As a retail industry analyst and consumer behavior expert, I‘ve studied the pet industry closely for decades. One of the most fascinating trends I‘ve observed is the evolution of how pet stores source and sell live animals, particularly rabbits. Petco, one of the largest and most influential pet store chains in the United States, made headlines back in 2008 when they announced they would no longer sell rabbits in their stores. Instead, they would pivot to an adoption-based model, partnering with local animal shelters and rescue groups to find forever homes for homeless bunnies.
But what motivated this major policy change? How has it impacted Petco‘s business and brand image in the years since? And what does it mean for consumers looking to add a furry, long-eared friend to their family in 2023? In this in-depth analysis, I‘ll explore the past, present, and future of Petco‘s approach to rabbit adoption and sales. Whether you‘re a curious shopper, an animal welfare advocate, or a bunny lover, I think you‘ll find this deep dive fascinating and informative. Let‘s hop to it!
The Backstory: Why Petco Gave Bunny Sales the Boot
To fully understand Petco‘s current rabbit policy, we need to rewind the clock to the early 2000s. At that time, Petco, like most major pet store chains, sold rabbits sourced from commercial breeders in their stores nationwide. Customers could walk in, fall in love with a fluffy baby bunny, and take it home that same day for around $100. Sounds cute and convenient, right?
Not so fast. Animal welfare organizations like the House Rabbit Society began calling out the pet industry for perpetuating a cruel and unsustainable bunny breeding cycle. They argued that rabbits bred for pet stores were often kept in inhumane conditions, prone to health and behavior problems, and ill-suited for life as a household pet. Furthermore, they pointed to the high rates of bunny abandonment and surrender as evidence that point-of-sale bunny purchases were a recipe for disaster.
Petco, to their credit, took these criticisms to heart. In 2005, they convened a "Rabbit Task Force" to audit their bunny vendors and evaluate potential improvements to their rabbit care and sales policies. The task force findings were grim: many commercial rabbit breeders were not meeting Petco‘s animal welfare standards, and the in-store rabbit sales model was not setting bunnies or their new owners up for long-term success.
After much deliberation and consultation with animal welfare experts, Petco made the groundbreaking decision to phase out rabbit sales entirely by early 2009. In a press release announcing the change, then-CEO Jim Myers said:
"Moving to an all-adoption model for rabbits allows us to address two key issues: First, it ensures that every bunny in our stores gets the specialized care and attention they need while they await adoption. Second, it helps break the cycle of impulse rabbit purchases that too often lead to abandonment or neglect."
The new adoption partnerships rolled out gradually, with Petco working hand-in-hand with local shelters and rescues to establish best practices. By 2011, 100% of Petco stores had transitioned away from bunny sales and toward adoption. The House Rabbit Society‘s then-executive director Margo DeMello praised the change as a "game-changer" and "a model for other retailers to follow."
Bunny Adoption at Petco: How It Works
So what does the bunny adoption process look like at Petco today, nearly 15 years after the big switch? In a nutshell, it‘s all about connecting homeless rabbits with loving, well-prepared forever homes.
Petco partners with Petco Love (formerly the Petco Foundation) to provide grants, training, and logistical support to a network of bunny shelters and rescues across the country. These non-profit organizations are responsible for taking in surrendered or stray rabbits, providing any necessary medical care or rehabilitation, and screening potential adopters to ensure each bunny ends up in a good situation.
When you visit a Petco store or browse Petco‘s website nowadays, you won‘t find any rabbits for sale. Instead, you‘ll see information about upcoming bunny adoption events or be directed to search Petco‘s online database of adoptable rabbits from partner organizations in your area.
At in-store adoption events (typically held on weekends), representatives from the shelter or rescue will be on hand to answer questions, facilitate meet-and-greets, and guide hopeful adopters through the process. Adopters are required to fill out an application, pay an adoption fee (which varies by location but averages $50-100), and sign a contract committing to provide proper care for the lifetime of the bunny.
Online adoptions work similarly, with the added steps of an over-the-phone interview and arranging for safe transport of the bunny from the shelter to your home. Regardless of how you find your match, Petco makes it easy to stock up on all the supplies you‘ll need (habitat, food, bedding, toys, grooming tools, etc.) before bringing bunny home.
Since implementing the adoption-only model, Petco has facilitated the placement of over 400,000 homeless rabbits and counting. The Petco Love website currently lists more than 1,000 adoptable bunnies across 46 states. While that‘s still a drop in the bucket compared to the 3 million+ pet rabbits in US homes, it represents major progress in educating consumers and providing humane alternatives to bunny mills.
