Petco, based in San Diego, California, has over 50 years of experience catering to “pet parents” for all of their needs.  Petco first started out as a company called “UPCO” (rebranded to Petco in 1979) as a mail order veterinary supplies business in the 1960s, which remained their main business until 1980 when they opened their first store location in Tigard, Oregon.  

Throughout the 80s and 90s, Petco continued to expand on the West Coast, and eventually throughout the rest of the United States, as well as introducing new services like their website, the “PALS” customer loyalty program and grooming services. As of 2008, Petco has at least one location in each of the 50 states, solidifying its place throughout the United States.  For more information on all of Petco’s milestones, click here.

Petco’s, and their 25,000 employees, work towards “delivering health and happy experiences for pets and the people who love them,” by provided services, supplies, products, advice and experiences with the end goal of keeping pets “physically fit, mentally alert, socially engaged and emotionally happy,” (Petco).  Furthermore, Petco is guided by their self proclaimed mission: Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World.

Since their first location opened half a century ago, Petco has grown to 25,000+ employees and 1,500+ locations throughout the United States, Mexico and Puerto Rico; this number includes 80+ Unleashed by Petco locations.  Unleashed by Petco is a smaller, neighborhood pet store concept offering positive dog training, vaccinations, self-serve dog wash and natural nutrition. Most recently, Petco named Ron Coughlin as Chief Executive Officer of the brand. 

In 1999, Petco founded The Petco Foundation.  The foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that partners with local animal welfare groups throughout the country to “promote and improve the welfare of companion animals,” (Petco).  Through the work of the foundation and their partners, over $200 million has been invested towards in-store adoption events, which places over 400,000 pets each year.