In early 2008, 700 PetSmart stores suspended the sale of exotic birds when some tested positive for a deadly bacterial infection. According to officials, random tests administered at their stores revealed that many were exposed to Psittacosis, more commonly known as Parrot Fever, a potentially fatal disease for birds, and transmissible to humans. The disease was linked to a distributor in Florida who mass-produces birds for PetSmart. PetSmart resumed selling birds again this spring after claiming that all the birds were free from disease. 

However, PetSmart is in the news again and experiencing more problems related to the sale of live animals, and the company is being blamed for the death of a 63-year-old father, a Vietnam Veteran, after tests confirmed he had contracted Psittacosis. His daughter also contracted the disease and nearly died after purchasing a cockatiel from PetSmart.

While we praise PetSmart's charitable efforts, including the company's promotion of the adoption of homeless dogs and cats, IDA has consistently urged PetSmart to stop selling any live animals. We urge you to do the same. Each year breeders and chain stores like PetSmart mass-produce baby birds for the pet trade, and it is estimated that the majority of those birds end up unwanted and neglected, and they suffer before dying prematurely. The homelessness of exotic birds has skyrocketed, reaching epidemic proportions, yet breeders continue to mass-produce, and PetSmart continues to provide an outlet.

PetSmart has indeed demonstrated an understanding of the suffering caused by dog and cat overpopulation. They must understand that other species deserve the same consideration.



Please Take Action to help IDA put an end to the suffering of birds and halt the risk of people contracting avian diseases. Also call PetSmart at (800) 738-1385 to let them know that you disapprove of selling live animals and that you won't shop at their stores until they stop this practice.

You can also write or fax a letter to PetSmart. See the sample letter below for ideas.

PetSmart headquarters
19601 N. 27th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85027

Fax: (623) 580-6502