Petco‘s Ripple Effect on the Pet Rabbit Industry
Petco‘s bunny policy shift didn‘t happen in a vacuum. It sent shockwaves through the pet industry and sparked a larger conversation about the ethics of live animal sales.
In the years following Petco‘s announcement, other major pet retailers have followed suit. PetSmart, the largest pet specialty chain in North America, stopped selling rabbits in 2009, opting to host quarterly bunny adoption events instead. The UK‘s Pets at Home ceased rabbit sales in 2010, also transitioning to an adoption partnership model. While some smaller chains and independent stores still sell bunnies sourced from breeders, the practice has become increasingly controversial and less commonplace.
Animal welfare advocates argue that Petco‘s move has had a measurable impact on reducing rabbit suffering and overpopulation. A 2015 study by the House Rabbit Society found that rabbit intake at shelters and rescues decreased by 30-50% in the years following Petco and PetSmart‘s policy changes, suggesting that fewer impulse purchases were leading to fewer abandoned bunnies down the line.
From a business perspective, Petco‘s bunny decision appears to have been a smart one. While the company doesn‘t break out rabbit-specific financials, their overall sales and brand reputation have remained strong in the decade-plus since the switch. A 2018 consumer survey by the National Retail Federation found that Petco was perceived as a top 10 "most ethical company," suggesting that their animal welfare stance has resonated with values-driven shoppers.
Of course, Petco still profits handsomely from the sales of rabbit food, supplies, and accessories, which now make up a growing proportion of their small animal department. A 2021 Packaged Facts report estimated that rabbit products account for nearly $500 million in annual pet retail sales in the US, a figure that has risen steadily in recent years as rabbit ownership has become more normalized.
What Petco‘s Bunny Policy Means for Potential Adopters
If you‘re considering adding a bunny to your family, Petco‘s adoption-first philosophy is good news. By partnering with knowledgeable rescue organizations, Petco helps ensure that you‘re getting a rabbit that has been vet-checked, spayed/neutered, and temperament tested. Shelter staff can provide invaluable guidance on everything from bunny proofing your home to navigating the adoption process.
That said, it‘s important to do your own research and soul-searching before taking the bunny plunge. Rabbits are not starter pets or low-maintenance cuddle buddies. They require specialized veterinary care, a carefully balanced diet, lots of exercise and enrichment, and a long-term commitment (10+ years on average). Adopting a bunny should never be an impulse decision, no matter how cute they are!
If you‘ve done your homework and feel prepared for the responsibilities of bunny parenting, Petco‘s adoption events and online search tools are a great starting point. Spend time observing the available rabbits, ask lots of questions, and be honest about your lifestyle and expectations. With patience and persistence, you‘re sure to find your ideal lagomorph match.
Once you‘ve sealed the adoption deal, Petco has you covered with all the products you‘ll need to set your new friend up for success. From spacious X-pens to organic hay to vet-recommended toys, Petco‘s rabbit department is a one-stop shop for bunny necessities and niceties alike.
The Future of Bunnies at Petco
As someone who‘s watched the pet industry evolve over many decades, I‘m optimistic about the direction Petco is heading with its rabbit adoption program. By putting animal welfare and consumer education front and center, they‘re setting a positive example for other retailers and helping to reshape public perceptions of bunnies as pets.
Looking ahead, I expect Petco to continue refining and expanding its bunny initiatives in partnership with Petco Love and the shelter/rescue community. In May 2023, for example, Petco stores nationwide will host "Hop to Adopt" events featuring Star Wars-themed promotions and giveaways. The goal is to showcase the adorable diversity of adoptable rabbits and encourage fans of both the film franchise and the furry kind to consider opening their homes to a bunny in need.
As someone who has studied retail trends for many years, I‘m always on the lookout for companies that are willing to take bold stands and challenge industry norms. Petco‘s decision to prioritize adoption over profits when it comes to rabbits is a shining example of corporate social responsibility in action. By putting their money where their mouth is and investing in the future of homeless bunnies, Petco is proving that doing good can also be good business.
Of course, the real heroes in this story are the thousands of dedicated rabbit rescue volunteers who work tirelessly to rehabilitate and rehome abandoned bunnies every day. Petco‘s role is to support and amplify their efforts through funding, marketing, and retail partnerships. Together, they‘re slowly but surely changing the game for pet rabbits in the US.
As a consumer, you have the power to vote with your dollars and support retailers like Petco that are leading the charge on animal welfare. By adopting a bunny instead of buying one, you‘re not only saving a life but also sending a message that humane business practices matter to you. And who knows? You might just find your new best friend in the process.
