In 2021, Petco announced the expansion of its Pride collection, emblematic of Petco’s commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ population at Petco and in the communities it serves. Part of Petco’s Youly brand, today the expanded Pride collection continues to feature a variety of bold, colorful products that were thoughtfully designed to include all pets and people in the celebration of Pride.
Additionally, now for the fourth year in a row, Petco has teamed up with The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ youth, for a 10% giveback donation on every qualifying Pride product purchase from April 22 through July 1 to support the organization’s life-saving mission and free, 24/7 crisis services for LGBTQ+ youth. As an Official Corporate Partner of The Trevor Project, Petco will donate a minimum of $100,000 to the organization, regardless of product sales.
And if all of that wasn’t enough, during the Pride month of June, Petco is really sharing the love by offering 25% off it’s entire Youly Pride Collection!
Says Jennifer Kovacs, Vice President of Merchandising at Petco, “We value the various backgrounds, experiences, ideas and perspectives that enrich the work we do for the diverse communities of pets and pet parents we serve at Petco – and our Pride collection is a beautiful representation of just that. The line offers a wide range of products that symbolize and celebrate the diversity found in the LGBTQ+ community.”
Petco encourages pets and pet parents to show off their pride with festive pieces from the new collection, featuring “The Proudest” line from Youly, including trendy apparel, toys and accessories for dogs, cats and small animals, as well as human “match-back” apparel, to celebrate what makes them unique. Petco’s decision to partner with The Trevor Project was made in collaboration with the company’s employee resource group, “LGBTQ+ at Petco.” The Trevor Project has widespread national impact, and its emphasis on improving the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth aligns with Petco’s position as a health and wellness company.
“We hear directly from LGBTQ youth working to cope with daily stressors that they find comfort in their pets, and we’re grateful to Petco for sending LGBTQ young people the message that they are supported and never alone,” said Shira Kogan, Director of Corporate Development for The Trevor Project. “Petco’s support will help The Trevor Project continue supporting LGBTQ youth in crisis 24/7 and for free, while also working to prevent suicide and protect LGBTQ young people through research, education, advocacy, and more.”
LGBTQ+ at Petco was created with a focus on inclusivity through language, benefits, career advancement and support. The group is open to all Petco partners and inclusive of members from the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Petco continuously supports its LGBTQ+ team members through initiatives that help foster a welcoming workplace, including our incorporation of preferred pronouns in email signatures and Petco Pet Care Center partners’ name badges. In June, the employee resource group will offer Pride programming for Petco partners, including an informational lunch and learn activity in partnership with The Trevor Project.
“Petco’s mission is to improve the lives of pets, pet parents and Petco partners, and we’re devoted to maintaining a diverse, inclusive workplace, where all partners can be their most authentic selves every day,” said Michael Spinella, Vice President of Partner Experience, Diversity & Inclusion at Petco. “I couldn’t be prouder of Petco’s work to further diversity, inclusion and belonging efforts thus far, yet I know there’s always more work to be done in listening to one another, ensuring we all feel heard and bridging gaps for underrepresented communities. We are making a statement through our products and this partnership that we are wholeheartedly committed to the advancement of the LGBTQ+ community, and our work won’t stop here.”
Petco remains steadfast in its support of driving an inclusive culture for all pets and people, which it believes in turn drives deeper connections with customers. To help cultivate this culture, Petco leaders and key stakeholders participate in formalized awareness and experiences training, as well as diversity, inclusion and belonging training aimed at building respect in the workplace.
For more information on Petco’s Pride collection, visit petco.com/youly. To learn more about Petco’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging, visit corporate.petco.com/Diversity-Inclusion-Belonging. Pet parents have a variety of safe, convenient ways to shop the Pride collection, including at Petco Pet Care Centers, as well as with curbside pick-up, same-day delivery and repeat delivery.
—
Photo Credit: DCStockPhotography / Shutterstock.com