Petco has announced a national trade-in and recycling event for dog collars, leashes, and harnesses, marking its first initiative of this kind in collaboration with TerraCycle, a company specializing in sustainability solutions. This event is set to coincide with Global Recycling Day, providing an opportunity for pet owners to responsibly recycle their pets’ old gear while receiving a discount on new items.
From March 15 to March 29, customers can bring in used dog collars, leashes, or harnesses to any Petco location across the country. In exchange, they will receive a 40% discount on a new full-priced collar, leash, or harness. This initiative aims to promote sustainability and encourage pet owners to upgrade their pets’ gear for better safety and comfort.
To kick off the event, Petco will host an in-store activation on March 15, where associates will assist pet owners in selecting appropriate gear for their dogs. This event will also include educational sessions on various pet care topics, alongside activities for children.
The partnership with TerraCycle is designed to ensure that the recycled materials from the old pet gear are repurposed into new products, such as plastic lumber and insulation. Petco’s Chief Merchandising Officer, Jack Stout, stated, “At Petco, we’re continuously evolving our highly curated product and services offerings to help pet parents keep their pets happy and healthy, and that includes taking steps toward creating a healthier planet.”
Pet gear, including collars, leashes, and harnesses, should be replaced regularly to ensure the safety and comfort of pets. Signs of wear and tear can lead to safety risks, making it essential for pet owners to inspect their gear frequently. Darris Cooper, National Dog Training Manager at Petco, emphasized the importance of properly fitted gear, stating, “Properly fitted collars, leashes and harnesses are critical to pet safety and well-being.”
Customers can explore various options for upgrading their pets’ gear, including reflective items and those made from recycled materials. This trade-in event also presents an opportunity for pet owners to update their pets’ identification tags and register them with Petco Love Lost, a free database aimed at reuniting lost pets with their families.
To participate in the trade-in and recycling event, customers must visit a Petco store between March 15 and March 29, bring an old collar, leash, or harness, and present it at checkout to receive the discount. Exclusions apply to electronic collars, flea collars, ID tags, and items on clearance or sale. Petco associates will handle the collection of the old items for recycling through TerraCycle.
Petco, founded in 1965, operates over 1,500 pet care centers across the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, providing a range of products and services aimed at enhancing the health and wellness of pets.