Petco will no longer sell pet rabbits in its stores following criticism from animal advocates who cite rising instances of "bunny buyer's remorse."
The retailer announced Tuesday that it is "recommitting to an adoption-only policy" for rabbits, the third most popular companion animal in the country. The move follows the completion of a limited pilot involving the sale of fewer than 50 rabbits in select locations, Petco said
The change also comes after pressure from the Rabbit.org Foundation to stop all animal sales at Petco.
"Selling rabbits in pet stores often leads to impulse buys by customers unaware of the extensive care and significant veterinary costs involved. These hasty purchases often lead to 'summer dump season,' when many pet rabbits are abandoned outdoors, becoming roadkill or prey for predators," the foundation said in a statement.
Petco said the decision to stop sales of rabbits was made in line with the company's longstanding "Think Adoption First" philosophy – which encourages people to consider adopting a homeless pet rather than purchasing one, whenever possible.
"We put great care and thought into piloting a responsible way to offer neutered rabbits for those looking for a new family member, and through this process we've learned... we can have a greater impact by refocusing our efforts into helping find homes for the thousands of rabbits already looking for loving families across the country," Benjamin Thiele-Long, Petco's chief ESG and communications officer, said in a statement.
To help encourage responsible rabbit adoptions, Petco is offering a 20% off "Start Right" savings for anyone who adopts a rabbit from an established rabbit rescue or adoption group through October. All remaining miniature rabbits that were available for purchase at Petco will also be offered for adoption.
"I am incredibly pleased by the decision to recommit to an adoption-only policy for rabbits and proud of Petco leaders for listening to the perspectives of Petco Love and our animal welfare community, and staying true to Petco's own mission to improve lives for pets and the people who love them," said Susanne Kogut, president of Petco Love, the retailer's animal welfare charity.
The retailer did not mention if it has plans to spotlight rabbits at any in-store adoption events, which are held at over 1,500 Petco locations nationwide.