Petland was founded in Ohio by Ed Kunzelman in 1967. Today, the company has more than 250 stores in the U.S., Mexico, Japan, Canada, and South Africa. Petland has been valued at $50 million and has revenue in the U.S. , on average, of $3 million.
Petland is different from other pet stores as they state that they do not sell “puppy mill” dogs or cats. The company works together with local shelters and rescue centers for the adoption of dogs, cats, and other rescued animals. Under the “Adopt-A-Pet” program, which Petland initiated in 1998, the company says that hundreds of thousands of animals have been adopted into permanent, loving homes. All adopted animals are spayed or neutered and some locations offer micro-chipping as an extra safety measure.
While Petland claims to only sell pets from animal shelters, a report from the Humane Society stated that nearly every Petland store purchased puppies from puppy mills.
The Humane Society accused Petland of using puppy mills in January 2023.
Petland maintains a corporate office in Chillicothe, Ohio.
PetlandPetland was founded in Ohio by Ed Kunzelman in 1967. Today, the company has more than 250 stores in the U.S., Mexico, Japan, Canada, and South Africa. Petland has been valued at $50 million and has revenue in the U.S. , on average, of $3 million.
History
Petland is different from other pet stores as they state that they do not sell “puppy mill” dogs or cats. The company works together with local shelters and rescue centers for the adoption of dogs, cats, and other rescued animals. Under the “Adopt-A-Pet” program, which Petland initiated in 1998, the company says that hundreds of thousands of animals have been adopted into permanent, loving homes. All adopted animals are spayed or neutered and some locations offer micro-chipping as an extra safety measure.
While Petland claims to only sell pets from animal shelters, a report from the Humane Society stated that nearly every Petland store purchased puppies from puppy mills.
The Humane Society accused Petland of using puppy mills in January 2023.
Petland maintains a corporate office in Chillicothe, Ohio.
John Doe says
I currently work at Petland Lexington as a PC. When I was hired, our manager was fired. I had no training. We currently have 5 PCs and 5 KTs. Every one of us is working full time hours with no benefits. This DM says we don’t need a GM. We’re constantly bitched at by the GM but yet she doesn’t want to do anything to help us.
Kyle says
Petland Sarasota has a homophobic team leader named Elizabeth working there being openly bigoted on Facebook. Seems like a pretty poor representation to have for a company
JM says
I was a current employee in training at the Katy Texas location. I feel singled out as gay man and because i didnt talk about sports or because Management didnt want to have sex with me, they let me go. I was in a car accident, a hit and run, few weeks into my training. Management was aware of my car situation but was still pressuring me about something that was out of my control. I don’t feel treated fairly when 2 females at work fratenize with Management. Thomas, a supervisor writes love notes talking about how sexy or beautiful the girls are and how much he wants to kiss them and be quiet about it. Sara and Alisha are the 2 females involved in this. I hate to throw people under the bus but it’s not fair when my lively hood gets messed up while others continue to get fallacio from fellow staff members in the back office locked up… or even while it’s locked the supervisor would get felt up by Sara who would attempt to perform fallacio at times when it was unwarranted. I don’t know who else to go with this information but I’m going to take it to the top because I was unfairly treated, I feel. Petland gave puppies away. I didn’t get one. Is it because I’m gay or it because I don’t have a bigger chest or because of what is swinging between my legs. All I wanted was my job back to work and make my living…. I was even told that they had no interest on hiring another male when I got hired. But they liked my interview. Females that apply will get hired on the spot depending on what you look like. Jarvis, another PC even would rate the females on what they look like without their knowledge and would make racial comments about black people and HE IS BLACK so that made me uncomfortable too.
Karen Colick says
This is a former petland employee who worked at Petland Orlando South for years. If corporate can help them in any way. I also have been with Petland. 4 stores, 30 years. Ive always considered Petland my family and was hoping you can help. gofund.me/afb7c876
Dave says
Karen, why doesn’t Petland offer any refunds?
