Chilliwack-based company Petcurean Pet Nutrition has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Small and Medium Employers.
This national editorial competition announced their third annual list of 100 small and medium employers (SME) this week, recognizing exceptional workplaces and forward-thinking human resources policies.
They're evaluated against the same criteria as Canada's Top 100 Employers Project, including a review of benefits program, training and skills development, and community involvement, among other criteria.
Eligible competitors are private-sector commercial companies with under 500 employees, and Petcurean is the sole Chilliwack-based business on the list this year.
“The old assumption that smaller organizations offer less attractive benefits is increasingly looking out-of-date,” says Richard Yerema, Managing Editor of the Canada's Top 100 Employers project at Mediacorp Canada Inc.
Petcurean, a premium pet food company, was built on the foundation set by two good friends who were driven by the idea that pets deserved better.
In its 16 years of business, this small family-run operation has seen major growth in both sales numbers and employee expansion. They've grown to employ 62 staff members globally, 40 of whom work full-time in Canada.
"There’s something about having our head office surrounded by some of the most fertile ranching and farming lands in Canada that inspires us to craft the very best pet food we possibly can," their website reads.
They use high-quality, market-fresh meats, veggies, fruits and berries. Their recipes are conceived, created and formulated in Canada.
“Out of 1,000 applicants, we are extremely honoured and humbled to be named as one of Canada’s top employers,” said Human Resources Manager Cari McClelland. “We strive to not only listen to our employees’ needs but create a fun work culture where their meaningful work is valued.”
Petcurean employees receive extended health benefits, access to long term disability and an employee assistance program, a year-end bonus based on company performance and, extended maternity benefits.
The company also encourages ongoing employee development with in-house and online training as well as tuition subsidies for courses at outside institutions.
“We have a work-hard play-hard atmosphere,” McClelland says. “When you become a part of the Petcurean company, you become a member of a family at the same time.”
A full list of recipients, including details on why Petcurean and other companies were chosen, can be found online at canadastop100.com/sme.
Petcurean products are sold locally at Oly's Pet Connection, Jenny's Pet Food, Bosley's and elsewhere.