returning the fish for a healthy one. The tank containing the fish and a water sample should be brought alongside, to test for any anomalies. 

For the return to be eligible, they must have noticeable illnesses that have been confirmed by a veterinary doctor. PetSmart will give the option of exchanging the fish for another or refunding your money. 

For a dead fish

To return a dead fish at Petsmart you will put the body of the fish in a fish water tank and present it to the staff. A sample of the water will be collected and tested to know the cause of death and to prevent a recurrence. The death of a fish could be a result of stress(moving it to a new home), underlying health challenges, cannibalism, or the quality of water.

For a healthy fish

Pet smart allows returning a healthy fish if:

The fish is healthy but does not get along with other fish in the tank. The breed might be different from what you expected. The fish is bigger or smaller than the tank you have. The fish is not as active as you expect. Unforeseen circumstances.

Whatever your reason is for returning your fish, PetSmart accepts the return of live fish as long as you come with your receipt within 14 days of initial payment with no query. You also have the option of selecting another fish of your choice but with a valid explanation as to why the returned fish didn’t work out. This will help the staff to pick out an appropriate fish that suits you. 

When you are bringing dead sick or healthy fish to Petsmart for an exchange or a refund, you will need to present the following items:

The fish you want to exchange. Original receipt. A valid identification card with your photograph on it. A water sample from your fish tank.

This policy is only valid within 14 days after the initial payment. 

Why Do Clients Return The Fish after Purchase?

There are many reasons why clients return already purchased fish:

If the fish dies. A sick or unhealthy fish. If the clients can’t take care of the fish.  

The fish is bigger or smaller than the tank. The fish did not meet the client’s expectations. The fish is not as active as expected. The species or breed of fish is not to the client’s taste. Unforeseen circumstances.

What Does PetSmart Do With The Returned Fish? 

Any ill fish that is returned to Petsmart will be quarantined for some days to observe and ensure the fish is healthy. In cases where the fish is dead, the staff will collect the container with the fish in it, dispose of the fish, wash the container properly, and then return it to you. 

You should bring a water sample where your fish died for analysis. The reason for this is that chances are the oxygen levels were low, or the water has been contaminated. Whatever it is the staff will let you know and enlighten you on steps to take to correct the issues before adding more fish to the tank.

The water analysis is free because at Petsmart customer satisfaction is a top priority. If a healthy fish is returned, it is also quarantined for some days and then added back to the tank that contains similar fish and sold to another customer.

In Conclusion

Petsmart’s return policy is commendable as clients will receive their refund about 3-7 days after return. The money will be put into your bank account and a notification will be sent to your email to confirm that they have completed your refund.

If you have lost your receipt you may be issued a PetSmart card merchandise card instead. At the end of the day, your satisfaction is PetSmart’s priority.