Petco has made the decision to stop selling rabbits across all its stores, shifting its focus to promoting adoption instead. The decision, announced in late September, is a response to growing criticism from animal welfare organizations and concerns about the welfare of pet rabbits.

This marks a significant change for Petco, which had previously attempted to halt rabbit sales in the past but resumed them under limited pilot programs. Now, with renewed pressure from advocacy groups, the pet retailer is reaffirming its commitment to what it calls its “Think Adoption First” philosophy.

Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the U.S., but their popularity often comes with challenges that many new pet owners don’t foresee. Rabbits, while cute and cuddly, require a significant amount of care, time, and money. This can lead to what animal welfare advocates call “bunny dumping,” a term for the unfortunate practice of pet owners abandoning their rabbits when they can no longer care for them.

According to Petco’s new policy, the retailer will no longer sell rabbits and will instead work with rescue groups to offer them for adoption, The Independent reports.

A History of Failed Promises

This isn’t the first time Petco has promised to stop selling rabbits. The company made similar pledges in 1994 and 2008, only to reverse course each time. Advocates, such as the California-based organization Rabbit.org, have been critical of Petco’s past actions, accusing the company of breaking its promises. In a recent statement, Rabbit.org described selling rabbits in pet stores as leading to impulse buys by customers who are often unaware of the extensive care rabbits need.

Benjamin Thiele-Long, Petco’s Chief ESG & Communications Officer, acknowledged the company’s previous missteps. He emphasized that the decision to stop rabbit sales is part of a larger effort to ensure Petco's actions align with its mission to improve the lives of pets and the people who care for them. Thiele-Long told Fox8 that while the company had piloted programs in the past to sell neutered rabbits, the feedback from animal welfare groups had made it clear that a shift to adoption-only policies was the right move.

Impact of Impulse Buying

Animal rights organizations have long argued that selling rabbits in pet stores contributes to the overpopulation of unwanted pets. When buyers purchase rabbits on impulse, they often don’t realize the amount of care required, including specialized diets, regular grooming, and high veterinary costs. Many rabbits are abandoned after owners realize they are not equipped to handle the responsibilities. Shelters and rescue organizations are often left to pick up the pieces.

In defense of this move, Susanne Kogut, President of Petco Love, a nonprofit associated with the retailer, praised Petco for listening to the concerns of advocates and recommitting to its mission of improving pet welfare. Kogut told USA Today that she was “incredibly pleased by the decision to recommit to an adoption-only policy for rabbits” and that the shift will help prevent the kind of “summer dump season” that results in abandoned rabbits each year.

Advocates Rally Behind the Decision

Animal rights advocates have welcomed Petco’s decision, calling it a victory for rabbits and for those who have campaigned for their better treatment. Brittany Michelson, from In Defense of Animals, noted that over 10,000 emails were sent to Petco executives urging them to reconsider their position on rabbit sales. The advocacy group staged protests outside Petco stores in the Bay Area, pressuring the retailer to take action. As Michelson told the San Francisco Chronicle, the public outcry demonstrated that selling rabbits was not only irresponsible but also dangerous for the welfare of the animals and the already overwhelmed rescue system.

Paige K. Parsons, founder of Rabbit.org, echoed these sentiments. She called the decision “a pivotal moment in protecting these delicate animals from neglect and exploitation.”

Parsons pointed out that the power of collective action had been critical in forcing Petco to change its policies, showing that public pressure could drive meaningful corporate change.

Looking Ahead

Petco’s shift to an adoption-only model for rabbits isn’t just about ending sales. The company’s new policies are hoped to help ensure that those who do adopt rabbits are well-prepared to care for them, USA Today reports.

For now, animal advocates are celebrating the win, but they remain watchful, noting that Petco has reversed its position on rabbit sales in the past. It remains to be seen whether this latest move marks a permanent shift or if the company will once again revisit the decision down the line. Either way, the message from animal welfare groups is clear: adoption, not impulse buying, is the key to improving the welfare of rabbits and reducing the strain on shelters.

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