Petco’s Troubling History with Rabbit Sales: Broken Promises and Continued Exploitation

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Petco, one of the largest pet supply retailers in the United States, has a long and troubling history regarding the sale of rabbits. Despite two previous commitments to stop selling rabbits, Petco has repeatedly broken its word, exploiting these sensitive, intelligent animals for profit. As concerns grow about Petco’s recent plans to resume and expand rabbit sales, it’s important to remember the history of broken promises that have led to this moment and to take action to make it stop.

The Broken Promises of 1994 and 2008

In 1994, Petco first promised to end the sale of rabbits1 after significant pressure from animal welfare advocates. Rabbit rescues and animal rights organizations celebrated this decision as a positive step towards reducing the number of abandoned and neglected rabbits. Petco’s pledge was seen as a commitment to align with more humane business practices and recognize the growing movement to adopt rather than shop.

However, by 2000, it became clear that Petco had quietly resumed selling rabbits2. This policy reversal came without any public announcement, leading to disappointment and frustration among animal advocates who had trusted Petco to uphold its commitment to animal welfare.

In 2008, facing renewed pressure from activists3 and the growing popularity of rabbit adoption, Petco again publicly pledged to stop selling rabbits4 5. This second commitment was also presented as part of Petco’s partnership with local rabbit rescues to promote adoption events in their stores. Once more, the promise was viewed as a step forward for animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

Unfortunately, these promises were short-lived. Petco resumed selling rabbits in its stores, demonstrating a troubling pattern of prioritizing profit over the well-being of animals. The reintroduction of rabbits into their sales inventory contradicted their previous commitments and highlighted the company’s inconsistency and hypocrisy regarding ethical animal care.

The Current Crisis: Pilot Sales of “Teacup and Miniature” Rabbits at 25 Stores in the South

As of August 26th, 2024, the following 25 Petco locations in the Southern US will receive live male neutered rabbits, according to leaked internal documents as well as Petco’s Rabbit Sales:Talking Points for Customers, Protest Response, and Media Policy.

Alabama: Huntsville

Arkansas: Jonesboro

Florida: Clermont, Davie Plantation

Georgia: Buford (Mall of Georgia), Columbus, Duluth, Evans, Milton, Snellville

Louisiana: Lafayette, Lake Charles

Mississippi: Meridian

North Carolina: Durham (South Square), Henderson

Tennessee: Cookeville, Murfreesboro

Virginia: Fredericksburg, Hampton, Sterling, Warrenton

South Carolina: Woodruff Road (Greenville)

The Ongoing Impact on Rabbits and Animal Shelters

The decision to continue selling rabbits has significant and negative impacts. Rabbits are one of the most misunderstood companion animals, often purchased impulsively without fully understanding their care needs. They require specific diets, housing, socialization, and medical care. When these needs are not met, rabbits suffer. Consequently, rabbits frequently end up being surrendered to shelters or abandoned.

Shelters and rescue organizations are already overwhelmed with the number of rabbits needing homes. Every year, thousands of rabbits are abandoned or relinquished to shelters because their caregivers did not understand the long-term commitment required. By continuing to sell rabbits, Petco contributes directly to this cycle of neglect and abandonment.

Kathy Harder and Callie Showgrin of Orlando Rabbit Rescue talk with Orlando News 6 about the impact of Petco rabbit sales on local rescues.

Hypocrisy and a Call for Action

Petco’s repeated decisions to sell rabbits, despite public commitments to stop, reveal blatant hypocrisy in its corporate policies. While Petco markets itself as a company that cares for animal welfare and promotes responsible pet ownership, its actions suggest otherwise. The company’s willingness to put profits over promises and the well-being of animals is deeply concerning.

Animal advocates must unite and take action to hold Petco accountable. The rabbit welfare community calls upon Petco to honor its past promises and permanently end the sale of rabbits in its stores. We urge concerned citizens to voice their opposition to this exploitative practice.

Take Action: Sign the Change.org Petition

Two petitions are circulating on change.org. Please sign them both!

Take Action: Boycot Petco

BOYCOTT Petco! This is all about making money off rabbits without regard to their welfare, and we won’t stand for it.

Take Action: Spread Awareness and Updates Through Social Media

Share this post and the pet with your friends and anyone who cares about rabbits to spread the word. Here are some social media posts you can like and share to your stories.

Take Action: Write to Petco’s President Joel D. Anderson

Your voice can make a difference. Below is a letter template you can use to contact the new president of Petco, Joel D. Anderson. His first day on the job is September 4th, 2024. If anyone is interested in staging a protest at Petco HQ in San Diego for that morning as a way to welcome him to his new role, please contact us at petco-rabbits@rabbit.org.

Personalizing your message will make it even more impactful. Together, we can advocate for a permanent end to rabbit sales at Petco and promote responsible pet ownership.

You can send a physical letter to the address below, or email it to Joel.Anderson@petco.com, or leave comments via Petco’s Facebook or Petco’s Instagram.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Date]

Joel D. Anderson
CEO
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.
10850 Via Frontera
San Diego, CA 92127

Dear Joel D. Anderson,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding Petco’s decision to resume and expand the sale of rabbits in your stores. Petco has a history of pledging to end rabbit sales, with commitments made in both 1994 and 2008, yet these promises have not been upheld. As a company that claims to prioritize animal welfare, Petco’s actions in continuing to sell rabbits are both disappointing and contradictory.

Rabbits are highly sensitive, social, and intelligent animals that require specific care. The sale of rabbits often leads to impulse purchases, resulting in abandonment and overcrowded shelters when caregivers are unable to meet the animals’ needs. By selling rabbits, Petco contributes directly to this cycle of neglect.

I urge Petco to honor its previous commitments and end the sale of rabbits permanently. Instead, I encourage Petco to continue promoting rabbit adoption in partnership with local rescues. This approach not only aligns with responsible pet ownership but also supports the growing community of rabbit caregivers who are dedicated to providing loving homes for these animals.

Please reconsider your decision to sell rabbits and demonstrate Petco’s true commitment to animal welfare.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Let’s work together to ensure that Petco lives up to its promises and protects the well-being of rabbits. Please send your letters and make your voice heard today. If you represent a rabbit rescue or advocacy group, please contact us to join our coalition.

Additional Coverage of the 2024 Rabbit Sales Decision

Alleged Cases of Animal Abuse at Petco

References

  1. An Open Letter to Petco by Margo DeMello February 14th, 2002 (Archived) ↩︎
  2. Update on Discussion Between HRS and Petco by Margo DeMello Jan 25th, 2003 (Archived) ↩︎
  3. Petco Expanding Rabbit Sales by Margo DeMello Jan 15th, 2006 (Archived) ↩︎
  4. Petco Ends Rabbit Sales by Margo DeMello November 17, 2008 (Archived) ↩︎
  5. 2008 – Petco Facebook  – Petco Moves to Adoption-Only for Rabbits ↩︎

This article can be copied and distributed freely via a Creative Commons 3.0 share-alike license.

  • Paige K Parsons

    Paige has been a house rabbit educator for over 25 years. Her education efforts began when she designed and created rabbit.org in 1994. She is currently a live concert photographer and previously was a user experience designer. She lives with her husband, Carl, and her two house rabbits, Moe and Mimzy.

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