Black Lives Matter: A Message from our CEO

Dear PetSmart Family,

This is a pivotal moment in our country. It is a time to come together in support of basic human and civil rights and to love one another unconditionally. The belief in unconditional love, that very important lesson we learn every day from our pets, is the heart of PetSmart. We promote belonging and inclusiveness in an environment where individuals with diverse backgrounds and talents can excel.

But we can – and must – do better. It isn’t enough to say that we value diversity or to speak about inclusion in general terms. Now is the time to listen attentively and to be clear in our words and our actions. Now is the time to state plainly and unequivocally that Black Lives Matter and to do our part to ensure that this is our truth.

Right now, we are working on actions including:

1. $1 Million scholarship fund to support all associates of color to advance their educational aspirations.
2. Grants from PetSmart Charities to support pets and pet parents in under-represented communities.
3. Enhanced development and recruiting to improve black representation at PetSmart.

At PetSmart, we believe pets make us better people, but we know that conscious actions lead to real progress. That is why we must all commit to standing with our Black communities, to taking meaningful action, to being held accountable, and to saying what we must until it is no longer necessary: Black Lives Matter.

Sincerely,

J.K. Symancyk