Pet Valu says its annual Pet Appreciation Month campaign raised more than $2.6 million in monetary and product donations this year for more than 500 animal-related causes across Canada, surpassing the company’s previous record by $400,000.
The donations were collected during the company’s June campaign, with all proceeds directed to local animal rescues and other designated causes at participating stores.
Record donations
Pet Valu said the 2026 campaign was its most successful since Pet Appreciation Month began in 2011. The previous record was set in 2024.
“We are deeply touched by the generosity of our devoted pet lovers who stepped up at a time when so many Canadian animal rescues, shelters and charities need essential funds and products,” said Greg Ramier, CEO at Pet Valu. “We established Pet Appreciation Month in 2011 to provide much needed support for local animal organizations doing invaluable work to help pets in need in the communities in which we operate. We are very proud that Pet Appreciation Month is now the largest of Pet Valu’s Companions for Change annual initiatives and that this year’s donations exceeded all previous years.”
During the month-long campaign, customers at each of Pet Valu’s more than 700 stores outside Quebec could purchase a paper PAW for a donation amount or contribute a product of their choosing.
The company said 100 per cent of donations go to the local rescue or cause designated by each store.
Since the campaign began, Pet Appreciation Month has generated more than $21.6 million in monetary and product donations, according to the company.
Adoption efforts
The June campaign also included National Adoption Weekends at select Pet Valu stores, where participating locations hosted adoptable pets along with volunteers and rescue staff.
Pet Valu said more than 1,000 pets found homes during adoption events in June this year. Over the years, the company’s National Adoption Weekends have helped more than 54,000 pets find homes.
The campaign’s latest results come as Pet Valu marks 50 years since opening its first store in Toronto.
“Pet Valu opened its first store in Toronto 50 years ago, and this year we’re celebrating the memories, connections and joy we’ve shared with pets and their devoted owners ever since,” said Ramier. “Our exceptional Pet Appreciation Month results during this milestone year give us even more reason to celebrate the pet lovers we share memorable moments with every day.”
Pet Valu operations
Pet Valu has more than 800 corporate-owned or franchised locations across Canada and is headquartered in Markham, Ont. The company operates distribution centres in Brampton, Ont., Surrey, B.C., and Calgary, Alta.
The company says it offers more than 10,000 products through its stores and digital platform, including proprietary brands and other pet food and pet-related supplies.
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