CHILLICOTHE, OHIO — The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Central Ohio has bestowed its 2023 Torch Award for Ethics upon global pet retailer Petland, Inc. The retailer is a member of BBB’s Central Ohio chapter and was selected as one of three recipients of the award from a pool of 27 finalists.

Petland was awarded due to its dedication to elevating ethical business practices, according to the BBB.

“For 57 years, Petland has been living its mission to match the right pet with the right person and to meet the needs of both,” said Joe Watson, president and chief executive officer of Petland. “To be selected by the judges and BBB as a recipient of the BBB of Central Ohio’s 2023 Torch Award for Ethics is a testament to the care, compassion and dedication of Petland staff, and their commitment to enhancing the human-animal bond here in south central Ohio and around the globe.”

Petland was founded in Chillicothe in 1967 and today operates stores across 24 states, as well as in Canada, China, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil, El Salvador and Saudi Arabia. The retailer’s global store count amounts to nearly 300 locations.

According to the company, the heart of the business lies in community, supporting pets’ health and wellbeing, and adding value to the human-animal bond.

“Petland stores are community focused,” Watson added. "Our teams have developed relationships with local shelters and humane societies, regularly providing food and other needed supplies. Petland employees volunteer in their communities to meet the needs of homeless pets; deliver pet therapy to those living in extended care facilities and to children in classrooms around the world. Through Petland Charities, we are working to build a healthier and happier world for pets by ending inhumane puppy breeding, ending the risk of pet homelessness in our communities, and creating special connections."

Judy Dollison, president and CEO of BBB Central Ohio, described Petland and its fellow award winners as “outstanding representatives of the vision BBB is demonstrating in the areas of integrity and ethics in our community.”

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