CHILLICOTHE, OH (Dec. 31, 2024) – Petland, Inc. proudly reflects on a year filled with remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to the pet industry, franchise growth, and community service. In 2024, Petland strengthened its reputation as a leader in promoting the human-animal bond and supporting responsible pet ownership.
“As we reflect on the incredible milestones achieved in 2024, I couldn’t be prouder of the passion and dedication shown by our Petland family,” said Joe Watson, Petland President and CEO. “From advancing industry best practices and supporting families through our Make-A-Wish partnership, to expanding our global franchise opportunities, and providing critical aid in times of disaster, Petland remains steadfast in our mission to make life better for pets and the people who love them. Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to continue strengthening the human-animal bond and driving positive change in the communities we serve globally.”
The organization’s 2024 accomplishments, alongside industry recognition, franchise growth, and disaster relief efforts, demonstrate Petland’s enduring mission to make life better for pets, families, and communities worldwide. A few of Petland’s 2024 accomplishments include:
- Hosting the 10th annual Ohio Breeder Symposium, Petland joined the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Ohio Department of Agriculture and Ohio Forum for Companion Animals in sharing and incorporating best practices with Ohio’s professional breeder community. With nearly 300 attendees, topics covered included preventative veterinary care, the positive value of programs like Purdue’s Canine Care CertifiedTM. Additionally, Petland’s Director of Veterinary Health, Rebecca Atwood, DVM shared insight into the value of Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) imaging and DNA testing on dogs for signs of hereditary conditions that can be passed from one generation to the next. Through this imaging and genetic testing progress is being made in the industry to one day eliminate genetic canine disease.
- Petland grants its 1,000th wish to Make-A-Wish child with a critical illness. Since 1998, Petland has been affiliated with Make-A-Wish, playing an important role in enhancing the lives of children and families as they navigate serious illnesses and conditions. “At Petland, we say, ‘Pets make life better,’” said Joe Watson, Petland president and CEO. “We know and understand the importance of the human-animal bond, especially in children. We are humbled to have been able to make a difference in the lives of many children across the country who are experiencing tremendous health challenges.” Through Petland Charities, a 501c3 non-profit organization, Petland’s 1,000th wish was granted in Dallas, Texas.
- Elizabeth Kunzelman recognized for Advocacy of Human-Animal Bond. Petland’s Vice President of Legislative Affairs Elizabeth Kunzelman was awarded the World Pet Association’s (WPA) Pawsitive Impact Award. In her role, Kunzelman manages impactful legislative activity on behalf of the pet industry at the federal, state and local levels. She works with WPA and other organizations to present unified, clear messaging about protecting American pets, supporting consumer choice and setting the standards for animal care. Kunzelman was also voted Vice Chair of the Pet Advocacy Network (PAN). She is helping to lead PAN’s mission to champion pets and responsible pet professionals with expertise and integrity.
- Petland’s franchise U.S. and global opportunities recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine. Petland, Inc. continues moving up on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® list, advancing six places over its 2023 ranking. On the 2024 list revealed by Entrepreneur magazine, Petland ranks #152. Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® is the world’s first and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Globally, Petland is ranked by Entrepreneur among the top 20 percentile among 200 brands available for franchise opportunities. With its 2024 ranking at #38, Petland is considered a highly successful and reputable brand when it comes to entrepreneur’s wishing to invest in a franchise opportunity. With more than 300 stores in eight countries, as a franchisor, Petland remains steadfast in achieving its mission since its founding in 1967. In 2024, Petland’s most recent global franchise opened in Riyadh, the second Petland location in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Petland responds to local and national emergency needs. Six central Ohio Petland store managers took action to meet the needs of dozens of dogs who were rescued from an inhumane home situation. The Petland stores donated 1,500 pounds of dry dog food, along with canned dog food, pet supplies, treats and toys to the Humane Society of Delaware County (Ohio) where the dogs were being cared for. Additionally, Petland Charities, a 501c3 non-profit organization presented a check for $1,000 to help the shelter with unexpected expenses related to caring for the more than 40 dogs confiscated.
When an overnight tornado ripped through the town of Winchester, IN in mid-March, destroying homes and businesses, Petland Richmond’s (IN) General Manager quickly began working to find out what was needed to care for lost or displaced pets in the nearby community. Within a couple of hours, the manager connected the Winchester/Randolph County Animal Shelter, which was taking in pets displaced in the storm to coordinate a large donation of the supplies needed to keep the pets safe and fed in their time of need. In total, Petland donated and delivered more than $12,500 in pet food and supplies to help pets in this storm-ravaged community.
This fall, Hurricanes Helene and Milton left unprecedented flooding and high wind damage for much of Florida’s Gulf Coast. When the skies cleared, Petland immediately reached out to its friends at Tampa Bay SPCA to assess their needs for service and recovery. In total, Petland provided dozens of pet dens to help contain pets who were surrendered or lost due in the storms; and delivered 3,900 pounds – nearly two tons – of pet food that was urgently needed in the region. Food was distributed for several weeks at pop-up pantries across central Florida. At the time, Tampa Bay SPCA CEO Martha Boden said, “There are many families and animals that need help. Thank you, Petland, for being a part of their support network.”
When Hurricane Helene created mass destruction in western North Carolina, Petland Charities provided $2,500 to the area’s largest shelter, Asheville Humane Society to help with its recovery and pet care efforts. This included stocking three temporary locations in the community to help get needed resources to pets in homes or shelters due to road closures, power and water outages that lasted for weeks.
Founded in 1967, Petland, Inc. is a specialty pet retail franchise operation with nearly 300 locations in the United States, Canada, Brazil, China, El Salvador, Mexico, South Africa and Saudi Arabia. Since its beginnings as a single, family-owned and operated store in Chillicothe, Ohio, Petland pet counselors have remained dedicated to matching the right pet with the right customer and meeting the needs of both. For more information about Petland, visit www.petland.com.
