CHILLICOTHE, OH - Petland, Inc. has been awarded the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Central Ohio’s 2023 Torch Award for Ethics. Headquartered in Chillicothe, OH, Petland is a member of BBB’s Central Ohio chapter. Petland has been publicly recognized for “having practices in place to elevate its commitment to ethical business.” Petland, Inc. was among 27 finalists representing the central Ohio market in consideration for the award. 

“For 57 years, Petland has been living its mission to match the right pet with the right person and to meet the needs of both,” said Petland President and CEO Joe Watson. “To be selected by the judges and BBB as a recipient of the BBB of Central Ohio’s 2023 Torch Award for Ethics is a testament to the care, compassion and dedication of Petland staff, and their commitment to enhancing the human-animal bond here in south central Ohio and around the globe.” 

Founded in Chillicothe, Ohio in 1967, today, Petland is a global organization with nearly 300 operations in eight countries (U.S., Canada, China, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil, El Salvador and Saudi Arabia) and 24 U.S. states. However, community connections are at the heart of Petland’s culture to support the health and wellbeing of pets, and their value to humans in their lives.

“Petland stores are community focused,” Watson added. “Our teams have developed relationships with local shelters and humane societies to regularly provide food and other needed supplies. Petland employees volunteer in their local communities to help meet the needs of homeless pets; deliver pet therapy to those living in extended care facilities and to children in classrooms around the world. Through Petland Charities, we are also working to build a healthier and happier world for pets by ending inhumane puppy breeding, ending the risk of pet homelessness in our communities, and creating special connections.” 

To date, Petland and its not-for-profit arm, Petland Charities have: 

•                  Provided more than 900 grants to teachers via the “Pets in the Classroom” program; 

•                  Granted nearly 1,000 “Make a Wish” requests to deserving children; 

•                  Made over 3,500 pet therapy visits to central/southern Ohio schools & extended care facilities; 

•                  Supported 13 service dogs for veterans, providing over $130,000 in support to Heartland Canines for Veterans; 

•                  Provided food and supplies to more than 200 police K9 service dogs; 

•                  Helped place more than 350,000 abandoned or unwanted pets; and 

•                  Raised over $1.1 million dollars for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. 

BBB Central Ohio President and CEO Judy Dollison spoke of Petland and other finalists as being “Outstanding representatives of the vision BBB is demonstrating in the areas of integrity and ethics in our community.” 

BBB established the Torch Awards for Ethics as an annual awards program to publicly recognize local companies with practices in place that elevate their commitment to ethical business. The Torch Awards for Ethics is designed to not only promote the importance of building trust, but the willingness and efforts made by outstanding businesses to contribute to an honorable marketplace. To learn more about the BBB of Central Ohio Torch Awards click here. 

To learn more about the work of Petland Charities, visit petlandcares.com.