In the depths of the internet, there are debates that never seem to die down. From the infamous dress that sparked arguments over its true colors to the viral “Yanny” or “Laurel” audio illusion, these discussions have captivated the online world. And now, a new question has emerged to divide pet owners everywhere: Is it “Pet Smart” or “Pets Mart”?
For years, this debate has been raging on social media platforms, with multiple TikTok videos going viral and amassing hundreds of thousands of likes from creators seeking clarity. Comedian Ben Lapidus even created a metal-style screaming video calling out PetSmart to pick a side, which garnered nearly one million likes. His recent release of a full music video further solidified his quest for answers.
After much anticipation, PetSmart finally entered the conversation on a Wednesday in March. Using a soundbite from Lapidus’ video, the retailer confirmed via TikTok: “It’s Pet Smart, case closed. So no more screaming, you’re scaring the pets.”
But the history behind the name is more complex than it seems. The company was originally founded in 1986 as PetFood Warehouse before rebranding to PETsMART in 1989. This change was intended to emphasize a large-format store for pet products. However, in 2005, the company officially rebranded to PetSmart, shifting the focus from “Mart” to “Smart.” The redesigned logo, featuring “Pet” in red and “Smart” in blue, aimed to position the company as a pet care expert rather than just a discount warehouse.
While some may remember it as “Pets Mart,” the official name is now “PetSmart” following the rebranding. This clarification may have settled the debate, but it raises questions about other brand names and their correct pronunciations.
Other brands, like Nike and IKEA, have also faced challenges with mispronunciations. Nike’s co-founder confirmed the pronunciation should be “Nai-kee,” not “Nike,” while IKEA is technically closer to “ee-KAY-uh” in Swedish. Despite these clarifications, some mispronunciations continue to persist among consumers.
At least with PetSmart, there is now an official answer to the debate. Whether or not the internet will accept it remains to be seen. In a world where brand names can cause such controversy, clarity is always appreciated—even if it takes a viral TikTok video to get it.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.