Controversial pet store shutters a Central Ohio location

A pet store at the center of controversy for decades has closed one of their Central Ohio locations.

With the rise of social media, more & more people have learned about puppy mills, and specifically, a pet store chain’s alleged connection to them.

Petland denies that they sell dogs from puppy mills, but multiple organizations and investigations have found that the pet store often sells “sick puppies from mills, including from dealers who have been cited for repeated violations of animal welfare laws.” (Here’s one undercover investigation; here’s another investigation report.) However, Petland boasts on its website, “We will get right to it… NO! Petland does NOT work with or buy puppies from puppy mills.”

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In 2024, five lawsuits were filed against Petland in Ohio, seeking “to hold Petland accountable for business practices that mislead customers and prop up the cruel puppy mill industry.” The lawsuits allege that Petland sold sick puppies and engaged in deceptive sales tactics.

Almost a decade ago, Petland was determined to open a store in Grove City. But in 2016, Grove City Council passed an ordinance that required all pet stores in the area to only sell rescue pets that were from the animal shelter or humane society—no breeders or puppy mill pets allowed.

And so, Petland sued Grove City councilmembers and Grove City for “defamation.” The case went to the state, which passed a law that says pet stores are only regulated by the state and not local ordinances. Grove City Petland was able to open.

Not even a decade later, the Grove City Petland has permanently closed.

614Now reached out to Petland regarding the reason for their closure, but we have not received a response yet.

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