Petition to Petco Maui: Prioritize Local Animal Welfare and End Importation of Small Animals

To the Management of Petco Maui and O'ahu,

We, the undersigned residents of Maui and O'ahu , animal advocates, and customers, respectfully urge Petco Maui to discontinue the practice of importing live animals—including guinea pigs, chinchillas, mice, betta fish, tortoises, turtles, and birds—from outside of Hawaii.

Maui is home to a unique and delicate ecosystem, as well as a compassionate community that values the humane treatment of animals. Importing animals from the mainland or overseas raises serious ethical, environmental, and welfare concerns that directly impact both the animals and our island.

Animal Welfare Concerns
Transporting small animals across long distances—often by air—causes extreme stress and can lead to injury, illness, or death. (On October 29, 2026 there was a dead guinea pig in the exhibit inclosure at Petco in Maui) Guinea pigs and chinchillas are highly sensitive to temperature changes and handling. Birds can suffer from shock and respiratory distress. Betta fish are frequently shipped in small containers with limited water quality, leading to high mortality rates. Many animals arrive weakened, sick, or traumatized.

Risk to Maui’s Ecosystem
Maui’s ecosystem is especially vulnerable to invasive species and disease. Importing animals increases the risk of introducing parasites or pathogens that could harm local wildlife and agriculture. Even small disruptions can have long-lasting environmental consequences on our island.

Local Overpopulation & Available Alternatives
There are already locally bred animals and rescue organizations on Maui working tirelessly to rehome guinea pigs, birds, and other small pets. Many animals are surrendered or abandoned due to lack of awareness and resources. Continuing to import animals contributes to unnecessary overpopulation and takes opportunities away from animals already here in need of homes.

Ethical Responsibility to the Maui Community
As a major retailer serving Maui, Petco has a responsibility to reflect the values of this community—respect for animals, sustainability, and mālama ʻāina (care for the land). By shifting away from importing animals and instead supporting local rescues and responsible in-island sourcing, Petco Maui can become a leader in ethical animal care.

Our Request
We ask Petco Maui and O'ahu to:

Immediately stop importing live animals from outside of Hawaii.
Partner with Maui-based rescues, shelters, and responsible local breeders to offer adoptable animals.
Educate customers about proper animal care and promote adoption over purchasing.
Be transparent about animal sourcing and welfare practices.
This change would reduce animal suffering, protect Maui’s environment, and strengthen our local animal welfare community.

We urge you to take meaningful action and align your practices with the values of compassion, responsibility, and respect for our island.

Please sign this petition to urge Petco to stop selling live animals and prioritize ethical practices in their stores.