PetSmart is the Most Recent Company to Face Backlash Over Its Pride-Themed Products

PetSmart is the next company under fire for promoting and selling its LGBTQ-themed products.

Recently, several social media users took aim at PetSmart for boasting about its brand-new “You Are Loved” collection of clothes, toys, and other products for pet owners’ four-legged companions with 2023 Pride themes.

Just in time for Pride Month in June, the line features rainbow-colored goods like dog bikinis, butterfly cat leashes, and reptile cape costumes.

Despite the fact that PetSmart has been celebrating Pride since 2019, some online users have criticized the company this month and called for a boycott similar to the one being called for by other companies like Bud Light and Target.

One Twitter user said, “From the ‘Pride Shop’ at Petsmart. ‘You are loved PRIDE Dog Dress and Bikini,’ This is unacceptable. Please boycott.”

Several individuals criticized the outrage directed towards the chain retailer, with one calling it “pathetic.”

“How pathetic. PetSmart always has #Pride merchandise,” the person tweeted in response to the backlash. “My dog’s favorite toy is a crinkle rainbow I bought several years ago.”

According to Kristin Shane, senior vice president and chief merchandising officer, PetSmart is “proud to elevate the voices and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community,” she said in a statement on May 2.

“Our You Are Loved collection was initiated and inspired by our associate resource group team members to help pet parents and their pets celebrate the spirit of Pride and share our values of inclusion and unconditional love,” she added.