Our Story
Since opening our doors in October 1993, PetMax has proudly served the Hamilton community and beyond as one of Ontario’s largest independent pet retailers.
Family owned and 100% Canadian, we’re passionate about offering a personal touch both in-store and online.
Our Beginnings
Before founding PetMax in October 1993, Chuck amassed extensive experience in the pet industry, serving as Vice President of a national pet store chain and as a sales representative for Purina Pet Food. This solid foundation equipped him with the expertise and insights necessary to establish a business dedicated to offering top-quality pet products at everyday low prices.
Over The Years
1993
Inception
On October 1, 1993, PetMax opened its doors in Hamilton, Ontario, with a pioneering philosophy: to provide national pet specialty products at everyday low prices, ensuring quality and affordability for pet owners.
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1995
The Robbery
In 1995, just two years after opening, PetMax was robbed. Thousands of dollars in product were stolen and the store was left in shambles. While never proven, many suspected a local competitor, frustrated by PetMax’s growing popularity and reputation for unbeatable prices, great service, and wide selection.
2005
A New Generation
In 2005, Bryan, Chuck’s son, officially joined the PetMax team as a part-time stocking associate while in high school. Growing up around the store his entire life, Bryan had witnessed firsthand his dad’s unwavering commitment. Inspired, Bryan began to develop his own passion for the business, laying the foundation for what would become the next chapter in PetMax’s family-driven legacy.
2011
Launched Our Online Store
In 2011, PetMax proudly launched its first online store, bringing our commitment to warehouse prices and unbeatable selection to customers across Canada. The launch marked a major milestone, expanding our reach beyond our Hamilton storefront and making it easier than ever for pet parents to shop from the comfort of home. With bold red curtains and balloon-filled excitement, our original website celebrated the beginning of a new digital chapter in our family-run journey.
2020
Online Growth
In 2020, as the pandemic reshaped daily life, PetMax’s early investment in eCommerce positioned us to respond quickly. While many businesses were just beginning to adapt, we were already equipped with a full online store and rapidly expanded our services to include curbside pickup, providing a safe, convenient way for customers to get the essential pet supplies they needed. It wasn’t easy, but through long hours, flexibility, and a deep commitment to our community, we became a reliable lifeline for pet parents and cemented our place as a trusted staple in homes across Canada.
2025
The Next Generation
The next generation of PetMax is already making their mark. Bryan’s son, a frequent visitor to the store, has grown up around the family business. With boundless enthusiasm and a heart full of pride, he jumps at any opportunity to help his dad with anything PetMax-related. He aspires to one day become a "PetMax worker" (in his words), just like his dad and grandfather before him. The legacy continues...
Our Services
Both our retail and online stores offer a vast selection of national brand-name products, including pet food and supplies. We provide full-service pet grooming for both dogs and cats. It’s important to note that we do not sell pets, focusing instead on offering the best products and services for your existing furry friends.
In-Store
Our Hamilton retail store offers a warm, welcoming experience where pet lovers can browse an extensive selection of national brand-name pet foods, treats, toys, and accessories. We pride ourselves on providing knowledgeable, personalized service to help you find the best products for your furry family members. Whether you’re stocking up on essentials or discovering something new, our team is here to assist every step of the way. While we don’t sell pets, we focus entirely on helping you care for the ones already in your home with the quality and care they deserve.
Online
At PetMax.ca, we bring the convenience of shopping our vast selection of premium pet products straight to your fingertips. Our easy-to-navigate website features everything from dog and cat food to specialty items for fish, birds, and small animals. With fast shipping across Canada and friendly customer support, we make it simple to get what you need—delivered right to your door. Our online store is an extension of the same trusted service and values we’ve upheld in-store since 1993.
Grooming
Our full-service grooming salon, located at our Hamilton store, is designed to keep your pets looking and feeling their best. We offer grooming services for both dogs and cats, tailored to your pet’s breed, size, and coat type. Our experienced groomers treat each pet like family, using gentle, professional techniques to ensure a calm and comfortable experience. From nail trims and baths to full grooms and breed-specific cuts, PetMax grooming is here to help your pets shine—inside and out. It's important to note, we never have more than one dog or cat in the grooming salon at a time to ensure a calm and relaxing environment for your pet.
Expanding Across Canada
While we only have one physical location, we are proud to have a rapidly expanding online presence that ships to all locations across Canada. Whether you’re in a province, territory, rural or remote area, or have a P.O. box, we ensure that our high-quality products reach you. Our team works diligently to process and ship orders quickly, often on the same or next business day, so you can receive your products as soon as possible.
A Commitment To Canadian Products
At PetMax, we proudly offer top-quality Canadian pet food brands like Nutrience, Go! Solutions, Now Fresh, Lifetime, and more—made with locally sourced ingredients and strict safety standards. Choosing Canadian pet food ensures superior nutrition, avoids import tariffs, and keeps your dollars in the local economy.
Our Promise
At PetMax, our mission has always been simple: to offer maximum value for you and your pets. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, we’re committed to delivering everyday low prices without compromising on quality. Our shelves, both physical and digital, are stocked with an unbeatable selection of trusted national brands, ensuring you have access to the best products for every pet, every need, and every budget.
In-store, you’ll find a team of passionate and knowledgeable staff ready to offer maximum service, helping you choose the right food, treat, or toy with care and attention. Online, PetMax.ca brings that same experience to your screen, offering maximum selection with the convenience of 24/7 access, intuitive navigation, and detailed product information to help you shop with confidence.
We proudly offer fast and free shipping on qualifying orders across Canada, with a small but dedicated team working hard behind the scenes to ensure timely delivery and smooth fulfillment. If you ever need assistance, our friendly customer support team is just a message away—always ready to help.
We’re incredibly grateful for the trust our customers place in us, and we remain dedicated to being your reliable source for everything pet-related. Thank you for choosing PetMax as your partner in pet care. We look forward to continuing to serve you and your furry companions for many more years to come, with the maximum savings, maximum selection, and maximum service.
Loved by Pets. Trusted by People.
PetMax never disappoints. Quick on delivery, great on price.
— Elizabeth W.Verified PetMax.ca Customer
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