Well, we have sad news for all of the pet parents out there. We’ve just confirmed that free photos with the PetSmart Easter bunny will not happen this year. If your fur kid was lucky enough to get a photo with the PetSmart Santa last Christmas, that may have been your last time to get this PetSmart freebie until the next holiday season rolls around.
And it’s not just the free photos we’re sad about. The PetSmart Easter event always included giveaways, activities, and other discounts for shoppers in store. While we mourn the loss of the PetSmart Easter bunny, here’s what to know about this change — and if it’s permanent.
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1. PetSmart stores have discontinued their Easter bunny event for 2023.
For one reason or another — which we couldn’t quite nail down from the PetSmart media team — the free PetSmart Easter bunny photos will not return to stores this April.
That bummed us out, as many PetSmart customers looked forward to the annual event each spring, usually held on the Saturday of the last weekend before Easter.
In past years, pet owners could book a photo appointment online and receive a free digital photo after their photo session.
2. Past events included additional freebies, giveaways, and games.
The free photo wasn’t the only goodie that pet parents looked forward to. You’d usually get a freebie like a pair of bunny ears for your pet, along with a scratch-off ticket for the chance to win additional discounts or in-store coupons.
Depending on your location, some PetSmart stores also had free activities for guests and show-and-tell events with adoptable pets.
TIP: Even though PetSmart is out this year, you can still get free Easter bunny photos with your pet at either Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s!
3. No word yet on if this is a permanent change.
When we asked PetSmart about the change, we couldn’t get a clear answer on whether or not PetSmart’s Easter bunny photos would return to stores in 2024.
It’d be a surprising move if the change were permanent, as they’ve held the Easter bunny photos every year since around 2018.
4. Here’s what IS still happening at PetSmart for Easter.
Still looking for a way to celebrate Easter with your pet? You can find lots of spring and Easter-themed items in store, including outfits, treats, and toys. And they told us that “Treats Member Month” will happen in April, with special bonuses and exclusive offers just for Treats loyalty program members.
TIP: PetSmart’s Treats program gives you points on every purchase, and you can join for free. When you first enroll, fill out your profile and you’ll get an instant $2.50-off coupon. You’ll also receive a surprise treat on your pet’s birthday, along with loyalty points you can cash in for “dollar off” coupons or donations to charity.
5. Don’t worry — PetSmart Santa will return in 2023!
Since we couldn’t get a clear answer about why they canceled the PetSmart Easter event in 2023, we worried that PetSmart stores would rethink their holiday plans, too.
But rest assured; PetSmart confirmed that their pet photos with Santa event will return for the holidays in 2023, though dates are still TBD.
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