Pet Smart - Throwing Away Pet Products Instead of Donating

Posted by clutzycook on 2013-03-08:

perhaps you should contact the corporate office and let them know.

Posted by leet60 on 2013-03-08:

I suspect the store may be concerned over liability in this case, particularly with torn or opened products. There is a risk of intentional or unintentional contamination with opened products and I would not want to feed opened products to my pet even if it were provided at no cost.

As for products nearing or at/past the expiration date, I believe the store may have the same liability concern.

Posted by kjsphat on 2013-03-08:

The SPCA would probably just feed the animals food with the nearest expiration date first; and be happy to get it. As far as liability, I volunteer at a local food pantry, and the Walmart distribution center donates food every week that is partially rotten, (fruit and veggies) expired, or close to the expiration date, and also some that was just an overage, or wrong order. We take it all, and just dispose of the bad stuff before distribution. But the frozen meat gets distributed to those who want it with the expired date. (Usually they all take it). When something is free, the receiver usually assumes the liability. With a comment like "We donate too much already" It sounds like they just don't want bothered. It's a shame. I hate to see something wasted. Especially when there is so much need.

Posted by pit girl on 2013-03-09:

This is a long standing policy with Petsmart. SSG, (petsmarts coorporate) is fully aware and is the one who decreed this practice. All items must be destroyed if it can't be sold at a clearance price. This is everything from food, tanks, leashes, toys, gravel, WE ARE TALKING ABOUT EVERYTHING THE STORE SELLS!!!!!!!! They will not donate anything to rescues on a store level.