PetO has announced it is ending the sale of live animals in its 58 stores nationwide and is calling on other pet shops to do the same.
The company, which is the third-largest player in Australia’s pet goods and services retail market, said that the “transport, storage and sale of live animals in pet shops is ethically problematic and can lend itself to issues relating to animal welfare as well as irresponsible ownership of pets.”
PetO said that the decision will impact it in the short term but will provide long-term commercial benefits that will help the business reach its goal of a projected $250 million in annual revenue by 2028.
In 2024, PetO acquired 41 retail stores and 25 veterinary clinics that were divested from Petstock and Woolworths, expanding its footprint from 17 to 58 stores nationwide.
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