Petland
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Pet retail |
| Founded | 1967 |
| Founder | Ed Kunzelman |
| Headquarters | Chillicothe, Ohio , United States |
Area served | United States, Canada, Japan, China, Mexico, Brazil, El Salvador, South Africa |
Key people | Ed Kunzelman (chairman) |
| Products | Birds, fish, small mammals, puppies, kittens, pet supplies |
Number of employees | 131 stores in the U.S., at least 63 international locations (number of employees not specified) |
| Website | www |
Petland is a privately held company that operates and franchises pet stores, with its headquarters located in Chillicothe, Ohio. Established in 1967 by entrepreneur Ed Kunzelman, who currently acts as chairman, the enterprise manages 131 outlets throughout the United States and maintains at least 63 international locations including Canada, Japan, China, Mexico, Brazil, and El Salvador. Petland’s operations include retail sales of birds, fish, small mammals, puppies, and kittens. The company also owns the subsidiary Aquarium Adventure.
History
Ed Kunzelman founded Petland in 1967 by opening a single store in Chillicothe, Ohio. Initially concentrating on markets within Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky, the company expanded internationally during the early 1980s, entering Canada and other foreign territories as part of its growth plan.
The 2008 financial crisis along with associated public relations issues had a considerable effect on the company’s revenue and market presence. The number of domestic stores dropped from more than 140 to 84 locations. Although Petland has supported enhanced standards for commercial dog breeders, it has continued to face controversies impacting its reputation within the industry. In 2017 and 2018, several stores were subject to regulatory scrutiny due to violations related to animal welfare, including overcrowding and inadequate living conditions.
This history underscores significant challenges encountered by Petland in terms of business expansion and strategic management within the pet retail sector.
Petland South Africa
Petland expanded into South Africa as a franchise in 1999, operating three locations in the Durban area: Umhlanga Rocks, Salt Rock, and Durban North. These stores provide a variety of pet-related products and animals such as food and accessories for cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, and small pets.
Pets in the Classroom
Petland supports the Pets in the Classroom initiative by the Pet Care Trust, which awards grants to educators for maintaining classroom animals. These grants cover expenses for acquiring new pets, habitats, and necessary supplies. Since its launch in 2010, more than 40,000 grants have been distributed.
Adopt-a-Pet
Initiated in 1998, Petland’s Adopt-a-Pet program collaborates with shelters and rescue organizations to find homes for homeless animals including dogs, cats, and small pets. Numerous stores display adoptable animals and participate in fundraising efforts for animal welfare causes. Before placement, pets receive veterinary care and vaccinations; spaying or neutering is supported through certificates or minimal fees. Some stores also microchip animals involved in the program.
Animal welfare controversy
Petland states that it acquires puppies solely from USDA-licensed breeders with satisfactory records, hobby breeders with limited female dogs, and rescue organizations. Many outlets claim to sell dogs exclusively from animal welfare groups. However, a 2009 report by the Humane Society alleged that most Petland locations source puppies from large-scale brokers associated with puppy mills. Despite Petland’s assertions regarding reputable sourcing from breeders and rescues, investigations uncovered purchases from commercial breeding farms with documented welfare violations.
The company continues to face class action lawsuits alongside numerous negative consumer reviews highlighting concerns about puppy mill sourcing. Petland maintains collaboration with the American Kennel Club (AKC), providing health guarantees (administered through authorized veterinarians), microchipping services, breeder details, pedigrees, and veterinary inspections. They assure animal health and pedigree integrity through daily oversight and personalized care.