PetSmart Does Not Sell Birds – Here's Why and Where to Buy

Birds at PetSmart are not sold directly in-store, and if you're searching for information on how much birds cost at PetSmart, it's important to clarify that PetSmart does not typically sell birds as pets. While PetSmart offers a wide range of pet supplies, food, and services, live birds—such as parakeets, cockatiels, or lovebirds—are generally not available for purchase in PetSmart retail locations. Instead, the company has shifted away from selling live animals like birds in most stores, focusing more on fish, small mammals, and pet care products. So, if you’re asking how much do birds cost at PetSmart, the direct answer is: PetSmart does not currently sell birds, so there is no price list available for avian pets at their stores.

Understanding PetSmart’s Current Pet Policy

PetSmart, one of North America’s largest pet supply retailers, made significant changes to its animal sales policies over the past decade. In an effort to promote animal welfare and respond to growing consumer concerns about ethical sourcing, the company phased out the sale of most live animals, including birds, in many of its locations. Today, while some franchises or partner-run sections within PetSmart stores may feature small animals through third-party vendors, birds are rarely, if ever, offered for sale.

This shift aligns with broader industry trends where major retailers like PetSmart and Petco have reevaluated their roles in pet adoption versus pet sales. Rather than functioning as breeders or primary sellers of live birds, PetSmart now emphasizes partnerships with local shelters and rescue organizations, hosting adoption events for dogs, cats, and occasionally small mammals—but not birds.

Where Do Birds Come From If Not PetSmart?

If PetSmart doesn’t sell birds, prospective bird owners often turn to other sources. These include:

• Bird specialty stores: Dedicated avian shops that focus exclusively on birds and related care products.
• Breeders: Private individuals who raise birds, often offering hand-raised chicks with known lineage.
• Rescue organizations and sanctuaries: Ideal for adopting older or surrendered birds needing homes.
• Pet expos and bird shows: Events where breeders and enthusiasts gather to showcase and sell birds.
• Online marketplaces: Platforms such as Avian Avenue forums, social media groups, or classified ads (though caution is advised).

Each source comes with advantages and risks. Breeders may offer healthier, well-socialized birds but at higher prices. Rescues provide second chances but may involve birds with behavioral challenges due to past experiences.

Typical Bird Prices by Species

Although PetSmart doesn’t sell birds, understanding typical pricing across the market helps set realistic expectations. Below is a general overview of common pet bird species and their average costs:

Bird Species	Average Price Range (USD)	Notes
Parakeet (Budgie)	$10 – $35	Inexpensive starter bird; often sold at pet stores still carrying birds.
Cockatiel	$80 – $150	Popular for their crests and whistling ability; requires moderate care.
Lovebird	$75 – $150	Social and energetic; needs daily interaction.
Conure (e.g., Green-Cheeked)	$150 – $300	Vocal and playful; can be loud despite small size.
Senegal Parrot	$400 – $700	Intelligent and relatively quiet; good for apartments.
Eclectus Parrot	$800 – $1,500	Dramatic coloration; requires specialized diet.
Amazon Parrot	$700 – $1,200+	Loud, long-lived, and highly intelligent; not ideal for beginners.
African Grey Parrot	$1,000 – $3,000+	Exceptional mimicry skills; needs extensive mental stimulation.

These prices reflect initial purchase costs only and do not include essential ongoing expenses such as cages, toys, food, veterinary care, and enrichment items—all critical components of responsible bird ownership.

Why Doesn’t PetSmart Sell Birds Anymore?

The decision to stop selling birds stems from multiple factors:

• Animal Welfare Concerns: Birds are highly intelligent and socially complex creatures. Keeping them in retail environments—even under regulated conditions—can lead to stress, feather plucking, and vocalization issues.
• Long Lifespans: Many parrots live 20–60+ years. Impulse purchases without proper research result in high surrender rates to rescues.
• Regulatory and Public Pressure: Animal rights groups have long criticized the sale of exotic pets in chain stores, advocating for stricter oversight.
• Focus on Services Over Sales: PetSmart now prioritizes grooming, training, veterinary services (via Banfield and ShotVet), and adoption programs rather than product-driven animal sales.