Peggy Backus says
I really try not to bash businesses But… just went in Petland in Charleston WV just to look. A little chihuahua’s weenie was stuck out. Like ALL out and was clearly not going back in. I tell one of the workers and her exact words weee “ok, it’s not a problem “. My blood instantly starts boiling. I again say, it’s all out and not going back in. Her next reply was “maybe he doesn’t want it to go back in”. I said ok then, I’ll just leave before I say something not very nice. Anybody with common sense can tell the difference of when it’s excited and out and OUT OUT. Yes, I’m calling corporate ????????????
Jolanda Washington says
My 21 year college student with no job came home with a kitten and puppy. She signed the contract on 7/20 and was told to pick up the animals on 7/21. She did this without my knowledge. On 7/23 when I called the store because I wanted to return them, the 48 hours had passed because they look at the co tract date. They told her that she would pay $210/month for 3 years. When I sent through the paper work, I found an additional loans for $280/month for 18 months. My daughter had no knowledge of that one. They allowed her to buy 2 overpriced animals. The dog was $5,000 and the cat was $3,000, but they told her it was only $1,000 and the dog was 30% off. It was all lies. They also told her that she needed all these expensive items, some of which she could have gotten at Dollar Tree. I am now on the hook for almost $10,000 because I don’t want her credit ruined at such a young age. These loans were given to her at a 25% and 29% interest rate. THAT IS OUTRAGEOUS!! I made her give the kitten away because she cannot have 2 animals. Petland said if I bring the kitten back to them, I would not get a refund and they would resell it. I would rather give it away than allow them to take advantage of anyone else. On an added note both animals smelled bad and both are in need is being groomed even though they are both 3 months. They were not being properly cared for.
Hillary says
So I bought a hamster a week ago. She had a bite mark that was not apparent at first, however progressively became worse. I took her to the vet and within the first minute of being looked at he says the infection from the wound is so bad that half of her face and her entire tongue is dead. I called Petland and was told they only had an exchange program, which includes bringing a LIVE hamster back to the store and exchanging it for another one within 48 hours of my purchase. I am not blaming Petland for the bite wound as hamsters fight all the time however, I am out of a hamster and the money I spent on her. Isn’t life just fantastic!!
Clifford Abrahamsen says
I SEE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS BEEN SCAMMED BY PETLAND. THEY WILL NOT TELL YOU PRICE OF PET. YOU FILL OUT PAPERWORK THEN THEY TELL YOU HAVE BEEN BRING YOU PAPERWORK TO SIGN AND PET IS NONREFUNDABLE SO YOU CAN NOT RETURN IT THEY TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EVERBODY THEY SELL PETS TO. I WILL TELL EVERYONE I KNOW WHAT GOES ON. I HAVE SAVED ALL THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS TO BACK UP MY STORY. I DON’T EXPECT ANY HELP FROM CORORATE ON THIS PROBLEM BUT I BET ARKANSAS ATTORNEY GENERAL WILL.
Sandra says
Same thing happened to me ????
Debbie Ford says
I have to say I just can’t believe all these negative post. I for one have researched our local Petland stores here in Missouri and Kansas and find them to be very reputable stores, as well as exceptionally and I do mean exceptionally clean! I have actually been able to tour the back of their facilities as well very clean very professional I have never seen a sick dog in any of these Petland‘s. As far as my comments are concerned great job Petland keep up the great work! I have been most impressed bye the stores having their own on staff Vet that goes into their stores on Fridays. Before I get a bunch of questions no I do not work for Petland!
Jack Hunter says
Are you the Debbie Ford from Ford’s Lil Paws? Do you sell your dogs to Petland?
