CHILLICOTHE, OHIO (Feb. 26, 2026) — For nearly 60 years, Petland has helped American families welcome healthy, well-socialized puppies into their homes. Today, the company is highlighting a cornerstone of its mission: unprecedented transparency and direct collaboration with responsible, USDA-licensed breeders who are committed to raising behaviorally appropriate, healthy pets.

Petland sources puppies exclusively from responsible hobby breeders and USDA-licensed professional breeders who operate above the requirements of the U.S. Animal Welfare Act. Every breeder must maintain zero direct USDA citations within the past two years. Beyond federal oversight, Petland maintains a long-standing practice of providing store operators, corporate leaders, animal welfare specialists, and veterinary staff with opportunities to visit breeders across the country.

These regular, in-person visits give new and highly experienced staff alike the opportunity to see, smell, and feel firsthand the environments where puppies – and their parents are born and raised. Team members visit kennels to observe and engage with dogs and puppies in play yards and outdoor running spaces, review health and socialization practices, and engage directly with the breeders. This hands-on approach provides a transparent look at every stage of a puppy’s early development and care of adult dogs.

“It's important for our staff to see with their own eyes the reality of today’s responsible breeders,” said Petland President and CEO Joe Watson. “There’s a narrative that’s been spread for years through activist-generated campaigns and late-night commercials. When our team members visit breeders and witness the level of care, veterinary oversight, and dedication involved, they understand the difference between rhetoric and reality.”

Most recently, Petland extended that transparency by hosting its first-ever “Breeder Discovery Day” at its Chillicothe headquarters. More than a dozen Ohio breeders gained valuable insight into the company’s commitment to animal welfare, consumer expectations for AKC breed standards, and veterinary and health protocols, including a discussion on the importance of genetic testing for specific breeds. The group wrapped up its visit with a trip to Petland Chillicothe, where Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Rebecca Atwood examined new puppies, explaining what Petland requires in a healthy pet.

Through accountability, collaboration, and open doors, Petland continues to demonstrate its commitment to sourcing puppies from the best regulated, responsible breeders. Additionally, employees who witness every step of a puppy’s journey - from birth to a Petland store to its forever family - are equipped to offer prospective pet owners clear, factual insight when asked from where the puppy originated.