On the Side of Angels

While PETsMART may not sell dogs or cats, it does sell fish, birds and hamsters—but there is a limit as to what animals can be sold.

"We try to stay on the side of angels with all animals," says Philip Francis, chairman/president/CEO of PETsMART Inc. "We do not sell certain animals for specific reasons."

Many pet retailers sell iguanas, and while PETsMART sells iguana food and habitats, the chain does not sell actual iguanas. Iguanas grow large over a two-year period often requiring as many as three or four habitats and tend to become nasty as they age.

"We could sell a cute, baby iguana, but nine months later when the iguana is on its fourth habitat and spits at its owners when they walk within a foot, we think that reflects badly on us and on future pet ownership," says Francis. "We'd rather forego the sale when we know 90 percent of the people are going to be unhappy in 18 months."

Although it does sell food and cages for them, PETsMART does not sell ferrets because when owners become tired of them they are often released into the wild. According to Francis, as long as the ferrets last in the wild they decimate the wild bird population. Nor will the chain sell salt-water fish, because when they're caught in the wild it destroys coral reef.

Rabbits are also taboo. Six weeks before the Easter holiday bunnies become popular pet purchases, but 10 days later the majority of them wind up in shelters. For this reason, PETsMART will not sell rabbits, but it will carry rabbit food and supplies. However, the company does allow the humane societies/animal shelters to bring rabbits to the Luv-A-Pet-Adoption Centers in the hopes of finding homes for them.

"Our brand name stands for ethics, quality, health and good care for animals and we're always willing to forego the short run marginal sale because our standards are higher and our ethics are little bit better," says Francis.