Petcos Free Sample Events A Comprehensive Guide To September And October 2025 Pet Food Promotions

Oct. 13, 2025, 5:18 a.m.

Tags: petco

Petco, a leading pet retail chain in the United States, is offering free pet food samples during special in-store events throughout September and October 2025. These events provide pet owners with the opportunity to try premium pet food brands before purchasing full-size products, potentially saving money on products their pets may not like. The program includes samples from various brands and coincides with adoption events, demonstrations, and seasonal activities.

Overview of Petco's Free Sample Program

Petco is conducting special in-store events where customers can receive free samples of various pet food brands. According to multiple sources, these events are designed to allow pet owners to "try before you buy" and discover new products that their pets might enjoy. The program includes samples from premium brands such as ACANA, ORIJEN, Nulo, Weruva, Just Food for Dogs, Applaws, Boxiecat, Arm & Hammer, and Inaba.

These events are not just about free samples - they also provide opportunities for pet adoption, educational demonstrations, and themed activities. Some stores may host additional events like pet adoption drives, care demonstrations, and seasonal celebrations alongside the sample giveaways.

Scheduled Sample Events in September 2025

September features several dedicated sample days with specific brands available:

September 7: Free Applaws & Boxiecat samples
September 13: Free ACANA Cat and ORIJEN Dog samples
September 14: Free Nulo and Arm & Hammer samples
September 20: Mews' Birthday Bash with free yums, purr-izes and more
September 21: Free Just Food for Dogs and Inaba Cat treats samples
September 28: Free Weruva & Inaba samples

Additionally, there is a store-wide promotion running from September 2 to October 4 called "CAT-ch Mews if you can" where customers can find hidden Mews in the store for a chance to win prizes.

October 2025 Petco Events

October continues with more free sample opportunities and special events:

October 4: Adopt a cutie event
October 18: Boo at the Petco Zoo event, where pets can show off costumes and meet "creepy-crawlies"
October 25: Howl-O-Ween Scratch & Win event, offering a chance to win an entire cart purchase (up to $499 value)
October 25: Free JustFoodforDogs Tasting Event, where customers can try samples and get tips on mixing up their dog's meals
October 31: Trick-or-Treat at Petco Event, where pets in costume receive a free treat

Petco also hosts daily activities: - Every Day: Petco Zoo, where families can meet reptiles, fish, and various animals for free

How to Participate in Petco's Free Sample Events

Participating in Petco's free sample events requires a few simple steps:

Check the Petco store events page to identify which dates samples are available at your local store. Not every store participates on every date, and participation may vary by location.
Find your nearest Petco location through the same events page or Petco's store locator.
Visit the participating Petco store on the designated sample day. According to the sources, the process appears to be first-come, first-served, so arriving earlier may be beneficial.
Call ahead to your local Petco to confirm they are participating and to check if they have any specific details about the samples, such as quantity limits or particular brands available.

Benefits of Petco's Free Sample Program

The free sample program offers several advantages for pet owners:

Cost savings: Trying products before purchasing full-size bags prevents waste on foods pets may not eat.
Brand exploration: The program includes premium and specialized pet food brands that customers might not typically purchase without first knowing their pets will like them.
Educational opportunities: Some events include demonstrations and educational content about pet nutrition and care.
Adoption opportunities: Several events coincide with pet adoption drives, allowing potential pet owners to meet animals available for adoption.
Family-friendly activities: Events like the Petco Zoo provide entertainment for the whole family.

Important Considerations

When planning to participate in Petco's free sample events, customers should keep in mind several important points:

Geographic restrictions: The events are only available at participating Petco locations in the United States.
Date variations: While the sources provide general dates, specific event dates may vary by store location. It's essential to confirm with your local Petco.
First-come, first-served: Though not explicitly stated, the sources suggest that samples may be limited and available while supplies last.
Pet suitability: Customers should consider their pet's specific dietary needs, age, breed, and any sensitivities before trying new foods.
Seasonal events: Many events are tied to holidays or special occasions, so they may not be recurring annually.

Tips for Maximizing Your Petco Event Experience

To make the most of Petco's free sample events:

Plan ahead: Mark the event dates on your calendar and plan your visit accordingly.
Arrive early: If events are first-come, first-served, arriving earlier in the day may increase your chances of getting samples.
Bring your pet: For events where pets are welcome (like costume events), bringing your pet can help you determine which foods they might prefer.
Ask questions: Take advantage of the opportunity to ask Petco associates about the different food brands and their benefits.
Check for additional promotions: Some events may include special discounts or coupons for full-size purchases of sampled products.

Conclusion

Petco's free sample events provide valuable opportunities for pet owners to try premium pet foods before committing to full-size purchases. With multiple events scheduled throughout September and October 2025, featuring various brands and special activities, these events offer both practical benefits and enjoyable experiences for pets and their owners. By planning ahead, confirming participation with local stores, and arriving prepared, customers can maximize their experience at these events. The program demonstrates Petco's commitment to helping pet owners make informed decisions about their pets' nutrition while providing additional value through adoption opportunities and educational content.