Christina says
I worked at petland in monroeville, PA for not that long but before they hired me I told them it wouldn’t be a long term thing working there because I’m still looking and applying for other jobs to get into the field I went to collage for. They hired me and on my second week of working I started getting allergic reactions and so I was sent home that day the next day I have an interview which was on one of my days off and they told me they would get back to me. I went to work the following day and I was told I couldn’t come back to work till I got a doctors appointment excuse so I called my doctors and refused because I had need to be seen. I only had hives at work so I didnt think to go to the doctors. I told the person that was training me about what the doctor had said and she said she would talk to the owner. Later that day I got a call saying I got the job. An hour later she called me and said I just need to sign this paper so I can come back to work and when she called at that time I also informed her that I’d be giving my notice and I’d work my last two shifts she then told me nvm and basically said I was fired. Yesterday I went in to look at a dog because I was still interested in buying and the owner kicked me out because I made a comment on line of my experience and also because I worked there. I was just coming in to look at a dog with my boyfriend and she was very disrespectful I was coming in as a customer not anything else. I have seen so many crappy things they do there but I never said anything except how they treated me when firing me. I’m still waiting to get payed since they did and idk what to do. I’ll I wanted to do was look and buy the dog but instead I was told to leave and that I was not allowed to be at that store because I worked there and because I posted a personal experience that bothered me because I was willing to still work my last two shifts because I needed the money. So please someone help me idk what I can do
Monika says
I volunteer at a shelter and have many dog owner friends. After learning more about you, I will never buy from you again, and will urge everyone I know to do the same. My adopted Lorelei was a puppy mill breeder; she died much too young because of being bred like a machine, and substandard care. Shame on you for selling sick puppy mill puppies! If other companies can choose to not inhumanely sell pups and rabbits, so can, and should, you.
Bob Stetson says
I purchased a puppy back in December 2018 as a Christmas present for my Grandson. The puppy became ill within 5 days of purchase. I had to take the puppy to an emergency care facility in order to save its life. During this time of 2 days under emergency care I tried to correspond with the local franchisee “Pooches of Davie” and his team who acted as though they really cared and assured me they would handle everything. Needless to say that was not the truth. The puppy spent the next 2-3 months under the care of the Petland specified veterinarian who had to keep the puppy in order to get him healthy. The Petland franchisee assured me that I would be reimbursed for the cost I incurred during this time. I have spend the last 9 months trying to get my reimbursement and still nothing. I have heard my stories like mind and would ask the Corporate office for Petland get involved at this time.
Amy says
Solutions Pet
Petland Lancaster Ohio
Petland Corporation
Re: Purchase of Dolly by Amy Simon and Joe Kovacs
To whom it may concern:
Joe and I had stopped into your Lancaster Ohio Petland on Saturday to look at your puppies and wanted to take some time to think and pray whether Dolly was the dog we felt would best suite our family needs. On Sunday August 4, 2019 Joe and I came back to your Lancaster Ohio Petland to consider purchasing our Shih Poo “Dolly”. Dolly was born on May 4, 2019 and was a loving caring puppy.
When returning to the store on Sunday we was informed another family was looking to purchase Dolly as well and if we wanted her we should start the process right away. We truly loved Dolly and wanted to take her home with us.
We spend about an hour or two going over all the information and getting the approval of the Petland card. We discussed Dolly’s shot record and signs we should watch for and just about everything you can think of but one important piece of information. Your representative at Petland informed us that within 4 days of purchasing Dolly we needed to take to your vet…which your vet was unable to see her for 14 days so we ended up taking Dolly to our own vet. If you are informing buyers that in order to keep all the “warranty” for your puppy that they must be seen within 4 days you should have a vet that can accommodate that need. Upon our Vet examining Dolly and reviewing her paperwork we find out that Dolly had a surgery.
Dolly had a hernia operation on July 1, 2019. This information was not shared with us only provided to us in the packet of information, we never look thru the papers as the representative of your company went over EVERYTHING with us.
To me this is very deceptive to not share this critical piece of information and then to tell me when we are upset that “legally” we provided you the paperwork and that is all we need to do. I can’t say whether or not Joe and I would have gotten Dolly and if we would have, we would not have paid full price seemingly Dolly has medical issues and may have additional in the future.
