RHINELANDER, WI (WSAU-WXPR) — Petco has announced the closing of it’s operations at Drs. Foster and Smith pet supply company in Rhinelander on February 12.
Petco told employees at Rhinelander of the closing on Wednesday. Petco will permanently close all operations in Rhinelander.
About 289 full- and part-time employees work at Drs. Foster and Smith.
Petco bought Drs. Foster and Smith in early 2015. It most recently cut 17 pharmacy jobs.
In a statement to WXPR, Petco officials said they made the difficult decision to close the business in February. The company says the needs of modern pet parents, shifting consumer preferences and an ongoing evolution of the Petco brand led to the closing.
Employees last days of employment will vary from 60 to 120 days. Officials say the employees have been notified of the closing and will be provided severance and transition support.
Petco officials say they will work with Rhinelander officials to provide outplacement programming for those impacted in February.
