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FDA Investigating Contaminated Pig Ear Treats Connecting to Salmonella

LIVONIA, Mich. — With the recent announcements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigating contaminated Pig Ear Treats connecting to Salmonella, Pet Supplies Plus is advising consumers it is recalling bulk pig ear product supplied to all locations by several different vendors due to the potential of Salmonella contamination. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Individuals infected with Salmonella should monitor for some, or all, of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Bulk pig ears were distributed to Pet Supplies Plus stores in AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI and WV. Bulk pig ears were stocked in open bins. Prepackaged branded pig ears are not included in this voluntary recall.

To date, 45 individuals in 13 states have been diagnosed with Salmonella related illness. However, none of these cases are confirmed to be a result of purchasing pig ears from Pet Supplies Plus.

Testing by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development revealed that aging bulk pig ear product in one of our stores tested positive for Salmonella. We have pulled bulk pig ear product from the shelves at all of our stores and have stopped shipping bulk pig ears from our Distribution Center. We are working with the FDA as they continue their investigation as to what caused the reported Salmonella related illnesses.

Consumers who have purchased bulk pig ears should discontinue use of the product and discard it.  Consumers who have further questions are welcome to contact our Neighbor Service team at 734-793-6564 between Monday and Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. EDT (excluding holidays).

America’s Favorite Neighborhood Pet Store on Track with 2019 Growth Due to ‘Minus the hassle’ Commitment

LIVONIA, Mich. — Pet Supplies Plus, the largest independent pet retailer known for its ‘Minus the hassle,’ brick-and-mortar customer experience, welcomed 46 new franchise store deals in the first half of 2019.

Twenty-two new agreements represent the 46 locations and Pet Supplies Plus has attracted franchisees from varying backgrounds: former corporate positions, military veterans, entrepreneurs, and even an independent pet store owner who is converting to become a Pet Supplies Plus owner. To further validate the strength of the brand, four franchise brokers, who are most familiar with quality franchise opportunities, have signed on to open their own Pet Supplies Plus stores.

The newly signed stores will be developed across Texas, Florida, California, Michigan, Kentucky and New Hampshire.

Pet Supplies Plus is attracting franchisees from all walks of life because they see that the convenience model and neighbor-centric company culture is validated through the brands strength in 460 locations. With a passion for pets and a fun environment, people want to own and operate a Pet Supplies Plus because it’s a career that doesn’t feel like work. Franchisees join Pet Supplies Plus to gain best in class corporate support, benefit from the impressive AUV average and be a part of the pet industry that reportedly has year over year growth even during periods of economic decline, according to The American Pet Products Association.

“We consistently add 30 stores a year, in part because franchise candidates know our tagline, ‘Minus the hassle,’ also refers to our franchise opportunity,” said Pet Supplies Plus Chief Executive Officer Chris Rowland. “We ‘minus the hassle’ out of business ownership and handle the back-office duties like merchandising, marketing, supply chain, promotions, pricing and managing social media allowing our franchisees to focus on what they love to do – engaging with neighbors (a term Pet Supplies Plus uses for customers) and building strong store teams.”

Steve Murphy currently owns Pet N’ More in Palm Harbor, Fla., and is the second independent business owner to convert his successful pet store into a Pet Supplies Plus. Knowing the ins and outs of the pet retail world, including its challenges with competitive pricing and the pressures of e-commerce, he and his wife Raffaela realized how the extensive support provided by the established franchise would take their business to the next level. The Murphys follow Bill and Sharon Hannon, who converted their 10-year old independent pet store into a Pet Supplies Plus in Pen Argyl, Pa. in 2017, and increased year-over-year sales by 23 percent. 

As a franchise broker and one of Pet Supplies Plus’s newest franchisees, Michelle Lambert knows a thing or two when it comes to franchise opportunities; on a daily basis she researches countless franchise concepts and recognizes strong franchise opportunities. Michelle is especially excited to be a part of the Pet Supplies Plus pack because it allows her to be an even greater advocate for causes in which she is actively involved, like Leader Dogs for the Blind.

“The franchise broker community has shown interest and made personal investments in our brand, and that speaks volumes to the credibility of the Pet Supplies Plus franchise offer, corporate support provided and systems we’ve set in place to ensure success in the pet retail industry,” said Rowland.

Additionally, six existing franchisees signed franchise agreements further investing in the trusted brand. These six current franchise agreements account for 22 of the new store deals, with one franchise group committed to adding 15 more locations.

Earlier this year, Pet Supplies Plus ranked No. 1 in the pet store category on Entrepreneur magazine’s prestigious Franchise 500® list for the fifth straight year and No. 46 overall. With 460 stores open in 33 states, PSP is on track to surpass its goal of adding at least 50 stores by year end. 

Those interested in learning more about Pet Supplies Plus can speak with the franchise development team to start the process. To find success as a pet store owner, please call 734.793.6656 or visit www.petsuppliesplusfranchising.com.