Petco and Orkin’s Hall of Fame Partnership

As one of the country’s leading retailers of premium pet food, supplies, services and companion animals, Petco has gained its success by building on one thing every day: the relationship between people and pets. Their efforts to nurture this relationship extend throughout its entire relationship from retail storefronts to its distributions centers that sort, package, store and distribution its products. In 2008, Petco partnered with Orkin to help support its vision – “Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better Lives.” – by creating a safer environment for its products.

IPM Partner Awards Hall of Fame winner, Petco Distribution Center (Petco DC) #528 in Mira Loma, Calif., was honored with its fifth IPM Partner Award. The facility has built an exceptional integrated pest management (IPM) program with its Orkin branch and understands the value of partnership and communication in ensuring the success of its pest management efforts.

We spoke with Senior Compliance Manager, Israel Ramos, to learn more about this Hall of Fame partnership. Here is an edited transcription of that interview.

A fifth IPM Partner Award win is a huge accomplishment. How does your team feel about winning its fifth award?

We’re all so proud of DC 528. It was the first of our distribution centers to enter the Hall of Fame, and it’s because of the strong partnership they have with their Orkin team. The processes they have in place along with the constant communication to stay ahead of potential issues are two key elements that have led to this win.

Why is IPM so crucial to your business?

At Petco, we are dedicated to providing high-quality products to our customers. This also means our products must be safe for both people and their pets each and every time. Our distribution centers store a number of products that are attractive to pests, so it’s critical that we take Orkin’s counsel on best practices and improvement measures that will make our facility minimally attractive to pests. Without a strong pest management program in place, we risk everything from unsightly pest issues to potential shut down due to health and safety code violations.

What qualities about Orkin make them the ideal partner?

Their expertise and thoroughness. Nationally, Orkin is known as a leading pest control provider. On a local level, they work hard to stay up to date with local and regional pressures that DC 528 faces. Also, their willingness to modify the program based on shifting needs of our facility is very helpful in ensuring a consistently safe environment.

If you could describe the partnership in one word, what would it be?

Collaboration. Whether it’s our Pro working with our facility staff, the branch team conducting staff training or providing on-site support during a food safety audit, our Orkin team knows that working together is the integral to our success. Our partnership with Orkin helps protect our customers and the products we produce, and allows us to defend the integrity of our brand.