Petsmart Sustainability

Petsmart Sustainability

Sustainability is the ability to maintain a certain status or process in existing systems. The most frequent use of the term “sustainability” is connected to biological or human systems in the context of ecology. The ability of an ecosystem to function and maintain productivity for a prolonged period is also sustainability.

Living a sustainable lifestyle is one way to help. In this series pages we will go into what sustainability has to with ecology, recycling, water, and more. We will also reveal what some companies (like Petsmart and Disney) are doing to make a difference by operating their businesses in a sustainable way.

Petsmart Sustainability / Strategizing To Improve Their Image

With over 1100 stores operating in United States and Canada, PetSmart is the largest specialty pet retailer and undoubtedly the most popular one. PetSmart has established itself firmly in the pet market, but in terms of sustainability this mega corporation is yet to achieve the creditability they desire.

PetSmart is planning its steps towards environmental conservation slowly and strategically. Several initiatives that have been taken in this direction are mentioned below.

Petsmart Sustainability / From Animal Welfare to Recycling

Since 1994, PetSmart has donated more than $52 million to animal welfare programs and saved lives of nearly 3.5 million animals through their non-profit animal welfare organization and adoption services. PetSmart Charities granted more than $2.9 million to support spay/neuter programming in 2005.

A new program was started by PetSmart Charities in 2006 called “Recycle for Life”. It is aimed at collection of donation for welfare of homeless pets. PetSmart Charities receive $2 -$15 donations for every ink cartridge or cell phone recycled through this program. If anyone purchases recycled and refilled ink cartridges, it receives a $2-5 donation per piece sold.

Helping Friends Affected by Disaster

Furthermore, PetSmart Charities established its “Emergency Relief Waggin” program in 2007 to provide assistance for animals following natural and man-made disasters. Many believe disaters such as tornadoes and hurricanes are increasing because of the effects of global warming.

Each PetSmart Charities Emergency Relief Waggin vehicle is stocked with emergency pet supplies and field and support equipment valued at $60,000. Supplies include pet food, crates, beds, bowls, litter and litter pans, and other necessary animal-care items, as well as a generator, fans, tents, a battery charger, lights and other supplies to assist the agency who is caring for displaced companion animals.

Petsmart Sustainability / Providing Green Alternatives

Lastly, PetSmart has taken another step in the direction of environmental protection by making available green products like Safe Paw, GREENFIN and EcoTraction at their stores. These products are not only eco friendly but also safe for pets as well.

Thus, PetSmart is undertaking several activities to ascertain the protection of environment. It is only a matter of time that these activities gain momentum and provide a base for concrete actions being taken.