You’re standing in the kitchen, staring at an empty bag of grain-free salmon kibble while your Golden Retriever gives you that "I haven't eaten in three years" look. It’s 8:15 PM on a Sunday. You need to know—what time is petco open until—and you need to know right now.
Honestly, the answer isn't as simple as a single number on a sign. While most Petco locations follow a fairly standard rhythm, there are enough weird exceptions and "store-within-a-store" schedules to make your head spin. If you just assume they're open until 9:00 PM because it's a weekday, you might end up pulling on a locked glass door while a confused parakeet stares you down from the window.
The Standard Schedule: What Time Is Petco Open Until Normally?
For the vast majority of the 1,300+ locations across the U.S., Petco sticks to a 9-to-9 rule during the week. But weekends? That's where things get dicey.
Typically, from Monday through Saturday, you can count on the doors staying unlocked from 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM. This is the "safe zone." If you’re rushing over after work to grab a new heating lamp for a bearded dragon, you usually have plenty of time.
The Sunday Shift
Sundays are the big outlier. Most Petco stores scale back their hours on the Lord's Day for rest—or maybe just because people tend to shop earlier. You’ll usually find that on Sundays, Petco is open until 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM.
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Wait, why the range? It depends on your zip code. Suburban stores in places like Bakersfield or Ventura often stay open until 8:00 PM on Sundays. Meanwhile, urban "Unleashed by Petco" shops or locations in quieter shopping centers might close their doors as early as 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM.
The "Store Within a Store" Timing Trap
Here is what really trips people up: the store might be open, but the service you need might be fast asleep.
If you're asking what time is petco open until because you need a flea bath or a rabies shot, the main store hours don't mean much. Petco's specialized services—Grooming, Vetco, and Dog Training—operate on their own clocks.
Grooming Salon Hours
Interestingly, the grooming salon often starts before the main store. Many groomers arrive at 8:00 AM to take in early drop-offs. However, they almost always pack up earlier than the retail staff. Most grooming salons close by 6:00 PM. If you show up at 7:30 PM hoping for a last-minute nail trim, you're going to be disappointed, even if the rest of the store is buzzing.
Vetco and Vaccination Clinics
Vetco is a different beast entirely. They have two versions:
- Full-Service Hospitals (Vetco Total Care): These usually run 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and many are closed on Sundays.
- Pop-up Vaccination Clinics: These are only there for a few hours. They might be open from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on a Saturday and then they're gone.
Basically, if it involves a needle or a pair of shears, don't trust the "open until 9:00 PM" sign.
Holiday Hours: Will They Be Open Today?
If today happens to be a holiday, throw the rulebook out the window. Petco is pretty generous with its hours compared to some retailers, but they do draw the line at some of the "Big Three."
- Christmas Day: Every Petco is closed. No exceptions.
- Thanksgiving: Almost every location is closed.
- Easter Sunday: This is a weird one. Unlike Target or Costco, Petco is often open on Easter, though they usually run on a Sunday schedule (closing around 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM).
- New Year's Eve/Day: They usually open a bit late (10:00 AM) and close a bit early (7:00 PM).
If it's Labor Day or Memorial Day, they generally stick to their normal hours, but it's always smart to call the local number if you're driving more than ten minutes.
Why Do Some Stores Close Earlier?
You might notice your local Petco closes at 7:00 PM every single day. This usually happens with the Unleashed by Petco brand. These are smaller, boutique-style stores. They don't carry the massive bags of livestock feed or 50-gallon fish tanks, and they tend to follow the hours of the specific shopping center they are in.
Also, labor shortages and local mall regulations have caused some "standard" stores to permanently shift their closing time to 8:00 PM. If you live in a high-crime area or a very rural one, don't be surprised if those 9:00 PM closings are a thing of the past.
How to Verify Your Local Store's Hours
Don't just trust a random Google snippet. Sometimes those are cached from three years ago.
The most reliable way—besides calling—is the Petco Store Locator on their official site. It’s natively updated by the store managers. If there is a plumbing emergency or a power outage, the manager usually updates that specific store's digital footprint faster than Google can crawl it.
Another pro tip? Check the Petco App. If you’re trying to do a "Buy Online, Pick Up In Store" (BOPIS) order, the app will actually tell you if you have enough time to make it before the registers shut down. Usually, they stop processing same-day pickups about an hour before the doors lock.
Actionable Steps for Your Pet Run
Don't get stranded without cat litter. Here is how to handle your next trip:
- Check the day first. If it's Sunday, assume a 7:00 PM closing to be safe.
- Separate the service from the store. If you need grooming, call before 5:00 PM.
- Use the app for curbside. If you're running late, place the order on the app. Even if the store closes in 20 minutes, they might have it ready at the door for you.
- Watch the holidays. If it's late December or late November, verify the "Holiday Hours" specifically, as they shift annually.
Knowing what time is petco open until saves you the frustration of a wasted trip and keeps your pets from judging you while they stare at their empty bowls. Check your local listing, keep the 9-to-9 weekday rule in mind, and always double-check those Sunday early-closings.