Since 1992 we’ve been proud to serve Racine and Southeast Wisconsin, but Petland Racine really began to transform when I took over in 2013. What sets us apart now? Here’s what I’ve poured my heart into:
1. We Know Exactly Where Our Puppies Come From
Starting in 2014, I began traveling across the country, to Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin—visiting over 450 puppy kennels, documenting with full video kennel tours so our customers can see for themselves the quality of breeders we trust. We’ve driven more than 35,000 miles to personally verify the conditions, veterinary care, and socialization environment for each breeder in our program.
2. Breeder Standards That Actually Matter
Every breeder we partner with must be USDA-licensed (if they have more than four females) with no direct violations, (violations related to health or to veterinary care) in the past 24 months. Those with smaller kennels still follow our humane care standards and medical protocols. If they sell more than 25 puppies a year, state-level licenses and inspections apply—so our sourcing is among the most regulated and transparent in the industry.
3. Early Adoption of Canine Care Certified Standards
We were an early adopter of Canine Care Certified, the only science-based standard for raising dogs developed at Purdue University. Over 30 of our breeders are already certified, and many more are progressing through the process. That means every puppy from Petland Racine is raised under standards that emphasize physical health and behavioral well-being from day one.
4. A Team That Educates and Matches
Our Pet Counselors aren’t just sales staff—they’re intensively trained weekly, some even accompany me on breeder tours. Their mission? To match the right breed to your family’s lifestyle—instead of trying to fit you to a dog. That means a better match and fewer mismatches between your everyday life and a dog’s natural needs.
5. Real Support That Doesn’t End at the Register
When you bring a puppy home, our service continues. Every pup receives in-store training on the “4 Basic Needs”—housebreaking, teething, kennel training—plus two virtual classes with Tenasity, canine behavioral specialists who guide new owners toward a smooth start.
6. Industry Recognition & Store Quality
In 2018, Petland USA recognized us as their Store of the Year, and we were nominated again in 2022. Our store underwent a full remodel in 2017 and in 2020 we added a saltwater fish and coral department—one more way we serve as a full-line destination for pets and supplies.
Why This Matters to You
In nature, dogs are social, curious, and sensitive to their environment. A puppy raised where kennel staff interact daily, where breeds have room to run, toys for enrichment, and care protocols in place, grows up better-adjusted. Buying a puppy should feel like bringing a family member home, not a rollout from a warehouse. That’s what we aim for—an ethical pet buying experience based on transparency, knowledge, and lifelong support.
