CHILLICOTHE — Petland Inc. celebrated a year of achievements in 2024, marked by franchise growth, community service and industry recognition.
According to a press release, the Chillicothe-based company hosted the 10th annual Ohio Breeder Symposium, collaborating with the American Kennel Club, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Forum for Companion Animals. The event, attended by nearly 300 people, focused on best practices in veterinary care and genetic testing for dogs.
Petland also granted its 1,000th wish to a Make-A-Wish child with a critical illness. The company has been affiliated with Make-A-Wish since 1998, enhancing the lives of children and families navigating serious illnesses.
Elizbeth Kunzelman
Petland’s Vice President of Legislative Affairs, Elizabeth Kunzelman, was recognized with the World Pet Association’s Pawsitive Impact Award for her advocacy of the human-animal bond. Kunzelman also serves as the Vice Chair of the Pet Advocacy Network, working to protect American pets and support consumer choice.
The company continued to expand its franchise opportunities, moving up six places on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list to rank 152nd in 2024. Petland opened its most recent global franchise in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, bringing its total to more than 300 stores in eight countries.
Six central Ohio Petland store managers donated 1,500 pounds of dry dog food, canned dog food, pet supplies, treats and toys to the Humane Society of Delaware County to meet the needs of dozens of dogs who were rescued from an inhumane home situation.
Petland also responded to local and national emergencies, donating pet food and supplies to various shelters and communities affected by disasters. The company provided 1,500 pounds of dog food and other supplies to the Humane Society of Delaware County, Ohio, and donated more than $12,500 in pet food and supplies to help pets affected by a tornado in Winchester, Indiana.
In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Petland delivered nearly two tons of pet food to Florida’s Gulf Coast and provided financial support to the Asheville Humane Society in North Carolina.
This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Chillicothe-based Petland Inc. marks significant achievements in 2024