Again, this is very deceptive to withhold this type of information for a buyer…This was an intentional action taken by an employee who represents your companies name. I knot the young lady thought she was doing what was right for Dolly but not telling us this type of information is just wrong in so many ways.
In speaking with several friends this seems to be a common practice with Petland as several have purchased puppies with medical conditions that have not been disclosed other than paperwork being placed in a folder.
At this time I feel that a partial refund should be given to us as Dolly as well as a breathing issue that will result in her nostrils being opened up larger. I have contacted your Customer Solutions and all I got from the “supervisor” was; I will file a claim but can’t guarantee anything! No heartfelt conversation just a matter of fact attitude and yes I was upset speaking with her but her customer service skills is truly lacking in the empathy and connections portion of her job.
Joe and I are considering contacting the Better Business Bureau share the deceptive actions that Petland has been doing with customers.
Thank you for your time and consideration in our situation with your company.
Autumn moyer says
I work at petland lancaster and was wondering if next fourth of July we can take a couple dogs and walk in the parade? I think it would help with business also pass out cards .
Valerie wood says
I visited the Dunwoody store. It was awful. The pets were dirty and the store was smelly. The store should be closed.
Elyse says
I purchased my Pomsky on 10/10/17, I filled out all the finance paperwork and yet JOHN the employee assisting us put everything under my moms name and didn’t let us see the paperwork until 4 hours later when we were walking out the door and as they walked my mother out they had me FORGE her signature on the paper work as they turned the pages without letting me first read what I was signing. Turns out for a puppy that costs $2800 in which we made a $300 payment in store they now want us to pay $8100. Which is OUTRAGEOUS! I have continuously tried to call and speak to someone and no one knows anything going on. When I called to ask about pricing on food they couldn’t even give me an amount and told me because I was speaking to corporate they aren’t sure how much items in the store cost. How can that be? I have since stopped feeding her the food that they told me I had to keep her on because it is meant for tiny dogs and the “small breed” I got from them is 30 lbs and by far not tiny or small. Everything they told me, was just a sales tactic and chock full of lies. I love this dog more than anything, she makes me very happy, but I still don’t believe that someone could charge that much interest on a dog.
jennifer says
I am dealing with the same issue right now , only difference on my part is on the 3000 loan that I took out, I never seen or signed any paperwork on it, well after a year of making 2 payments a month I looked into it because it should have been paid off or very close to it, well come to find out that AN EMPLOYEE forged my husbands name on the loan for 146% interest rate. I am furious and keep getting the run around too
Allie Kordick says
I brought my boston terrier home on 8/3/17 and for 5 months she had constantly been in and out of the vet for gestational issues and her leg being broken.
on 1/26/18 I had to put her down because she was so sick and her neurological deficits made it near impossible for to her even survive. My family had her for 5 months.. and my children and devastated.. I asked pet solutions, and petland to please help me and remove the financing that was left to be paid for her, since my children and I are already experiencing emotional distress from this. she was only 7 months old..
NO ONE at petland or pet solutions offered to help me. they offered a “replacement pet”, which is absolutely repulsive, and the owner of the location I went to, Carol, took my situation as a joke. No sympathy, nothing.
this company is horrible, and someone needs to stop this from happening. I refuse to continue to pay for my puppy that had to be put down because petland LIED about her health from the beginning. I am pursuing further actions on this.
SHAME ON YOU PETLAND
R. Silverberg says
My son purchased a Siberian Huskyfrom Petland 3 years ago in Orlando. In the 2nd year the dog developed a horrible choking and coughing sound. The vet called it Chyle—This is where fluids build up in the lungs—Fluid had to be removed constantly to help him breathe. We finally brought him to our home further south and took him to an expert vet who knows about this. We went through with surgery and a left lung was removed —they felt he might have a chance to survive—Long story short, we lost the husky last week due to the same problem on the other lung—he died In our home last Friday morning—-it has cost us close to $20,000.
Petland, you are supposed to live up to your promises when you sell someone a pet!!!!
