Petco Recommits to 'Adoption-Only' Policy for America’s Third Most Popular Pet
Petco, the popular pet product store, recommits to its "adoption only" policy for the third most popular pet in the US.
On September 24, 2024, Petco issued a press release stating its recommitment to the "adoption only" policy for rabbits. Here's what you should know.
In a press release, the company shared that it's planning to return to its policy of "adoption only" following a "limited pilot" that proved beneficial.
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"Petco today announced it is recommitting to an adoption-only policy for rabbits – the third most popular companion animal in the U.S. – following the completion of a limited pilot involving the sale of fewer than 50 rabbits in select locations," the company shared.
The "adoption-only" policy has been adapted to encourage pet parents to consider homeless pets instead of purchasing one that likely came from a breeder.
"As a mission-driven business, piloting and learning new ways of working is crucial to our long-term success, which includes ensuring everything we do improves lives and is the right thing for pets and the communities of pet lovers we serve," said Benjamin Thiele-Long, Chief ESG & Communications Officer, per the press release.
"We put great care and thought into piloting a responsible way to offer neutered rabbits for those looking for a new family member, and through this process, we've learned – from our own Petco partners and customers, as well as Petco Love and its animal welfare partners – we can have a greater impact by refocusing our efforts into helping find homes for the thousands of rabbits already looking for loving families across the country."
The Policy Change Came After Pressure from Rabbit Advocacy Groups
According to One Green Planet, Petco's decision came after "intense pressure from organizations like In Defense of Animals, which led protests, organized petitions, and sent over 10,000 emails to Petco’s executives, urging them to reconsider."
In addition, the Rabbit.org Foundation, which pushed to stop all rabbit sales, was also pressuring the pet store company to revisit its policy on rabbit sales.
"This decision by Petco is a pivotal milestone in our efforts to protect rabbits from neglect, abandonment, and exploitation," Paige K. Parsons, President of the Rabbit.org Foundation, shared in an online statement.
"It highlights the importance of responsible practices for companion animals and showcases the power of collective action. We are deeply grateful to every organization and individual in our coalition —your unwavering dedication has shifted corporate policy and set a compassionate standard for retailers nationwide. Together, we’ve created lasting change for rabbit welfare,” she continued.
Petco says they're "committed" to helping "encourage responsible rabbit adoptions," and to further support this mission, they're offering 20% off "Start Right" savings for pet parents that adopt from an established adoption group or rabbit rescue center, through October.
"Additionally, starting today all remaining miniature rabbits that were made available for purchase at select Petco locations as part of the recent pilot will be offered for adoption," Petco shares.
