Petco Reaffirms Commitment to Rabbit Adoption, Ceasing All Sales Amid Advocacy Pressure

Petco has made a crucial announcement reaffirming its commitment to rabbit adoption, officially ceasing all sales of rabbits in its stores due to advocacy pressures from animal welfare organizations.

Short Summary:

• Petco ends all rabbit sales, shifting focus entirely to adoption
• Strong advocacy from organizations like In Defense of Animals and Rabbit.org Foundation influenced the decision
• Petco is offering a 20% discount for those adopting rabbits from rescue groups through October

In a significant move for animal welfare, Petco has announced the immediate cessation of rabbit sales in its stores, opting instead for an adoption-only policy. This decision comes after heightened advocacy from organizations like In Defense of Animals and the Rabbit.org Foundation, who have long warned against the implications of selling rabbits as pets. The retail chain’s recent actions underscore a shared goal among advocates and shelters to protect these vulnerable animals from neglect and abandonment, emphasizing the importance of responsible pet ownership.

Benjamin Thiele-Long, Petco’s Chief ESG and Communications Officer, stated,

“After careful consideration and feedback from our partners in the animal welfare community, we recognized that we can make a more significant impact by concentrating our resources on helping existing rabbits find forever homes rather than offering them for sale.”

This commitment aligns seamlessly with Petco’s overarching “Think Adoption First” initiative, aimed at encouraging customers to adopt rather than purchase pets.

Earlier this month, the Rabbit.org Foundation publicly criticized Petco for its limited pilot program that involved the sale of a small number of rabbits. The organization raised significant concerns regarding the potential dangers of impulse purchases, which can lead to abandonment during the frequent peak seasons of pet relinquishments, notably during the summer months when many unsheltered rabbits are abandoned outdoors.

“Selling rabbits in pet stores often leads to impulse buys by customers unaware of the extensive care and significant veterinary costs involved,” the Foundation remarked. The advocacy group articulated the potential harms of this practice, calling attention to the dire consequences faced by rabbits due to irresponsible decisions made by unprepared prospective owners.

Subsequently, the advocacy efforts ramped up dramatically. Initiatives included protests outside of various Petco locations, with activists holding signs reading, “Petco don’t sell rabbits” and urging the public to adopt instead of buying. Brittany Michelson, a campaign specialist with In Defense of Animals, praised the response from supporters, stating,

“Our supporters made it clear that Petco’s initiative was cruel, irresponsible, and dangerous for both rabbits and the overwhelmed rescues.”

The combined efforts of animal rescues led to over 10,000 emails directed at Petco executives, demanding the halt in rabbit sales.

This extensive outreach coincided with reports from local shelters and rescue groups regarding an alarming increase in unwanted rabbits since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these shelters are inundated, struggling to find homes for the many rabbits already in their care. The possibility that Petco’s program could further exacerbate this crisis sparked significant concern among animal advocates.

On September 24, 2023, Petco’s decision to ultimately cease all rabbit sales was hailed as a victory. Paige K. Parsons, founder and president of Rabbit.org, described this as a pivotal moment for animal advocacy efforts:

“It underscores the power of collective action and reinforces the importance of ‘adopt, don’t shop’ to ensure the welfare of rabbits.”

Petco’s shift back to its adoption policy emphasizes the need for responsible and compassionate pet ownership while positively impacting the communities these animals live in.

To encourage adoption, Petco is also implementing a 20% discount for customers who adopt rabbits from licensed rescues during the month of October. This additional incentive is designed to further facilitate connections between rabbits in need of homes and families looking to adopt. Susanne Kogut, president of Petco Love, the non-profitable arm of Petco, expressed her enthusiasm for the decision, stating,

“I am incredibly pleased by the decision to recommit to an adoption-only policy for rabbits.”

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) also applauded Petco’s decision, recognizing its consistency with the organization’s ongoing mission to end the sale of animals bred for commercial purposes. HSUS President and CEO Kitty Block commented:

“Adding rabbits to this policy reflects a commitment to animal welfare and sets an example for other retailers. There’s simply no need for puppy, kitten, or rabbit mills when there are already so many wonderful adoptable companions in need of homes.”

With this renewed commitment, Petco reinforces the pressing need for awareness regarding the challenges surrounding pet ownership. Rabbits are the third most commonly kept companion animals in the United States and are particularly susceptible to abandonment when people fail to understand their specific care requirements, thus straining the resources of local shelters.

Looking ahead, the aim of advocacy organizations and animal welfare groups remains clear: to ensure that pet retailers prioritize the well-being of animals, providing adoptive families with the tools they need to succeed as responsible pet owners. By spotlighting the plight of rabbits and promoting the importance of pet adoption, Petco’s decision serves as a hopeful example to the broader retail and animal welfare community.

As shelters across the nation face overwhelming demands, fostering a culture of adoption becomes increasingly essential. The ongoing efforts from advocacy groups illustrate the fundamental role that community support plays in ensuring the welfare of animals. As such, both consumers and retailers have a collective responsibility to advocate for the rights of animals and prioritize adoptions over purchases.

In conclusion, Petco’s recommitment to an adoption-only policy for rabbits signifies a win for animal advocates. The joint action from various organizations has profoundly influenced this positive shift, ultimately benefiting rabbits across the country. With the rising number of unwanted rabbits entering shelters, the emphasis on adopting rather than purchasing exemplifies a movement toward responsible pet ownership and compassion-driven action.

If you’re interested in learning more about rabbit care or adopting a rabbit as a pet, be sure to check out Rabbits as pets on BunnyEat.com for expert advice, quality products, and a supportive community.