You sold our son a pup who had congenital
issues and told our son he was a healthy pup!!
We are beyond devastated !!
The pup initially cost my son over $2,000 and was also told he was a mini!!
I have pictures of him—he was enormous!!!
So, you lied about everything, and my son has spent his life savings on a companion he thought would be with him for many years—
Just 3!!!! I am also out of thousands due to this
tragedy!!!
Another thing you did to my son—when he first bought his husky, you were sending the monthly payment bills to the wrong address . My son kept requesting them to be sent to the correct address— One or 2 months later, he discovers you put him in collection—we had to fight Tooth and Nail for that mistake to be removed!!
You are a terrible company!!
No one deserves to suffer the way my son has over this amazing dog who we grew to love so
much!!!
I have all the paperwork to show from his purchase to all the medical issues and costs!!
I think my son deserves to be reimbursed for his loss
Not shame on you!!!
Triple shame on you for the years of hell that poor dog went through and now for my son having to grieve over this!!!
Wendy L Smith says
I bought a sick puppy from your novi store and i’m getting the run around trying to get him some help. is this normal for you to take my money and blow me off i would love someone to call me and assists me in getting help for my puppy before he dies 734-368-XXXXX
Margaret Richards says
My husband and I purchased an adorable Shih Tzu puppy from the Dunwoody, GA Petland. Shortly after getting home that same day we realized the puppy had a severe case of kennel cough. There was NO conversation between us and the sales associate that the puppy was being treated with medication. This location knowingly sold us an unhealthy puppy. The manager of the location just reads from a script about their policies and assumes NO responsibility for selling an unhealthy puppy. We will be filing a formal complaint with the Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Affairs. The consumer needs to be made aware of these fraudulent business practices. We have also contacted our local TV channels to expose this location.
LUIS BRACETTY-CRUZ says
Hello,
We had purchase a Blue & Gold Macaw Apollo in 2015 and he pass away with Proventricular Dilation Disease (Macaw wasting disease) in December 2016. We waiting until we was ready to purchase an other Macaw. We paid over $3200 for a male Scarlet in July 2017 and found out it was female, we been told by Sid the manager that they was going to get a few in for us but it’s going on 3 month and since we already paid for the macaw that there was no urgency on assist us in getting a male macaw for our macaw we already have at home. We also been waiting over a month for DNA results on 2 Sun conure, we have DNA done for a few of our birds there and it only took about 7 to 9 days for the result. We call every weekend and talk to Sid again and they still don not have the results, or they will call us soon with an update and we never receive any update from petland. Can you please shine some light on whats is going on.
Thank you
Luis Bracetty-Cruz
Home # 675-402-XXXXX
Cell# 404-452-XXXXX
Larry Boyd says
Joplin Store Experience:
I have recently purchase two Russian Dwarf Hamsters. The purchase for the Hamsters are for a school elective project. The first Hamster became very ill after a couple of weeks and seemed to be dying. We gifted the Hamster to one of my daughters project team members and the hamster is still alive today.
At this point, I took my daughter and another team member to purchase another Hamster to complete the project. This is the 3rd child that taken this elective class project at the local high school. When we went to the store to select the second Hamster, I thought it was very odd that the clerk offered to sell me insurance in case the hamster dies. At no time until today was it explained that I had to purchase “vitamins” and by doing so I would have “7” days coverage. My total purchase for the second Hamster was $89.66 which included the accessories of Cage, Bedding, Exercise Ball, Super Pet Natural Tree Stump, Critter Trail Quick Clean not to mention, my ex wife went back to the store and purchased approximately $40.00 dollars more additional items
.
What is the life time value of a customer for you.
I have been in business for many companies especially in the retail sector. From Private grocery stores to working with fortune 500 retailers. Since leaving the retail industry, I have working in media for the last 17 years. As your customer for many years from buying accessories, toys, puppies, rabbits and food for all pets, I have never been treated in the manner when addressing your management or ownership in the manner I was treated. Very unprofessional.
