Does Petco Sell Dogs or Puppies? Here‘s What You Need to Know
With over 1,500 locations across North America, Petco is one of the most trusted names in pet retail. But when it comes to directly selling dogs and puppies, Petco takes a firm stance – they refuse to sell commercially bred pets in their stores. This decision stems from Petco‘s commitment to animal welfare and promoting pet adoption.
Why Petco Doesn‘t Sell Dogs
Petco‘s choice to not sell puppies comes down to two key factors – their focus on reducing euthanasia rates by promoting adoption, and their policy against supporting unethical breeding like puppy mills.
Here are some key statistics that showcase Petco‘s impact through their adoption-focused initiatives:
Since 1999, Petco has facilitated over 6.5 million pet adoptions nationwide through in-store events and partnerships.
Roughly 3.1 million dogs enter shelters in the U.S. every year, and Petco helps over 350,000 get adopted annually.
Their partnerships with over 5,000 animal welfare groups have dramatically increased adoption reach and visibility.
Selling commercially bred puppies works directly against Petco‘s core mission around adoption. They would rather rescue lives than make profits from pet sales.
How Petco Supports Dog Adoption
While you can‘t walk into a Petco store and buy a puppy, they make it easy to adopt through:
National adoption events: Petco hosts over 2,000 adoption events annually where local shelters and rescues bring dogs to meet potential owners.
In-store adoptions: Select locations work with local shelters to showcase adoptable dogs on-site all year long.
Online database: Petco has an adoption search site with over 140,000 adoptable pets from over 3,000 partner groups. You can filter by location, breed, age, and more to find your perfect match!
Petco also offers discounts on supplies, vet care, training, and more for newly adopted dogs to ensure a smooth transition. Their dedication has helped millions of shelter pets find loving forever homes.
Petco vs. PetSmart: Key Differences in Dog Policies
Like Petco, PetSmart does not sell dogs in stores and focuses on adoptions. However, there are some differences between the two chains:
Breadth of partners: Petco works with over 5,000 partners to maximize adoption outreach, while PetSmart partners with about 500 rescues.
Onsite facilities: PetSmart operates dog-boarding facilities called PetsHotels at around 200 stores. Petco does not offer boarding.
Veterinary services: PetSmart offers Banfield veterinary clinics in around 1,100 locations, while Petco provides Wellness Clinics offering basic care in around 1,500 stores.
Both promote adoptions, but Petco has wider reach through more partner groups. When it comes to veterinary care, PetSmart offers full-service vet clinics, while Petco focuses on basic wellness services.
Should You Get a Dog From Petco or a Breeder?
Here‘s a quick comparison of the pros and cons of adopting from Petco partners versus purchasing from breeders or pet stores:
| Adopting from Petco | Buying from Breeders/Stores |
|---|---|
| Pros: Save a life, avoid supporting puppy mills, screened for health/behavior issues, cheaper costs | Pros: Can select specific breed, age, temperament more easily |
| Cons: Unknown history, potential behavioral challenges, added responsibility | Cons: Expensive, perpetuates breeding/puppy mills, health risks from poor breeding practices |
In my opinion, there are tremendous ethical concerns around supporting commercial breeders and pet stores that sell dogs. Adopting rescued dogs, whether through Petco partnerships or other rescues, is the most socially responsible way to add a canine companion to your family. There are thousands of loving dogs waiting for second chances.
The Bottom Line
Petco does not and will not sell dogs or puppies in their stores. As a company they are committed to reducing euthanasia rates and ending unethical breeding practices by connecting animals in need with loving families.
Through national adoption events, in-store adoptions, online databases, and nonprofit partnerships, Petco has helped over 6.5 million pets find new homes. So if you‘re hoping to get a dog from Petco, adoption is the only option – but giving a shelter dog a forever home is a hugely rewarding experience.
