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Petco Puppies and kittens common in pet stores are larger mammals such as dogs and cats. In part, selling these animals have become less popular in stores because many pet stores have received bad press for inappropriate care of puppies and kittens, which need socialization and are vulnerable to illnesses, and for their purchasing the animals from puppy mills.
 Some shops that carry puppies and kittens charge higher prices for them the same animal from a breeder, but some stores provide valuable services or guarantees not available from a private seller. Consumers should be sure to ask about the level of care provided while an animal is in a pet stores care and then determine whether they think that level of care is adequate and responsible. There are many smaller, privately owned pet stores that carry puppies
and kittens and maintain a superb level of care and get animals from small, private breeders.
 As a result, it is cheaper and more humane to acquire dogs and cats from animal shelters, private breeders, or rescue groups than from pet stores.
PETCO is a chain of retail stores that offers pet supplies and
services such as grooming and dog training. Founded in 1965 and
incorporated in Delaware, it is headquartered in San Diego,
California, and is now a private company held by Texas Pacific Group
and Leonard Green & Partners. Their mascots are Red Ruff (dog) and
Blue Mews (cat), who both appear on the logo.
As of 2007, PETCO has 900 locations in 49 states and the District of
Columbia.
Brian Devine is the Chairman of the Board, Bruce Hall is the COO and
president, and James Myers is the CEO.
On July 14, 2006, PETCO announced the company would be acquired by
two private equity groups, Texas Pacific Group and Leonard Green &
Partners at a cost of $1.8 billion. The deal is subject to
shareholder and regulatory approval, and is expected to close by the
fourth quarter of 2006.
The PETCO Foundation, since its inception in 1999, has raised in
excess of $34 million for support of more than 3,500 non-profit
animal welfare programs across the nation.
In 2004, PETCO launched the "Think Adoption First" program, which
encourages the adoption of companion animals as opposed to the
outright purchase of them. The program is to reflect PETCO's goal of
finding a loving and suitable home for animals.
Through partnership with PetCare Pet Insurance, pet insurance is
available to animal owners who wish to be prepared for the worst
case scenario. A free insurance quote can be obtained at PETCO's
homepage.
PETCO runs a natural/holistic food section in its stores referred to
as "It's All Natural". The line contains a variety of brands of
natural foods that offer no additives or preservatives, and includes
only pure/natural ingredients to promote the physical well-being of
cats and dogs. The section has become increasingly popular and
profitable in the last few years, instantiating a similar trend in
other leading pet stores. PETCO often opens its doors to competitors
to visit and observe/photograph the section to help in expanding the
healthier diet.
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