I spoke with the “on duty manager” who name escapes me. She told me there was nothing I could do. I asked her for a corporate number, she said there wasn’t a corporate customer service number, said that there wasn’t a corporate headquarters. This store is individually owned and that is what it is “HUN” Nothing we can do for you. You didn’t by the vitamins so it is just your hard luck, “HUN”. I explained that the clerk did not clarify the terms and conditions for the insurance in regard that it was a purchase of vitamins to get “7 days of coverage “. Once again, “HUN” that is not our problem! “HUN” you should have bought the vitamins. That was never mentioned by the clerk that sold me the Hamster. Well the Hamster died approximately 80 hours later.
At this point, the “Manager on duty” said that there is nothing I can do for you “HUN.” I asked to speak to the “owner” of the store. Night Manager, Well “HUN” she is not here. I asked her for the contact information for the owner. “HUN” I can not give you that number, I gave my number to the “manager on duty and asked her to have the manager call me, then she said that Oh, “HUN” my owner just texted me and said that she is coming into the store and I will have her call you “HUN.”
Needless to say, I never received a call. I called back and the “night manager” was to busy to come to the phone. I young lady that was off the clock took the call and said that everyone there was busy and she just took the call but was off work. I guess working off the clock. I asked the girl to put the night manger on the phone and she said she was busy selling a dog. I told her to put me on hold and I would wait. When the night manager finally got to the phone, she expressed her “HUN” comment again, and I told her not to address me any more with the “HUN” that it was unprofessional. Then she proceeded to continue to inform me that she did not mislead me about the owner nor the fact that corporate did not exist. I have still not received a phone call.
I was not being unreasonable and as a customer I am not happy. At the time of my call, I was only seeking to be refunded for the animal only. Now, I want to be reimbursed for my entire purchase of $89.66 for the Hamster and the accessories that I purchased showing on my reciept. The fact that I bought a second Hamster from you was even a testament to me being a loyal customer even after the first Hamster nearly died. I strongly suggest that training for your “store” personnel be reviewed. This is a reflection of the “brand of Petland” and I do understand that the brand is only as strong as the weakest link. I would look hard at the operator that you have in the Joplin Missouri location. I look forward to your response and action that you will take to correct this injustice. It is quite apparent that quality of the animals that Petland is selling has defects or diseased.
1-417-825-XXXXX is my cell phone number.
Joy says
My husband and I purchased a puppy from petland and it was fine in the store. Very pleasant and calm. They explained the return policy that it had to be within 48 hours and you would receive half back. Well we got the dog home and it bit our 9 month old out of no where! We decided that we couldn’t take a chance with that happening again, so I called petland. The manager said to bring the dog back and he would have the paper work pulled and it would be quick and easy. We drove from Arlington to Dallas and when my husband took the dog in the manager already had an attitude and took the dog from him and took it in the back. He then refused to refund us our money and called the police on my husband when he demanded to speak with someone else. They not only took our dog but took our money as well! I filed a claim with corporate and someone was suppose to return my call within 24 to 48 hours to settle this issue and no one will answer when I call. It’s a shame that pet land steals from their customers and the main guys won’t even clean up the problem!
Munib says
I bought the glofish and right next day fish die in my tank while other fishes was just fine i took the dead fish back to petland with water sample ..employee claimed the water is not good so tell me to buy prime water conditioner and bring back next day after 3 days later i went back with water sample again employee tried to sell me diffirent product again.. I said i am not gonna buy any more product because my water is good same water sample i took to petsmart they check it everything was just fine…petland manager ( white female ) was so rude and refused to exchange or refund …this broadway branch in tyler tx manager full of lies and try to sell there products by laying …i need my money back ..thanks
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Sheila Bates says
They sold me everything I needed for my grandson’s fish tank. Told me exactly how to do it. I come home from work the next day my fish or dead called the manager. She said I apologize for my employee miss leading of how to do your fish tank, but we don’t replace fish.