The Humane Society of the United States applauds Petco’s decision to commit to an adoption-only policy for rabbits, the third-most common companion animal in the United States, and one of the pets most frequently held in animal shelters.
By discontinuing its limited pilot program that offered rabbits for sale in some of its stores, Petco is re-committing to its long tradition of matching loving families with pets in need and thereby enhancing and supporting the communities it serves.
A number of consumers, animal advocates and animal welfare organizations had expressed deep concerns after Petco recently began selling commercially raised rabbits in some of its stores.
Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, said: “Petco is doing right by rabbits by recommitting to an adoption-only policy. We celebrated the company's decision years ago to commit to a humane business model that offers adoptable cats and dogs instead of puppies and kittens from massive commercial breeding operations. 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.”
The HSUS has been a leader in ending puppy sales in pet stores, with eight states and more than 475 localities now prohibiting the sale of puppies in pet stores. Many of these policies also prohibit the sale of kittens and rabbits in pet stores.
Petco’s updated policy will help the many shelters and animal welfare organizations across the country that are already struggling to care for more rabbits than their local communities can readily adopt. Visibility is a significant issue for shelter pets, and bringing some of these rabbits to Petco will help expose them to many more families while increasing adoption numbers, a win-win for all involved.