Alternatives to Buying: Adoption and Rescue

For those interested in bird companionship, adoption presents a compassionate alternative. Numerous bird rescues operate across the U.S. and Canada, specializing in rehoming parrots, conures, macaws, and smaller species. Organizations such as the Gabby Foundation, Phoenix Landing, and The Parrot Society UK (with international outreach) help match adoptable birds with suitable homes.

Adoption fees typically range from $50 to $300, depending on species and organization. These fees often cover basic health checks, temporary housing, and sometimes even behavioral assessments. Adopting not only saves a life but also reduces demand for commercially bred birds, which may come from overcrowded breeding facilities.

What to Consider Before Getting a Bird

Owning a bird is a long-term commitment that goes far beyond the initial purchase price. Key considerations include:

1. Lifespan and Commitment

Many pet birds outlive their human caregivers. A budgie might live 5–10 years, while larger parrots can survive 50 years or more. Prospective owners must plan for future care, including wills and guardianship arrangements.

2. Noise Levels

Birds are naturally vocal. Some species, like cockatoos and Amazons, produce loud calls that may disturb neighbors—especially in apartments or shared housing.

3. Social Needs

Birds are flock animals and require daily interaction. Without sufficient attention, they develop psychological issues such as self-mutilation or excessive screaming.

4. Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet includes pelleted food, fresh vegetables, fruits, and limited seeds. Seed-only diets lead to malnutrition and shortened lifespans.

5. Veterinary Care

Avian veterinarians are specialists and less common than general vets. Annual checkups cost $75–$150, with emergency visits potentially exceeding $500. Always locate an avian vet before acquiring a bird.

6. Housing Requirements

Cages must be large enough for full wing extension and equipped with perches, toys, and safe materials. Outdoor flight enclosures add value but require secure construction.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Pet Bird

Before bringing a bird home, ensure your environment supports its physical and emotional well-being:

• Remove toxic substances (Teflon fumes, aerosols, cleaning chemicals).
• Install window screens to prevent escape.
• Provide natural lighting or full-spectrum UVB lighting for vitamin D synthesis.
• Eliminate open water sources (toilets, sinks) and ceiling fans that pose hazards.
• Create a consistent daily routine to reduce stress.

Common Misconceptions About Pet Birds

Several myths persist about bird ownership:

• "Birds don’t need much space." False—flight is essential for muscle development and mental health.
• "They’re low-maintenance pets." Incorrect—birds demand time, training, and enrichment similar to dogs.
• "All birds can talk." Only certain species (like African Greys and some Amazons) reliably mimic speech.
• "You can buy a bird cheaply at a big-box store." Most large retailers no longer sell birds, and low prices often indicate poor health or unethical breeding.

Verifying Information: How to Confirm Retailer Policies

If you’re uncertain whether a specific PetSmart location sells birds, here’s how to verify:

1. Visit the official PetSmart website (petsmart.com) and use the store locator tool.
2. Contact the store directly via phone to inquire about live animal offerings.
3. Check recent customer reviews on Google or Yelp mentioning bird sales.
4. Look for signage in-store indicating partnerships with rescue groups or third-party vendors.

Note: Policies may vary slightly by region or franchise ownership, but as of 2024, no corporate-owned PetSmart stores actively sell birds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does PetSmart sell birds in 2024?

No, PetSmart does not sell birds in its stores as of 2024. The company has discontinued the sale of live birds in favor of focusing on pet supplies, services, and adoption events for cats and dogs.

Can I adopt a bird at PetSmart?

While PetSmart hosts adoption events for dogs and cats through partnerships with shelters, bird adoptions are not part of these programs. You should contact local avian rescues directly for adoption opportunities.

Are there any pet stores that still sell birds?

Some independent pet stores and specialty bird shops continue to sell birds. Always research the store’s reputation, inspect animal conditions, and avoid impulse buys.

Why did PetSmart stop selling birds?

PetSmart stopped selling birds due to animal welfare concerns, the complexity of caring for birds, and a strategic shift toward service-based offerings and shelter partnerships.

How much does it cost to care for a bird annually?

Annual care costs range from $300 for small birds like budgies to over $1,000 for large parrots, factoring in food, cage maintenance, toys, and veterinary visits.