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11th Annual Ohio Breeder Symposium Focuses on Ethics and Responsibility
CHILLICOTHE, OH (Oct. 20, 2025) – Petland and the American Kennel Club (AKC) recently sponsored the 11th Annual Ohio Breeder Symposium. The event, titled “Making Responsible and Ethical Breeding Choices,” was attended by more than 200 breeders in the Ohio region. Presenters included consulting veterinarians, breeders and speakers from Petland, the AKC, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Ohio Department of Agriculture, and the Ohio Forum for Companion Animals (OFCA).
Petland Vice President of Animal Welfare Brian Winslow shared the importance of this annual event for Ohio’s breeder community, pets and the people who seek well-bred, healthy pets. “There was a huge emphasis on sharing best practices within the breeder community on behalf of the betterment of animal welfare,” Winslow said. “Petland is deeply committed to animal welfare and the humane and healthy breeding of dogs. Our veterinarians and animal welfare team work closely with carefully selected responsible and reputable breeders and distributors to ensure the puppies Petland makes available to our guests come from the best possible breeding environment.”
When vetting and working with breeders, Petland’s animal welfare and breeder relations teams practice comprehensive protocols that include reviewing USDA and state inspection reports and visiting with breeders continuously. The teams regularly assess the operations, provide information about new techniques and recommendations and focuses on dog health, housing, veterinary care, and behavioral health/socialization. In all cases, Petland does NOT buy from any breeder who has received a direct citation from USDA within the past 24 months.
Petland’s commitment to pets is clearly demonstrated in its selection of high quality, professional, responsible breeders who are operating at levels beyond what U.S. law requires. Additionally, Petland’s Animal Welfare and Breeder Relations team attends at least eight state educational conferences each year to meet with and educate breeders on best practices and the company’s buying standards.
The Ohio Breeder Symposium is held each year to share and to incorporate best practices within the state’s professional breeder community. Additionally, USDA and ODA provide updates on current federal and state regulations. To learn more about Petland’s breeder program, petland.com/our-breeders.
Media contact: Maria Smith, Communications Director, maria.smith@petlandinc.com, 740-775-2464.Petland, Inc. is a specialty pet retail franchise operation with nearly 250 global locations. For nearly 60 years, Petland pet counselors have been dedicated to matching the right pet with the right customer and meeting the needs of both. To its customers who already have pets, Petland is dedicated to enhancing their knowledge and enjoyment of the human-animal bond. Petland was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in south central Ohio. For more information on Petland, visit www.petland.com.