BOULDER, COLO. — The Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) announced July 12 that PetSmart has become the coalition’s first retail-focused ICON member, the coalition’s highest level of membership, alongside its all-natural pet products subsidiary, Only Natural Pet. The addition of the omnichannel companies represents the industry’s commitment to advancing environmental and social initiatives, according to PSC.

“This move of both companies to ICON membership demonstrates their sustainability leadership in the pet industry,” said Caitlyn Dudas, executive director at PSC. “Both organizations continue to demonstrate a transparent commitment to continuously improving their environmental and social impact. The two companies are trusted and valued partners, contributing to PSC’s unique expertise and our financial resources to advance our industry-wide priorities.”

In 2022, PetSmart appointed Joanne Dwyer to its newly created role of vice president of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. As an experienced sustainability leader with more than 20 years of experience in the space, Dwyer is tasked with leading the company’s CSR initiatives, framework and communications. Through her leadership, she spearheaded the introduction of PetSmart’s first CSR report, “A World Through Their Eyes,” in March 2023.

“PetSmart has had a long-standing partnership with the Pet Sustainability Coalition and we’re grateful for their support and guidance along our sustainability journey,” Dwyer said. “At PetSmart, our deep love of pets drives our commitment to build an inclusive and sustainable future. It’s clear this passion is shared across the industry and by our fellow PSC members. We’re honored to be the first retail ICON member and excited to expand our work together to drive industry leadership and support to our associates, the pets in our care, the planet and the communities we serve.”

Only Natural Pet is a founding member of the PSC, marking 10 years of involvement in 2023. According to PSC, the coalition assisted Only Natural Pet in achieving B Corp certification in 2019 and 2022. The omnichannel company has a retail presence online and in Boulder, where it offers all-natural pet food, treats, supplements, and a variety of durable pet products.

“As a founding member of PSC, we have benefited from many of PSC’s supportive offerings,” said Andy Downs, sustainability manager at Only Natural Pet. “This is an exciting moment in our ongoing journey to accelerate our sustainability commitment for pets and our planet.”

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