PetSmart’s post-termination benefits follow the same general rules as other specialty retailers, but a few perks, especially the free monthly pet services, are losses you won’t find an easy replacement for
The standard stuff first: health insurance ends at the end of the month, COBRA is available for 60 days, your 401(k) stays in the plan. That’s consistent across retail. What makes leaving PetSmart different is losing access to the free grooming, training, and wellness services that most PetSmart employees used regularly for their own pets.
Here is everything that changes, along with how PetSmart stacks up against the typical retail employer.
What ends on your last day
The 15% employee discount on most PetSmart products and services is deactivated immediately. The 50% discount on select proprietary brands (Authority, Simply Nourish, Only Natural Pet food and litter) also ends.
Free monthly pet services end on separation. While employed, PetSmart associates got a free dog wash, teeth cleaning, and nail grinding in the grooming salon every month, plus a free 6-week puppy or beginner training class. These perks are hard to replace at any price, since comparable grooming services run $30 to $75 per visit at retail pricing. If you have a dog that’s used to regular salon visits, budget for that increase.
PerkSpot (cell phones, travel, entertainment deals) deactivates.
Discounted pet insurance through PetSmart’s partner ends. You can typically convert to an individual policy, but you’ll pay the full rate.
For how the discount worked while you were employed, see PetSmart employee discounts.
Health insurance and COBRA
PetSmart’s health, dental, and vision coverage ends on the last day of the month you leave. Benefits are administered through Alight (worklife.alight.com/petsmart or digital.alight.com/petsmart).
COBRA keeps your exact plan for up to 18 months at full cost plus 2%. You have 60 days to elect. The Marketplace at healthcare.gov is the alternative, with a 60-day Special Enrollment Period.
PetSmart is owned by BC Partners (private equity), and benefits have remained relatively stable under PE ownership compared to what happened at Walgreens under Sycamore. That said, always compare COBRA pricing against Marketplace options. If your income drops after leaving, subsidized Marketplace plans may save you hundreds monthly. Also check Medicaid eligibility.
For benefits questions, call 1-866-263-8411 or email hrsharedservices@petsmart.com.
PTO payout: use-it-or-lose-it matters here
PetSmart’s PTO policy has a use-it-or-lose-it provision for vacation and discretionary hours. That means if you didn’t use your vacation time during the benefit year, it may have already been forfeited before you even left.
Here’s the accrual breakdown for full-time associates:
- Years 0-4: 80 hours (2 weeks)
- Years 5-9: 120 hours (3 weeks)
- Years 10+: 160 hours (4 weeks)
- Discretionary hours: 16 per year (use-it-or-lose-it)
- Sick time: 4 hours per month, rolls over up to 120 hours max
Whether your accrued, unused vacation gets paid out at separation depends on your state’s law. In mandatory-payout states (California, Colorado, etc.), PetSmart must include it on your final check regardless of the use-it-or-lose-it policy. In states without a mandate, the company policy governs, and that use-it-or-lose-it rule may mean less money owed to you.
Sick time is generally not paid out at separation, even in states with vacation payout mandates, since most states treat sick time separately.
For state rules, see PetSmart final paycheck laws.
Your 401(k) after leaving PetSmart
PetSmart’s 401(k) matches 50 cents per dollar up to 6% of pay, vesting at 20% per year (fully vested after 5 years). If you left before hitting 5 years, you keep only the vested portion of the match. Your own contributions are always 100% yours.
The plan is accessible through ADP (my.adp.com). Use registration code petm-pets if you need to set up access.
Standard options: leave it in the plan, roll to an IRA, transfer to a new employer, or cash out (10% penalty plus taxes if under 59 1/2). The 5-year vesting schedule makes timing matter. If you are at 3 or 4 years, do the math on whether staying a bit longer to vest more of the match is worth it.
More in what happens to your 401(k) when you quit.
PetSmart vs. typical retail: benefits after separation
| Benefit | PetSmart | Typical retailer |
| Employee discount | 15% (+ 50% proprietary) ends last day | 10-20% ends last day |
| Free services | Monthly grooming/training ends last day | None at most retailers |
| Health insurance | Ends end of month | Same |
| 401(k) vesting | 20% per year (5 years full) | Varies (1-5 years) |
| PTO policy | Use-it-or-lose-it | Varies |
| Sick time payout | Generally no | Generally no |
| Pet insurance | Ends (can convert) | N/A |
The free pet services and the 50% proprietary brand discount are the two things that set PetSmart apart from the pack. Everything else follows the standard retail playbook.
Post-separation checklist
- Use remaining pet services before your last day (grooming, training)
- Stock up on proprietary brand food/litter at 50% while you still can
- Save benefits info from Alight portal (worklife.alight.com/petsmart)
- Confirm ADP access (my.adp.com, code: petm-pets) for W-2 and pay stubs
- Watch mail for COBRA notice; decide within 60 days
- Check final paycheck for PTO payout (state dependent)
- Review 401(k) vesting (20% per year schedule)
- Convert pet insurance to individual policy if needed
- File for unemployment if terminated (not for cause)
Getting your W-2 after leaving
W-2s are available through ADP at my.adp.com. Navigate to Pay > Tax Statements. Registration code is petm-pets. Available by January 31. If you can’t access ADP, call 1-866-263-8411.
More help in PetSmart W-2 for former employees.
Ally Program note: PetSmart offers the Ally Program (behavioral health support for associates not enrolled in medical benefits). Check whether this continues for a short period after separation by calling HR.
For all PetSmart resources, visit the PetSmart employee resource hub. If you are still deciding whether to leave, the PetSmart quitting process covers the resignation steps.