PHOENIX — At the end of March, pet food and supplies retailer PetSmart released its first annual corporate social responsibility (CSR) report, titled “A World Through Their Eyes.” The report covers the retailer’s key CSR initiatives, ranging from supporting pets and empowering its personnel to environmental stewardship.

“A World Through Their Eyes” is part of PetSmart’s cross-functional CSR program that seeks to recognize impactful work while also finding new opportunities to improve its efforts.

“This report captures the important progress we’ve made and sets the foundation for continued industry leadership across our commitments to our people, the pets in our care, the planet and the communities we serve,” said J.K. Symancyk, president and chief executive officer of PetSmart. “I'm proud that our priorities reflect the thoughts, beliefs and passions of our more than 50,000 associates who are at the heart of everything we do.”

As detailed in the report, PetSmart’s priorities focus on three areas: healthy and happy pets, empowered people and responsible stewards.

To support pets, the retailer invested 1.5 million hours of training for its associates that care for about 9.4 million pets across PetSmart retail locations, salons, Doggie Day Camps and PetsHotels; invested more than $500 million in local communities; supported more than 10 million pet adoptions to date; and launched PetSmart Veterinary Services, offering more accessible and affordable veterinary care.

To empower its people, PetSmart has invested nearly $50 million in diverse suppliers, which include minority- and woman-owned businesses; provided almost 10,000 hours of paid time off for associate volunteering efforts; and doubled its financial employee support through the PetSmart Associate Assistance Foundation, offering $6 million in grants to more than 4,500 personnel since its establishment.

To support the environment, the retailer has consistently reduced its energy usage during the past five years, which included the opening of four LEED-certified retail locations; diverted 58% of its in-store waste and about 1.8 million lbs of waste caused by e-commerce from landfills; and reduced the number of miles traveled by 1.4 million through route optimization, helping to save 215,000 gallons of diesel.

“From my very first day, I've been struck by PetSmart’s unique culture of people who are passionately devoted to pets, deeply committed to operating responsibly, and innovating across a broad range of CSR areas,” said Joanne Dwyer, vice president of corporate social responsibility and sustainability at PetSmart. “Our daily work combines a deep love for pets and a desire to leave our world a better place. Our first CSR report establishes an important baseline to measure and report on our progress in the years to come.”

Read more about sustainability efforts in the pet food and treat industry.